Dalmatians: Firehouse Dogs

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As any dog owner will tell you, every breed is unique, as is, of course, every dog. Yet some breeds are particularly recognizable, and have found a unique place in history. For more than a century, one breed has been identified with the noble profession of firefighting. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
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This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
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[@janfoster9583]

When I was a teen 60 years ago, the town firehouse acquired a young Dalmatian. But it was afraid of the fire siren and ended up accompanying the postman on his rounds instead.

[@TheMarineIguanaStudios]

But he was afraid of the other dogs on the postal route, so he ended up as a mascot in a candy store. But it turns out he was afraid of Circus Peanuts, so he was given to an old lady. But it turns out he was afraid of Chanel No. 5, so he was given to JFK. But it turns out he was afraid of Marilyn Monroe, so he was released into the wild. But it turns out he was afraid of animals, so he went back to the firehouse and just turned down the siren a few decibels.

[@lauriesmith3443]

@ Jan Foster That's a great story. 😅

[@bg3160]

I had a Dal for 15 years. Wonderful dog that raised my kids. After 15 years, I still miss her. Sheds black when you wear white, sheds white when you wear black, too smart for her own good, high energy, made it very clear when the cat was in her bed. She was easy to train, nailed tricks in a few minutes then got bored. Protective, wonderful dog. By the way, I had a yard with lots of grass. Terrible apartment dogs, they need room to RUN!

[@bkk06ust]

I fully concur and understand, having a Dal that is just what you described.

[@larryrussell4905]

Everything you wrote was right on target! I had three that were my children. Won't replace them any more that you would replace a child. For one, I don't want to go through losing them again.

[@bradtalley4121]

This brought back fond memories of our dalmatian, my kids begged us to rescue the dog who had been mistreated in our neighborhood. She was deaf, loved the kids, very protective. My oldest son named her Whatdog?. He insisted the question mark be part of her name. Dalmatians are not for small yards, small kids or busy people. They are high energy and very affectionate. Oh and deafness is a common occurence. It took a bit of work but I did train her to respond to visual cues. Whatdog? was a great dog.

[@goodun2974]

I believe they're considered "sight-hounds", like greyhounds and whippets, and if you don't have a fenced yard they are likely to take off through the neighborhood the instant they see a squirrel or other prey animal. People forget, however, that Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers and even Beagles were originally all bred to be working dogs, and they don't always make good apartment dogs. The same thing goes for terriers. We had an elderly Cairn terrier we rescued who was lovely and sweet, but she was the stubbornest dog I've ever known. Fortunately she was not destructive, but my wife has known other people that had Cairn terriers and they would run around like lunatics all day and jump on everything and sometimes destroy stuff. Even our terrier would sometimes knock logs off of the firewood pile in order to try and catch a mouse or a snake. Terriers: they put the "I" in terror!

[@g.p.b.]

I will cry for days when my pet dies

[@QT2789]

My grandmother's cousin, Blaine Gibson, was a Disney Legend and "101 Dalmations" was the last cartoon he worked on before transitioning to the chief sculptor. The night before he died he watched the movie with his grandson. The town where we were born had a Dalmation named "Damn It" because people said it more often than the name. So there'd be little kids calling for "Damn It" and unknowing adults getting their feathers ruffled.

[@twistoffate4791]

That is a cool story. I am glad you shared it here.

[@rhuephus]

now THAT is another bit of *_history that deserves to be remembered_* You were a part of history and were not aware .. for awhile

[@Kari.F.]

Thanks for sharing this sweet and amusing little tidbit of local history! Those poor kids, calling for that dog! 😂

[@MrTaxiRob]

My sister had two German shepards named Dammit and Dummy. Not much else to that story.

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

Oh that’s great . Thank you for posting

[@olofjansson9356]

When my Mom would wheel the baby carriage the half mile in to the village to do her grocery shopping, Duke would trot along beside it. The carriage parked outside (with me in it), the dalmatian would lie down beside it and and let no one near as Mom did her shopping.72 years ago.

[@tessat338]

@Kelly Harbeson I've met two Catahoulas. They are both friendly and active. I don't know how they would act around children but one is not allowed near the cat. I did see the other one go after a chipmunk and that little critter is dang lucky that it didn't have a long bushy tail or I might have seen the circle of life in action.

[@tessat338]

@Kelly Harbeson Both are lovely dogs and I enjoy the time I spend with them.

