The Dalmatian is a medium-sized, smooth coated breed of working and sporting heritage.  Dalmatians range in size from 19" to 24" at the shoulder.  Depending on height, a Dalmatian can weigh anywhere from 40 lbs. to 65 lbs. when full grown.  He is an intelligent dog, devoted to his owner(s), moderately territorial though not aggressive, and pleasant to live with.  With proper care, a Dalmatian can live as long as 16 or 17 years.  The average life span is between 11 to 13 years.  He is clean by nature and has little, if any, "doggy odor".  His short coat does shed almost year-round; regular brushing helps to minimize shedding.

His most unique feature, his spots, are either black or chocolate brown, which is properly termed "liver".  From the standpoint of pet ownership or showing, there is no difference between a black-spotted and a liver-spotted Dalmatian.

Dalmatians do best in a household situation and indeed will pine if left outside on a chain or are otherwise ignored.  The average Dalmatian is tolerant and affectionate with children.  They are a people oriented breed and they bask in the love and attention of their owners.  So, if your idea of owning a dog consists of leaving the dog outside all the time and patting it once a day when you feed it, a Dalmatian is the wrong dog for you!

Dalmatians are moderately active dogs and if left to their own devices, are capable of wandering far from home.  Do not assume that they can find their way back!  The dog should always be under some kind of control, either on a leash or behind a fence.  The off-leash or unfenced dog is always in danger of stepping into the road at precisely the wrong time. 

There is no dog more picturesque than this spotted fellow with his slick white coat gaily decorated with clearly defined round spots of jet black, or, in the liver variety, deep brown.  He does not look like any other breed, for his markings are peculariarly his own.  He is strong-bodied, clean cut, colorful and distinctive.  His flashy spotting is the culmination of ages of careful breeding.

DCA Illustrated Breed Standard

Several years ago the Dalmatian Club of America produced an illustrated breed standard that is used by judges and breeders alike.  It is incredibly readable and understandable, not to mention thorough.