Patches have always been a part of the Dalmatian breed. The s(w) gene (extreme white piebald) that gives Dalmatians their white background color, sometimes comes with small areas of color as well. Although Dal pups are normally born pure white (the spots start to show up at about 10 days), patches are present at birth. They are most commonly found on the ear and around the eye, may be seen at the base of the tail (generally extending part way down the tail), and appear less commonly on the body, generally on the shoulder. Various studies indicate that the percentage of patches is about 12% for the breed as a whole. Although that amounts to about one patch per litter, some litters have multiple patches, while others have no patches at all.

Patches are not shown in the breed ring; they are popular as pets, and are often the first pups selected from a litter. Some of the top obedience competition Dalmatians have been patched. There was a time when most responsible breeders in the U.S. euthanised patched pups because it was thought that patching was associated with serious health problems. That theory was disproved, patching is now considered strictly a cosmetic issue. In addition, dogs born with a color patch have a significantly lower risk of suffering from hearing loss.  (You can read about it here.) Patches disqualify a Dal from the conformation show ring ONLY, it has no impact on the dog's quality or personality.