[@mystery10man]

@Kelly Harbeson I have a catahoula that I would love to find a home for, unfortunately he is a killer. He killed my Pom earlier this year. No rescue organization would take him. I would not give him to a home with little kids or animals. He has a large fenced yard to run, he is not chained up. Anything get in the fence is dead, raccoon, possum, cat, etc

[@glennsaborosch4262]

My wife wanted a Dalmatian, we got one, "Lucy", a most peculiar, lovable dog. She talked to me, vocalizing, not barking. She would smile showing her upper teeth. She'd climbed on my back like a child wanting a piggy-back ride. My wife wanted the dog but Lucy was my dog.

[@toottootfinn9455]

Lovely story. My current dalmatian named "Luca" acts just the same way. He smiles every time he sees me, talks especially when he's telling me to give him something he wants, and is the most sweetest, kindest and lovable dog I've ever owned. Has never growled at a soul let alone bite or act aggressive. Dalmatians are a wonderful gift to man. When they vocalize and speak to us, turning their head slightly and side eyeing us while grumbling whatever they're trying to say, I swear that the glint in their eyes is almost human.

[@mhmt1453]

As a former firefighter, the popular anecdote was that the dog developed a relationship with the horses. When there was a fire-especially in the era before fire alarm systems-the dog would run to the smell of the fire, while the horses drawing the hose wagon/ladder wagon would follow the dog. Later, alarm systems would inform firefighters as to the general vicinity of the fire, but nothing specific. Again, the dog would invariably lead firefighters to the fire. Another interesting fact: Here in Pittsburgh (and I’m sure in other municipalities), you can see in the old firehouses tightly wound, cast-iron spiral staircases ascending to the upper level, and of course a pole for the firefighters to descend. The reason for this arrangement was to keep the horses from climbing the stairs to the bunk room. The City of Pittsburgh removed all the poles from the few remaining firehouses built in the horse-drawn age, claiming it was to prevent firefighter injuries (though in my whole career I never heard of anyone ever getting so much as a twisted ankle). The city also banned dogs in firehouses; ostensibly, to avoid potential liability for dog bites. Leave it to the politicians…

[@348Tobico]

Yep, the politicians were tired of being nipped, or bitten and run out the firehouses when the fire fighters were out on calls.

[@Mrhalligan39]

All true for Chicago as well. Poles were installed in all fire houses until the split-level designs of the early 70’s, and still exist here and there. I have many memories of firehouse dogs myself, Thirty Dog of Engine 30 was the only Dalmatian that comes to mind. Back when I started about one in three firehouses had a dog of some kind, usually a local rescue the firemen had met in their travels. It used to be the house captain’s decision to keep a dog, but those days are long gone, it takes an application to the Commissioner to have a dog these days.

[@AMD7027]

We used to show Dals. They are very intelligent and you can see them working out how to get to something they shouldn't. One night we were downstairs and heard a thump upstairs and called the dog (Tatiana) to come down. She came down carrying a loaf of bread in her mouth that she dropped in front of us and sat down, apparently wanting us to take the twist-tie off for her.

[@jamesrogers47]

My second Dal, who passed just recently, one day saw me use a chair to get something from atop the refrigerator. A few days later I came home from work to find him licking out the last traces of peanut butter from a jar. I went into the kitchen to discover that he had pushed a chair up to the refrigerator and gotten the peanut butter from the cabinet above it.

[@348Tobico]

It is always nice to know they need you for something.

[@LtRee96se]

One year for Christmas, I baked 12 dozen cut-out sugar cookies and frosted them. I needed to go out and get more powdered sugar. I stupidly left the dogs loose for the short time I was gone to the store. I came back and found that our sneak thief, Lady (who only stoled food when we put her on a diet) had pulled down all 12 dozen cookies. At least she shared with the other dogs this time. We raised and showed Dals in the 1970. I love them and am planning on getting another one in about 2 years.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

Sitting here watching this with my 13 year old Dal. People ask about them, tell them, they are terrible dogs, energy, shedding, diet considerations. hard to train compared to my Labs, since they hate repetition and get bored quickly. That said, I haven't been without one since I was a kid and will always have one in my home.

[@studinthemaking]

Lifelong Dalmatian owner her. Your house will never be boring with one in your house.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

@@studinthemaking never boring and always get stopped on walks by people, especially here where we are near a university with many out of country students .

