Ever since the movie about the 101 Dalmatians, this spectacular spotted dog has grown in popularity. The Dalmatian's history however goes beyond that of the movie. He is also known as a "carriage dog" or a "firehouse dog". Before the "horseless carriage", horses were used to pull the fire wagons and the dog became a common sight around the Fire Stations in the United States. The dog was used as a protector of the carriage, trained to run beneath the wheels and protect the horses by keeping other farm dogs at bay. The Dalmatian is an all around guard dog and protector and has also been used as a hunter.