DerBrucer I have a question or perhaps you can give insight.....
The dog might well be deaf (10-12% of them are born deaf).
The Story of the Fire Station Dalmatian 
One of the most recognized symbols of the fire service is the Dalmatian dog. The origins of the breed are unknown. No one knows really how old the breed is. They were thought to have come from Dalmatia, but recent evidence shows them clearly painted in Egyptian tombs. It is known that the Dalmatian, because of its poor hunting abilities, was relegated to the stable area of fine manor homes. It was in these stables that the Dalmatian became acquainted with the horses. It is quite common to keep dogs and other small animals, such as goats, around stables to keep high-strung horses company to calm them.
Dalmatians were used by the fire service in the days of the horse drawn fire engines because they were not afraid of the horses and they would guard the fire wagons. Since in the early days of fire fighting all departments were volunteer, and insurance companies would pay only the department that was hooked up to a hydrant. This lead to competition and some sabotage between rival fire companies which led to the natural use of guard dogs to protect the equipment. The Dalmatian, with its superior agility and endurance could also run out in front of the horses and clear the streets for the approaching fire engine.
In this way, the fire engine did not have to slow down for traffic and make the horses tire early. When the horses were replaced by gasoline driven fire engines, many fire departments kept their Dalmatians. In many areas you can still see the Dalmatian standing proudly, on top of the fire engine as it races to another emergency.
Unfortunately, the
Dalmatian Club of America has a very negative attitude toward deaf dogs:
With the rising popularity of the Dalmatian breed, there has been a rapid increase in the number of deaf Dalmatian pups showing up in homes, pet shops and Humane Societies across the country. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM.
Deafness is NOT uncommon in Dalmatians. It has been estimated that from 10% to 12% of the breed is deaf
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Responsible breeders NEVER knowingly sell, place or give away deaf pups to pet homes. Deaf pups should ALWAYS be humanely destroyed by a veterinarian.
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The Dalmatian Club of America Board of Governors feels very strongly that deaf pups should NEVER be sold, placed or given away, and most certainly should not be bred from. Deaf Dalmatians are hard to raise, difficult to control ( they are often hit by cars when they "escape") and often become snappish or overly aggressive, especially when startled.
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IF YOU ARE AFFILIATED WITH AN ANIMAL SHELTER, HUMANE SOCIETY OR DOG RESCUE SERVICE, PLEASE do not attempt to place the deaf Dalmatian puppies and adults that come in, and do not advertise for a "special home" for the"poor little deaf Dalmatian." The HUMANE approach is to put down the deaf Dals and concentrate on finding good homes for the healthy, hearing dogs.
These folks are so intent on keeping the breed pure that they actively boycott any Animal Rescue group that is willing to place a deaf dog in foster care.
Fletcher was pulled from an SPCA in NYC by our Delaware Dalmatian rescue where we found him.
(On those occasions when the tribe escapes, Bonnie usually stays with Fletcher; she'll come when called, and then run back and get Fletcher - we think she knows he's deaf.)
He is a very gregarious dog - loves strangers, particularly children and puppies. When we first got him, he was on a daily dose of barbituates to control the epilepsy. We decided to try him "off meds" and his seizure rate actually seemed to decrease. The other night was the first in a year.
der Brucer