[@studinthemaking]

@@OntarioBearHunter Yes. People act your walking a space alien. Instead of a uncommon dog breed. Plus a Dalmatian will run your house rather you like it or not.

[@348Tobico]

God Bless your fidelity. Character and a giant size sense of humor in these dogs is what makes them so fun.

[@studinthemaking]

@@348Tobico humor? More like devil may care attitude.

[@questionmark05]

A clysdale horse is like a modern fire truck. Large and expensive. They often pulled the bigger wagons. The dogs also alerted the firefighters and tried to stop horse theft of the very expensive and very important clysdales.

[@mkendallpk4321]

As a person born into a house with three Dalmatians and a long time owner of the breed. I have to say this video is one of the best, if not the best video on Dalmatians I have ever seen. Many thanks for doing the deep research that must of went into the making of this. You and your team have not fallen into the many false traps in the lore of Dalmatians and for that I salute you.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

yup.. and gives a good point about them being the horse's dog not the fireman's dog

[@tomgreenough3235]

Rex. For 16 years he was faithful, true, protective, and knew where home was. I'm embarrassed a little when I cry thinking of him. Loving unconditionally. Gone since the late sixties and still missed today. I hope he'll be at the bridge when I see him next.

[@emeraldaisle2927]

If history was presented and taught to me this way as a youngster in school, I would have embraced history not shove it away. Thanks, The History Guy.

[@deancaldwell1582]

As a volunteer fireman for over 30 years, one of my tasks was public education. My dalmatian, Cinders served by my side for 14 years. A great friend and wonderful pet. Thanks for the series.

[@billyrodriguez1878]

I had a Dalmatian my daughter named Blackie. No one could touch my children without her barking and standing her ground. Not even my wife. When she passed we all were in grief for months. Thank you HG for bringing back such fond memories!!!

[@lemmdus2119]

Always love seeing the Dalmatian on the fire truck at Christmas time with Santa as the fireman threw candy to the children.

[@LtRee96se]

Thank you for doing this one. We raised and showed Dals when I was young and had one since before I was born. Some Dals are high energy, but don't let that fool you. Many times our dals would curl up on the couch and cuddle more than run around. When I became disabled, our Dal Taz would make sure I was watching him and then trip over his own feet to give me something to laugh at. They are wonderful therapy and emotional support dogs. While I don't have one right now, I will be buying one within the next 2 years. It's just not home without one. Like all dogs, they are a gift from God to help us with our every day life.

[@ChiefMac59]

Am surprised you didn't mention that male firedogs were frequently used to find fire hydrants

[@tomtheplummer7322]

😂

[@tomobedlam297]

🤣🤣🤣

[@williamdegnan4718]

This might actually be plausible in Old New York. they didn't have hydrants, as we know them now. They had places where you could dig down and find access to the water main. A fire plug, carried on the apparatus, was pounded in to give access to the water. It seems reasonable that a fire dog could be involved in locating such a (ahem) spot. I'm oversimplifying. Here's a reference: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_hydrant

[@toneddef]

Females will find them too. And dominant lady dogs will even lift a leg to mark that hydrant!

[@shawnmiller4781]

Ha!!!

[@doriWyo]

As with many breeds, especially the over bred, Dalmatians are prone to a defect. They have a higher rate of deafness. A Dal I knew as a child, Mr. Muggs, was deaf, and we were warned to be careful not to startle him.

[@Taintedgod771]

Had a dalmatian mutt when I was younger, she would run 35+ like it was nothing. She was also fiercely loyal, took her hiking, backpacking and running. She's saved me from bucks during rutting season and more than 1 bear. Best dog ever. Did I mention that she loved, just loved to run.

[@lauraconnolly663]

My Dalmatian Perdita greets our local firemen and women whenever we walk to the fire station (only 10 minutes walk from us.) They've not only seen her at the nearby dog park.. They have heard her when they speed up the main road right next to said dog park.. lights flashing and sirens sounding. She howls full force and gallops alongside the truck full speed until she reaches the end of the enclosed fenced area of the dog park. We were invited to the firehouse recently as everyone wanted to meet and greet her.

