Ears are preferably spotted. Bronzing of black spots, and fading or darkening of liver spots due to environmental conditions or normal processes of coat change are not tri-coloration. Patches are a disqualification. A patch is a solid mass of black or liver hair containing no white hair. It is appreciably larger than a normal sized spot.
Patches are a dense, brilliant color with sharply defined, smooth edges.
Patches are present at birth. Large color masses formed by intermingled or overlapping spots are not patches. Spots lighter than the desired colors should be faulted according to the extent of deviation from the ideal, with lemon-colored spots being a disqualification. The Dalmatian has good substance and is strong and sturdy in bone, but never coarse. Desirable height is between 19 and 23 inches measured at the withers.