‘The firemen speak in high terms of the courage and fidelity of the spotted dogs.'” “The firemen have done more to keep the Dalmatian from dying out during its eclipse from fashion than the stablemen,'” he is quoted as saying. In that same 1905 Field and Fancy article, Peters credited firefighters with keeping the breed’s allure alive. It’s something we do now to make sure they keep the affinity with the horses.” A Lasting Friendship “For the longest, the dog has to go 25 miles with the horses, with vets checking them along the way to be sure they’re in good shape.
GIJINKA FIRE DOGS TRIAL
“There are titles for coach in road trial competitions,” says Steinmetz. These include the speed, endurance, and affinity toward horses that historically made Dalmatians such good fire dogs. The tradition lasted for the next 30 years until being discontinued.Ĭertain national and regional competitions still evaluate carriage skills. The inaugural winner was a Dal named Mike from New York’s Engine Company 8 on 51st Street. In 1910, the Westminster Dog Show developed a category for Fire Department Dalmatians. “On the East Coast, there were road trial competitions and coaching competitions, to see how well the dogs would stay with the carriages,” says Steinmetz. The celebration of Dalmatians as fire dogs soon escalated and dog shows evaluating carriage guard skills began increasing. “The dogs came in as guards to clear the way in front of the horse. “Back then, the fire equipment was horse-drawn,” says Steinmetz. FDNY began utilizing Dals as early as the 1870s. Due to their expertise as carriage dogs, it was logical that Dalmatians would serve well running with fire carriages. The Fire Department of New York City can take some credit in making the breed famous as fire dogs. This dapper Dalmatian was afforded its own personal space alongside its company’s FDNY fire truck. According to Steinmetz, certain dogs would automatically gravitate toward certain positions, whether it was the back or right under the horse. The ongoing curiosity about Dalmatians even led to a Harvard study to understand how the dogs were drawn to their coach positions. She also points to a theory that this role developed from the breed’s notable, albeit scientifically unproven, affinity towards horses. He will follow his master all day on foot, or after a carriage, and will be interested in everything that is going on.”
“‘He can be broken as a pointer, he will even run a rabbit if need be. Peters as saying in a 1905 Field and Fancy article. “‘As a companion, the Dalmatian is unequaled,'” Steinmetz quotes former Dalmatian Club of America vice-president Harry T. There are various reasons why the Dalmatians served as stable and carriage (also known as coach) guards. “They also ran with the carriages to guard whatever was in the carriage, whether it was passengers or goods.” Steinmetz, the historian for the Dalmatian Club of America, the breed’s evolution to fire dog began as early as the mid-1700s. Even today, Dalmatians are often brought into schools for fire safety education. In years past, they stood tall along those who risked their lives. Dalmatians remain a fire icon today, as evidenced by ACE Award winner Molly the fire safety dog.ĭalmatians are iconic dogs, and not just because of their distinct black spots on white fur make them instantly recognizable by people of all ages.įor centuries, Dalmatians have been the unofficial mascot for firefighters in the United States.The FDNY began utilizing Dalmatians are fire dogs to accompany carriages as early in the 1870s.Dalmatians have a history as stable guards and carriage dogs dating back to the 1700s.
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