[@williamdyer3454]

As an owner of Dalmatians for twenty-six years (and a retired firefighter), I want to thank you for spelling "Dalmatian" correctly with an "A" in the last syllable. Too many times I see it spelled with an "O". Except for our first Dal, named Dilly, all of our Dals have been adopted from rescue groups. Too many times after movies like 101 Dalmatians, people adopted cute, little Dal pups, only to find out they take more care and training than your average dog and they get rid of them, where they end up in a dog pound. That's where the rescue groups takeover. For me and my wife (also a retired firefighter), their beauty makes them the dog for us. Long ago, we gave up worrying about the shedding. Daily brushing helps but we still those white and blacks hairs everywhere. I have read where the Dalmatian hair is used a probes in electron microscopes. So from Dilly, Stoker, Mesa, Perdy, Blue and Trooper say "Thank you, History Guy."

[@jimgraham6722]

We had a dalmation years ago, very loved and affectionate animal. She could run like the wind. Only problem was she shed hair everywhere. She loved our cat, they.played together and slept on the one pet bed.

[@david9783]

We had one, too. She would pull me through the neighborhood on my bicycle. I didn't even have to pedal. She absolutely LOVED fireworks, These dogs are very fast, and need to run a lot. Yes, they are shedding machines. I built her a heated, insulated dog house. Bad choice for a house dog. So much lively FUN!

[@OntarioBearHunter]

Yup.. have always had a Dal and Lab.. currently my Dal is 13 and even my wife's 8 month old LR which has never had the dogs in it has Dalmatian fur in it.

[@mkendallpk4321]

@T M Yes that is true and they shred everyday of the year. I don't have dust balls. Instead I have hair balls! But I love my Dalmatian anyway.

[@MR2Davjohn]

@@mkendallpk4321 Having dog hair is not poor maintenance, it is a fashion statement.

[@mkendallpk4321]

@@MR2Davjohn 😁😅🤣

[@christopherdurham1999]

"He's afraid of two things... fire hats, and the firehouse basement door."🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenphillip5656]

That the toughest firefighters can shed a tear for the loss of a dog is testament to the dog's ability to touch our inner self. Through Dodie Smith's "101 Dalmatians", I learned about the Dalmatian's carriage dog life but it was a revelation to me that they were also firehouse dogs as well. Can I assume this is a US tradition as I've never seen it in 🇬🇧? Thank you Mr History Guy for enlightenment!

[@hannahpense9973]

It might just be an American tradition. Anytime there’s a tradition involving animals, whether it’s practical or not, we like to keep them in it (like groundhogs for Groundhog Day).

[@goofyfish]

This is one of only two channels that I can come to and confidently give a thumbs up before I start watching and never feel like changing my mind. Super enjoyable, thanks!

[@sandybarnes887]

Which is the other?

[@goofyfish]

@@sandybarnes887 The Funny Carpenter. One because he has great tips. Two, he reminds me so much of Joel from Mystery Science Theater 3000. kzbin.info

[@sandybarnes887]

@@goofyfish thx. I'll check him or her out.

[@christopherwaldrop5293]

It's nice to see so many liver Dals in this video. I always laughed when people would see our liver dogs and say, "They look like Dalmatians but they're brown!" There's quite a bit of variation in Dalmatian spot color but no matter the color ours have always been sweet, wonderful dogs. Also Dodie Smith's 101 Dalmatians was only partly inspired by her friend's remark. She also had a girl with an unusually large litter and had to adopt a second girl to help feed all of them.

[@mkendallpk4321]

Yes, I had the same problem when I adopted a liver spotted Dalmatian named Joey. What a wonderful guy he was! People had a hard time identifying what breed he was. I miss that brown nosed fella. Now I have a black and white Dalmatian male I named Coach. A very loyal and caring dog.

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

@@mkendallpk4321 Great name for a Dalli-dog.

[@dalmatiangirl61]

My current dal is the long haired variety, he generates far more questions than any of liver spotted varieties ever did, but I loved them all equally, and on cold winter nights, he is a lot more snugly.

[@ThomasWLalor]

Nice intro - a dog house> In contrast to the wars, battles, disasters, THIS episode draws the interests of one who is relieved and enlightened and heartened by the history of dogs in general and especially the Dalmatians. Have had several breeds as pets, including "mutts" never a Dalmatian, but truly love dogs.

