answer:Dalmatians (an ancient breed) originally bred as war dogs later were used with carriages to protect them from thieves (highwaymen). The dogs were prized for their endurance, their fierceness, and their beauty. They can run more than 20 miles a day, thus keeping up with the coach and horses. Early fire stations were private or volunteer. When insurance came into being, there was even competition. If competing companies arrived at the same fire, they could end up in brawls or sabotaging each other. The dogs protected the company and the equipment. When fire trucks replaced fire horses, the writing was on the wall for the dogs too. Many firefighters like this tradition of their craft and some stations still keep the dogs today.