The Dalmatian breed is very old, with somewhat obscure origins, but Dals have always had a strong affinity with horses. When fire departments began, their fire wagons were horse-drawn. Dalmatians cleared the path for the horses to travel. At the fire, where there is always a lot of commotion and confusion, the Dalmatians would be there to help calm the horses and to be their mascots. Although horses are no longer seen in the modern firehouse, the Dalmatian may still be there.
Dalmatians are a wonderful breed for a family with children.
They are medium-sized, sturdy enough to tolerate children's horseplay, yet not so big as to be over powering. As with any dog, small children need to be educated about their pets likes and dislikes, and the dog should be trained to have proper behavior, especially around small children. It is important to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who has socialized the puppies with children, teenagers, and adults. Dalmatians are intelligent and strongly desire to please their owners. With positive reinforcement techniques and consistently setting limits for appropriate behavior, the Dalmatian quickly learns to be an excellent canine citizen.