Long before Dalmatians became firehouse mascots, they were bred as coach dogs. Coach dogs were trained to run alongside horse-drawn carriages to help guard against highwaymen.
Because of the Dalmatians ability to run long distances, its inbred love of horses, and its vivid coloring, it was the natural choice to run ahead of the horse-drawn fire engine of the past, warning onlookers to clear the way.
After the fire engine was motorized and the Dalmatian was no longer needed for its services, firemen honored the breed by adopting it as the firehouse mascot.
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