HX1

Most sources agree on the basics of fire service history and the dalmation but not all. The in depth history and origin of the dalmatian breed, aside from its fire service relation, can find differences between sources. Several angles of the possible origin are included and it will be for you to decide. Many sources refer to paintings of dalmatians from earlier centuries, even as far back as tomb paintings in ancient Egypt.
Instead of just copying these references from every article, we will attempt to find an image of the painting or other historical image. Look for the "Help us find....." text next to a paragraph to help us find real sources and images with historical context. Just e-mail a link to larry@svfd.net.

If you are not satisfied and wish to investigate history, then the question "Why is the Dalmatian the Fire service dog"? can't be fully understood unless the breed's entire history is reviewed .

Regardless of the history from centuries past, we can also simply state "It is what it is". The Dalmatian is an endeared and loved symbol of the fire service and the most recent decades have produced an irreversible historical statement for the breed.