[@christopherlynch3314]

You can never go wrong with a video about dogs.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

My Aunt raised Dalmatian Dog and sold them....We had one when l was growing up in the 1940's & 1950's....His name was Sunny our family and l love him very much cause was a great friend and the day when he died l was so very sad and cried .....Thanks Mr. THG🎀 Shoe🇺🇸

[@jomama01]

Video seems to have missed a important Dalmatian quality that also suits them to working in firehouses - deafness. Inbreeding of Dalmatians has led to a higher degree of them born without hearing, making them less likely to be started by the bells and sirens of a modern fire truck. Our last Dalmatian was a result of the breeding frenzy of the early 2000’s (Thanks, Disney!) which was given up by its original owner as untrainable. Our Dalmatian was able to learn basic commands via hand signals, and probably got away with more bad behaviors due to its impairment - if she wasn’t looking at you, she didn’t “hear” you. Breed has a beautiful and powerful build, with great athletic abilities. Small animals didn’t stand a chance when our girl was in the back yard. She reminded us of the old newspaper joke - “What’s black and white and red (read) all over” - our Dalmatian!

[@Badass_Rooster]

I want you to know how much your content means to me! In a medium as toxic as social media can be. It’s nice to have content that just tells you a story about history! Thank you for being my why of stepping out of the reality if just for a moment

[@jackmiller6470]

Smartest dog breed I've ever owned. I still keep a 30 year old picture, of my buddy, in my work truck. He rides with me every day.

[@jonathanperry8331]

I've read that the relationship between dogs and humans started because they would eat the scraps of food outside of their camps and keep the predators away. If they were nomadic the dogs would follow. Man had made a new best friend.

[@garyblumenthal654]

Another fun fact: many of them SMILE when they are happy (search for dalmatian smile here in youtube). The dalmatian is the only breed I have ever owned.

[@tonyadams6375]

As a retired Firefighter, I remember the Station Captain of Shawnee Fire Department Station 3 saying “You’ve gotta love a spotted dog”. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@manxkin]

I had a Dalmatian. My wonderful boy had one blue eye and one brown eye. I had him for 13.5 years and loved him madly, even though he drove me crazy!

[@cynthiabeckenbaugh5189]

Fond memories, of Freckles, she was my niece dog, fond of sitting on my lap, her whole life. Kind, gentle and intelligent, with a very big yard.

[@interwebtubes]

Very interesting and informative, Many thanks to all of the firefighters who put themselves on the line in order to help keep us all safe, Your definitely much appreciated, Your also the best, Prayers

[@Lavaman3682]

no thanks EVER needed. best job in the world (I do it for free!).

[@snort455]

You are welcome. It was a great honor to serve.

[@clayfoster8234]

A lumberyard I worked at had a regular customer who’s Dalmatian had the best Name for a Dalmatian ever: Arson. 😃

[@ronaldslater4703]

Wish I could have a dog, but I'm allergic to them. Growing up in St. Louis, I've never seen a dalmatian on a firetruck, but I've seen plenty of them on an Anheuser-Busch beer wagon.

[@jonathanperry8331]

I had one once when I was a kid. When he got older he was so rambunctious my parents got rid of him. He could jump the fence. Just not a big enough yard. I never realized how energetic they were.

[@Sicorius]

Woohoo that was an outstanding episode. You do bring history alive. Thank you. Have an outstanding Friday.

[@swordmonkey27]

As firefighter I really loved this video. Thanks for telling the history of this dog and it’s connection to the fire service

[@ItekTackle]

There are only two forms of truly unconditional love... Babies and Dogs!

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I grew up in the firehouse, my father was a fire fighter. He says Dalmatians are firehouse dogs because so many are deaf and unaffected by the fire wagon bell or other noise. Concerning them being carriage dogs, another favorable trait is their short height. They are short enough for a carriage axle to pass over them without injury. AKC breed specifications say that any Dalmatian must not exceed a stated height.

[@sharonblack-greene5113]

We heard that the average height of a dal at the shoulders is 24", short enough to fit under the axel of a horse drawn carriage. We now have our fourth dal who alerts to all sirens. Each of our dogs have at least met horses, our first lived with us in Germany and occasionally ran with horses. Chip our current dog is an avid swimmer. He can 'read' the waves and rides waves like a surfer as we snorkel through waves. When he's tired he swims to shore. They are the best companions and easy going around our baby granddaughters.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

@@sharonblack-greene5113 We used to camp on the beach at Kaneohe Hawaii. Our dalmatian initially was afraid of the water. We gently coached her in. Then we couldn't keep her out of the ocean. We miss her dearly but sometimes she visits in our dreams.

