| Since the mid 18th century, historians have found | | | | were taught to station themselves beneath the |
| references to the breed of dog known as the | | | | rear axle of the coach, and in some cases to trot |
| Dalmatian. The breeds' first established home, for | | | | underneath the pole separating the horses. They |
| which the breed was also named after was | | | | were also taught to lead the procession, trotting |
| Dalmatia. It is a place in the Western Yugoslavian | | | | along ahead of the first horse, which was an |
| area which at one time was part of Austria, | | | | impressive sight to see! |
| located on the Adriatic. | | | | Another type of activity with which the Dalmatian |
| However, these dogs were well-known | | | | became known for, which also said to have |
| throughout many parts of the world long before | | | | started in Great Britain, is his very famous role of |
| that time. The breed was shown in various types | | | | being a "firehouse dog." This was said to have |
| of antique art including engravings, paintings, | | | | started with the dogs being used as ratters, for |
| models, and early writings which have accounted | | | | the function of killing vermin in London's stables |
| for the presence of spotted dogs of the same | | | | and firehouses, which they did with expertise. |
| size and type in wide-ranging areas including early | | | | But these dogs loved the horses and the fire |
| Africa, Asia, and Europe. As history tells us, | | | | engine, so it was almost inevitable that they soon |
| several bands of ancient gypsies (Romanies) were | | | | were racing ahead of them through the streets |
| accompanied by the dogs in their wanderings | | | | whenever the alarm was sounded. In the present |
| around the world, which explains the vast | | | | days, many Dalmatians can still be seen riding on |
| widespread and popularity of the breed. | | | | the fire trucks with their masters. Dalmatians are |
| The Dalmatian quickly became a favorite and | | | | still considered as the mascot and are often found |
| established some of their best known claims to | | | | in firehouses, not only in Great Britain but in the |
| fame in Great Britain. They were brought there | | | | United States and other countries as well. |
| by members of the British upper classes who in | | | | In addition to being a "firehouse dog," Dalmatians |
| those days often made tours to Europe and | | | | have also worked in war times; done sentinel |
| would often come back accompanied by some of | | | | duty; served as shepherd's dogs; and as draft |
| the striking spotted dogs. | | | | dogs. They have been seen in many circus |
| Right after they were adopted by the English | | | | shows, especially enjoying popularity with the |
| aristocracy who used them to accompany their | | | | clowns as "assistants," their intelligence, aptitude, |
| horse-drawn carriages, the charming dog soon | | | | and showy appearance having fitted them |
| became a feature of these processions. The dogs | | | | particularly well for this activity. |
