The Blue Crew

How did that spotty black and white dog known as a Dalmatian come to be associated with firefighting? Dalmatians have been around for about 600 years. So, to understand how the Dalmatian became the number-one firehouse mascot in England and the United Stated, we must take a long look back in history.

The exact time and location of the dog's origin are unknown. However, because Dalmatians appear in an Italian wall painting dated about 1360 A.D. and because these spotted dogs were named after Dalmatia, an Adriatic coastal region, one may assume that they originated somewhere in this area. But, it wasn't until 1780 when the name "Dalmatian" was used in the English language.

Weighing 25 to 55 pounds (11 kg to 52 kg) and standing 19 to 23 inches (450 mm to 377 mm) high, the Dalmatian was the perfect size to serve as a coach dog; in fact, in Great Britain, Dalmatians are still nicknamed "English coach dogs" and "plum pudding dogs."

In the 1700s, Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches. Typically two Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the coach. When other dogs tried to run out and scare the horses, the Dalmatian team would chase them away. Over the years, Dalmatians formed a close bond with horses.

During this time, horse theft was very common. Because of the potential for theft, stagecoach drivers would typically sleep in a hammock strung between two stalls where they could watch for thieves. However, because of the bond between the Dalmatians and the horses, the driver could sleep in a hotel or house if he owned a Dalmatian. Why? Because the Dalmatian would sleep with the horses and guard against horse theft.

Because of the dog/horse bond, the Dalmatian easily adapted to the firehouse in the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. Since every firehouse had a set of fast horses to pull the pumper, it became common for each group of firefighters to keep a Dalmatian in the firehouse to guard the firehouse and horses. When the alarm came in, the Dalmatian led the way for the horse-drawn pumper. In this way, the Dalmatian became the firefighters' companion and a symbol of the fire service. Today, Dalmatians are still found in many firehouses in England, Canada, and the United States.

                           In Loving Memory of Domino (Elaridge Just William)
                                             " The Dally In The Valley! "
                                             11/13/1998 - 01/07/2010

It is with deep regret that we have been informed that Domino, who’s picture is featured at the top of this page passed away after a short battle with cancer on January 7, 2010. We the members of the Wassaic Fire Company are honored to proudly display Domino’s picture on our site to keep his loving memory alive and well. For more information on Domino please visit his owner’s website. Karen told me a story of how Domino would frequently take and bury cigarette lighters in the garden when he found them lying around. 

http://www.karenskreations.co.uk/, please also note that Domino’s photo is copyrighted.

Thank you Karen.