[@dog8nut]

Wonderful dogs!! From 1997 to 2016 I shared my life with over a dozen Dals ! All were rescues with different personalites but to a dog all were sweet and loving ! Most of those years there were at least 4 Dals in the house and some times as many as 7.

[@Cydonia2020]

One thing that the Disney movie got completely wrong is that dalmatian puppies are not born with spots; they develop them much later. But how interesting is a movie about dalmatians if they aren’t covered in little black dots? I found a stray Dalmatian tied up to a fence when I was a teenager and brought him home. We couldn’t keep the dog, but Dad, being a volunteer fireman, had no problem getting a nice home for the guy. Eventually, we moved out to a piece of property to raise our horses and inherited that same Dalmatian. He lived the rest of his days quite happily with us, eventually dying of cancer.

[@toneddef]

Cruella actually goes off on a rant because the newborns don't have spots. At least in the animated movie.

[@snort455]

I had a Dalmatian. I was a fireman for 37 years. Both bring back fond memories. Gracias amigo

[@PhantomLover007]

Ok THG. Who’s been cutting onions. The story of Twenty hit a spot w/ me. Dogs are loyal and awesome. But then again, any animal can bring comfort in sad times.

[@VrejHAI]

3 reasons why I like this channel: you cover interesting topics that aren't usually covered, you do very in depth research, and you have a very clear, articulate and calming way of speaking.

[@jezzter4293]

Found this one difficult as My gorgeous Dalmatian went to sleep recently 😢 13 years of wonderful loyalty. Thanks History Guy for your great channel 👍

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

I enjoyed this episode greatly. Thank You for making it. I love my 11 month old Dalmatian Disney. He is gorgeous and you must be a bit of an extrovert when going anywhere with them. Anywhere. He loves the attention and goes to work with me most days. He is mischievous if left unattended and can become destructive on occasions. He requires a lot of strength to walk, but at the end of the day, he is a great companion.

[@IceniBrave]

Brilliant video! You should have mentioned the 'Dalmatian smile'. Super cute, weird and unique characteristic.

[@BackyardBeeKeepingNuevo]

My first dog as an adult was a pure bred Dalmatian. It took five years, LOTS of patience and many miles of walking, training and running before he became a really good dog. The lesson here is that if you are not ready to fully devote yourself to a dog and training don’t get a Dalmatian.

[@lvtiguy226]

The spotted dog mentioned at 4:53 could have also been a Basenji. Basenjis were once kept as pets of the Pharaohs, and are believed to be the same dogs pictured in many of the hieroglyphs.

[@cherylreid2964]

Once had a Dalmatian, her Registered Line name was Splatterdash Road coach. We called her Pip❣️

[@danielbeck9191]

My father was a firefighter for several decades. I remember him bringing home "Sparky the Firedog" educational materials in October every year for Fire Safety Month. Sparky is, naturally, a Dalmatian.

[@Blade_Daddy]

They were also associated with the Budweiser wagons.

[@eliscanfield3913]

A dormmate of mine had one (the family dog, really) and explained once how hers (a rescue) had been dumped because he'd been one of those swept up in that craze for them in the 90s. Dog wasn't too well wrapped but that was just him. Seemed like almost everyone wanted one because of the movie and didn't realize just how energetic they are and how busy you need to keep them so they don't get into mischief. They are cool dogs, but I'll stick with a lazy bones, lol.

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

I had a Dally-dog as my best friend from when I was 5 till he passed away when I was 22. It would be quite impossible to list Jason's virtues, and of those his love for his people was chief. A vicious doberman lived across the road, and went to great lengths to attack my Jason-dog. And he was inevitably dominant, and Jason was frightened stiff of him, till the day that dog ran onto our property and my twin and I were there, ten years old. And Jason SMASHED that foolish black cur flat, like a Hero of old, and when it was beat, took it by the throat and threw him down, then he stood over the cringing, badly mauled enemy for a moment, nobility written in his every particle of being, and then quite literally turned away from it in contempt and dismissal, and walked up to stand beside us and sniff us all over to see if we were safe. And that dog turned into a ghost of itself, and never willingly crossed to our side of the street. Jason, King of Grinton, son of Boxer of Auckland, may I be lucky enough to go where he is, when my time comes.

