Police Cars & Other interesting things

emstraumajunkie:

Ever wonder how the Dalmatian became the “face of a franchise” for firehouse dogs?

The Dalmatian is a very physical breed, with a strong, muscular body, who is also able to run great distances without tiring. The Dalmatian has what seems to be a natural calming effect on horses. During the 17th Century, Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled stagecoaches. 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. It is during the era of horse drawn fire apparatus that the Dalmatian becomes forever tied to the Fire Service. These fire house horses were required to spend hours at a time at fire scenes, or hours inside the fire house waiting for a call, these fire house horses were not broken down retired horses , but young strong well natured horses. The Dalmatian became the horses pet/accomplice so to speak, to help keep them calm. Many stories speak of seeing a fire team rushing to the scene of a call, with a Dalmatian or two running between the horse teams. Once on scene, the Dalmatian took over as guard dog, insuring that nothing was stolen from the apparatus, and that the horses were kept calm.

(via emstraumajunkie-deactivated2012)