Will a Dalmatian be a good Urban Dog for you? If you have an active lifestyle... enjoy running, skateboarding or any other high energy sport... and your Dal can accompany you... and if you have the time to spend with and properly train your pup, well, then we’re prepared to give you a qualified "yes."

That's a lot to consider, isn't it?

So, read on and decide if you want one of these handsome, energetic, loyal dogs as your new best friend.

101 Dalmatians

Dalmatians are probably one of the most distinctive-looking, recognizable breeds of dog in the world.

A movie from 1961 played a large part in that!

I remember seeing the Disney film, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, on TV when I was a kid. I was riveted, watching the evil Cruella DeVille plot and scheme to acquire Dalmatian puppies in order to make them into the most exquisite fur coat ever worn. Like most kids of that time, I wanted a Dalmatian puppy. Cooler heads prevailed and my parents shut the door on this idea. But, many many parents across America did not and the Dalmatian almost over night became a hugely popular dog breed.

Dalmatian History

Dalmatians have a very long history as a working companion for man. No one knows exactly when the breed first appeared but they are known to have traveled throughout Europe with the Romani people. Named for the Croatian coast along the Adriatic Sea, Dalmatians spread throughout Europe and then to America. The British aristocracy took to the breed after they were brought to England in the 17th century and the father of our country George Washington was a Dalmatian lover and breeder.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Dalmatian as a working or utility dog. They were bred to run alongside horses and carriages to keep away stray dogs; alert coachmen of approaching riders; and to keep a clear pathway so coaches could pass. These playful, eager dogs were bred to run for miles on end. As fire coaches became popular, the dog became a favorite of firefighters. Even after the advent of motorcars, they stayed on as the mascot of firemen and can still be found in many fire stations across the U.S.

Do Dalmatians Make Good City Dogs?

Dals are not lap dogs!

The male Dalmatian stands about two feet tall at the shoulder and weighs about 55 pounds. The females are slightly smaller.

According to the AKC they were the 47th most popular breed in the United States in 2023.

They are not common in New York City. The NYC Department of Licensing says there are currently only 461 Dalmatians registered with the city.

Two expert websites do warn that Dals make problematic apartment dogs. Dog Time gives them two stars out of five for apartment adaptability. Vet Street awards one star out of five in their “Apartment Friendly” category.

Do Dalmatians Bark a Lot?

Dalmatians are not known to be nuisance barkers. Both Vet Street and the storied researchers from UC Davis — Benjamin and Lynette Hart — agree that Dals are pretty much “watchdog barkers,” meaning they don’t bark at inappropriate times and usually when a perceived stranger is around.

Are Dalmatians Easily Trained?

Training for city dogs is super important. You want your pooch to obey you when you tell her to behave in your building's public areas. Dalmatians are not only great working dogs, they are intelligent too. They score “Above Average” when it comes to understanding new commands. They obey first commands about 70% of the time or better according to Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia who studies dog behavior. That means it takes about 15 to 25 repetitions for them to learn new commands.

Dog Time and Vet Street agree, giving Dalmatians good scores when it comes to training. Vet Street gives them five stars out of five. Dog Time warns that they are headstrong and need early, consistent, positive reinforcement.

The Harts disagree somewhat, saying Dals fall in the mid-range of trainability among breeds.

The Harts also say Dals are difficult to house train, scoring a piddly one out of ten.

How are Dalmatians with Strangers, Children, and other Animals?

The experts are all over the place when it comes to Dalmatians and their social nature. They all agree Dalmatians are very affectionate with their families.

Dog Time rates them pretty highly when it comes to friendliness toward other dogs and children; they get a middling score when it comes to strangers.

Vet Street says they’re good with other dogs; child-friendly; not-so-good with strangers and cats; and middle-of-the-road when it comes to being territorial.

The Harts are a bit less forgiving, awarding a score of seven out of ten for “snapping at children” and “aggression toward other dogs.” Seven is on the high end of the Harts’ scale. (As you can see below, our Weim Bodhi hightailed it out of the dog park after meeting a Dalmatian!)

Do Dalmatians Require a lot of Exercise?

Dalmatians require a lot of exercise. Be prepared for long, frequent, energetic outings.

Scroll back above: these dogs were bred to run alongside carriages, horses, and firetrucks.

They are not going to do well cooped up in an apartment for long stretches at a time.

Taking Care of Your Dalmatian

There are a few genetic issues to be aware of when looking for a Dal puppy. According to the Dog Breed Info website, eight percent of all Dalmatian pups are born either completely deaf or have hearing in only one ear. Another health concern to be aware of is that the urine of Dalmatians contains uric acid rather than urea, making them prone to Urolithiasis, or stones in their urinary tract. Dalmatian owners should make sure their dogs always have plenty of water and keep an eye out to make sure their pet is urinating frequently. Dalmatians also can also be subject to allergies, which for the most part can be treated by your veterinarian.

As short-haired dogs, they require little grooming.

The Bottom Line

What’s our verdict? Dalmatians are a breed you should give a lot of thought about if you want one for your Urban Dog. Like other big working dogs, they need a lot of exercise and engagement. They are not going to thrive left alone without outlets for their energy.

Are Dalmatians Good Apartment Dogs?