[@Rushmore222]

We've had several Dals since the mid 90's. They're quite comical characters. Regular hams. And it's true, they can run all day. No problem. It's fun to go to a large fenced in dog park and watch them open up full throttle.

[@rydplrs71]

The story of 20 really hit home. I can’t imagine how much pain of the losses was washed away with a puppy for the survivors to bond with.

[@celticman1909]

I remember hearing a myth once that Dalmatians were conducive to fire fighting work because they typically had a hearing deficit of frequency that enabled them to tolerate the loud bells and sirens that other breeds of dogs can't. Maybe not.

[@bennettrogers7921]

I heard the same, pardon the pun. As a firefighter, I was frequently asked about Dalmatians and a couple of our stations had them. I was also told that during the earlier days of firefighting that the dogs were trained to run ahead of the apparatus toward the fire. People would see the distinctively marked dog and know to be cautious that there would be a fire engine coming shortly( no traffic systems in those days). As well as the other benefits mentioned like being good around horses and the such.

[@99somerville]

Many Dalmatians are deaf. Bad breeding.

[@kjpcgaming9296]

My Dals sometimes couldn't hear me give the sit command at dog shows but could hear a piece of food wrapper fall to the floor in the next door neighbor's house 400 feet away. Blue eyes are connected to deafness in the breed (dna location) and typically the only ones with deafness are in fact blue eyed. However I did have a rescue with brown eyes that was deaf. He was poorly bred in a puppy mill.

[@hobbified]

Probably not.

[@Ronaldl2350]

My cousin was a fire fighter in the 1970s in a small town in MA. I remember visiting up there and going to the fire station, riding in the fire engine and they had a dalmatian that was so very cool.

[@lbarnhill5493]

Truly remarkable. And while on the subject. So are dogs, remarkable.

[@michaelmagda]

Thank you history guy, I just retired 27 years with from the fire service and laying next to my best friend watching this episode. Guess the bread? That’s right Dalmatian.

[@daniellefelice7368]

Lol my dad(40 year firefighter) used to bring our basset hound down to the firehouse during drill to hang out while he worked on the trucks. He because the unofficial mascot for our local firehouse for a time. I’d dress him up and we’d hand out candy at the firehouse on Halloween.

[@Anonymous99997]

“You now need to do an episode on ___________(fill in favorites breed).” Ready.. Go!

[@ag7898]

Always wanted one as a kid. Would love to have one now. Buy no where near active enough.

[@shawnr771]

Excellent video. Thank you for the lesson.

[@dalmatiangirl61]

I've owned dals for over 50 years, they have given me the strength and stamina to explore the world. Currently live in small western town, my dal barks vigorously at the front gate, yet every small child knows he just wants a good petting. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the dals that have been a part of it.

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Dogs really are unquestionably man’s best friend.

[@seatedliberty]

That video really hit the spot.

[@danielmorse4213]

My Ms. SPOTS passed last year. Brave, smart, loyal. She chased off a guy breaking in the house. Save me more than once. A blue eye and brown. She was willful and loyal. Lol. She is missed every day. She made an amazing 17 years. People still send us their condolences. She would run the pack and greet me at the gate every day. She is missed.

[@phillipallen3259]

I have a schoolmate who raises and shows dalmatians. She does well enjoys them. I have never paid them much mind but this video has helped me gain a little understanding of the breed. Thanks

[@jeffbangkok]

Enjoyed and good night

[@HarryWHill-GA]

I couldn't help but think of the Budweiser commercial where a male Dalmatian puppy is adopted by firefighters and the female puppy is adopted by the Budweiser Clydesdales. The male thinks he is on top of the world riding on the firetruck until he sees the female on the beer wagon and then looks dejected.

[@jbacon1861]

My family had a dalmation when I was a kid. As mentioned here, she was certainly smart and high energy. What a legend she was! Everyone in my family can't help but smile widely whenever we think of her...

[@hafsalinda]

I named the dalmation the mayor gave to the fire service upon opening the new fire service complex. GRIMS RESCUE RANGER was a constant and loving companion untill his retirement. But boy did he shed.

[@markwagoner3599]

I didn't set out to get them, but I wound up with 2 male Dalmatians at one point, Rorschach and Jethro, better known as Rory and the Jet. Miss those two. And yes, they loved horses.

