I've noticed over the years that I rarely see someone with a dalmation for a pet. I see all other dog breeds even the mean ones kept for pets but might only see one dalmation every couple of years. I've also moved a lot the past 3 years to different places and different states and still rarely see them. I was curious as of why.

Most Become Death As They Get Older And The Majority Have Heart Conditions

I've heard they're really rambunctious and not usually good with kids.

I really am not all that fond of Dalmations.. Most of the one's i've known where rather mean.. (I am not judging the entire breed based on this..just an observation).. An overwhelming percentage of dalmations are blind, or become blind.. many many health issues due to overbreeding at some point... and they really are ACTIVE dogs.. so with so many households becoming less active, active dogs are becomming "bad" dogs.. (that's not the dogs fault, trust me .. my Beagle is no angel if I don't rollerblade with him) I think the only dog breed with a lower life expectancy due almost entirely to genetic conditions would be the Akita.. (That is not a quote, but it's the only other one I could think of that has SO many breeding related issues)

Breed popularity goes up and down depending on lots of things. The Disney film made the popularity go up for a while, but that resulted in lots of abandoned dogs, not to mention poorly bred dogs with problems like bad temperments and deafness.People might also have figured out that Dalmations are a difficult breed! They can run and run and run and not get tired. They are so smart that they'll figure out how to open doors and ransack the garbage...they will eat your leather couch if not given other proper outlets...They also shed mountains of white hairs that wriggle into your dark clothes and won't come out with a lint roller. Our Dally was a wonderful dog, but they aren't for most people.

Dalmations are know to have lots of health problems like hearing loss and blindness. Dalmations are also not very good with children

They were popular for awhile after 101 Dalmations came out as a movie but people quickly found out why they don't make such wonderful family pets. Dalmations are a breed that requires an abnormal amount of exercise due to the high amount of energy they have. Most people don't have the time or the energy to play, work, and exercise these dogs. That is why you rarely see them.