[@stevedietrich8936]

While not a fire dog, the Dalmatian's that ride on the Budweiser beer wagon are a well known symbol of that particular company.

[@seanwiley558]

I have just recently came across your channel, I must say, that I love the variety of historical stuff you get into. Such a variety, I never know what's going to pop up next. Great Stuff!

[@briansmith9439]

Dally, the Dalmation was the firedog of our local volunteer fire department and while I never saw the company in action and can't state whether or not Dally was there with the men, I can say every parade we had featured the hook and ladder with Dally proudly standing as far forward as possible.

[@skyden24195]

My family got a dalmatian when we moved to Scott AFB in Illinois @1989. Unfortunately, because of the limited space provided by living on the base, plus the fact that all the family members were always having to go to school or work, we had to give the puppy (whom we called "Bud" as in "Bud-Weiser") up to someone with a more accommodating environment and personal schedule.

[@Lavaman3682]

Shout out to my fellow FFs (and history buffs!). i can tell you from personal experience that the next thing that EVERY child who visits a station house demands, after asking to use the fire pole, is to meet the dalmatian. :-) Vires et Honestas

[@tolfan4438]

I always thought domestication started with the dog. That 1st cold hungry dog sitting on the hill watching the humans got up the nerve to slink down to the fire and sit. Humans were horrified another wolf attack but the K9 sat and gave paw and that was it. When the 1st dog had puppies fate was sealed because who don't love puppies.

[@kevinfittz2620]

As a former owner and breeder of Dalmatians, I appreciated this episode very much. The lack of historical association with the Dalmatian coast and Croatia was a surprise, as I had gone in search decades ago for the reason that so many Dalmatians react angrily to beards and/or dark skin. The explanation that the dogs were bred in Dalmatia as coach dogs to run in packs around the carriages of the feudal lords in defense against highway robbers seemed to neatly answer that question. My experience with owners of either Dalmatians or mixed-breeds dogs with Dalmatian in the mix that I’ve known that exhibited this trait is pretty extensive, and it was always intriguing seeing my dogs try to attack my neighbor in the winter (when he had a beard), and love on him in the summer (when he didn’t). Oh well, I guess the question of the origin of that trait is as muddled as their genealogy. Regardless, they’re wonderful dogs, and perfect companions for marathoners, equestrians and cyclists.

[@zoeycasa6497]

Great video. Thank-you

[@mattgeorge90]

Another excellent episode!

[@just_kos99]

I saw a video about a litter of Dalmatian pups, and sure enough, one of them was purchased by a firefighter, lol! The pup instantly melted in his arms, and the guy was on the brink of crying, he was so happy.

[@williamdobbin7827]

At some stations I've served at over the years. When you had a dal at the station. They were smart enough to learn the particular stations pager tones which were toned out before the call's address was transmitted over the radio. And would run through the bunkroom barking at us to wake up and then go running for the firetruck. Then patiently wait on the rest of us slowpokes to get in our gear and jump on the truck for the run.

[@twillison8824]

A wise man said getting a dog is signing up for a sad funeral, couldn't agree more.

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

Please do a similar video on Beagles.

[@frankmueller2781]

My Great Danes always became great friends with my mother-in-law's horses, and actually preferred equine company to that of her own smaller dogs. Most of my Danes actually learned to gallop along with the horses.

[@kjpcgaming9296]

In French, Dalmatians are referred to as "Petite Dane" Little danes. :)

[@The_Dudester]

I was a volunteer firefighter for 12 years and a "reserve" firefighter in a big city for 2 years. With that said, although I will not deny the therapeutic value of dogs, a dog just gets in the way of operations in a modern firehouse. If you work a station with a lot of down time, a dog will make sense, but all kinds of trucks get sent on medical calls (which is 85% of the calls that the fire department gets in the 21st century) and there is little down time.

[@jamesrogers47]

I've owned three (or rather, they owned me.) Wonderful dogs.

[@tradcatpat2385]

Best dog breed, paws down. Loved our Dalmatian 'Dinky' for over 13 years. My son is about ready for a dog and he'll be having his own best friend dalmatian, as well.

[@thrillho7267]

I had a Dal mix she was all black but in sunlight she had black spots. I think about her every day.

[@talkingmudcrab718]

The relationship between the dalmatian and horses is a delight to learn about. We have a dog with a dalmatian mother. And we live near a horse barn. I should see how my pup does with the horses some time

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally