Dalmatians are not as popular today largely because they are high-energy dogs that require a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, making them unsuitable for many average pet owners. Their strong-willed and intelligent nature can pose training challenges, especially for inexperienced owners. Additionally, they have notable health issues such as a high incidence of deafness and urinary problems, which can discourage potential owners. The breed's popularity initially surged due to the media, especially the "101 Dalmatians" movies, leading many unprepared owners to adopt them impulsively and later abandon them when they could not meet the dog's needs. This cycle contributed to a stigma around Dalmatians being difficult or aggressive pets. Misunderstood temperament and behavioral problems from improper exercise or training further affect their reputation and popularity.

Key Reasons for Reduced Popularity

• High energy and exercise needs: Dalmatians require several hours of daily exercise; lack of this leads to destructive behaviors.

• Challenging training: Their intelligence and strong-willed personality require consistent mental engagement and early socialization.

• Health concerns: Risk of deafness and urinary stones are common in the breed, raising care costs and complexity.

• Media-driven popularity spikes: Following "101 Dalmatians," impulsive buying led to many abandoned dogs when owners were unprepared for their needs.

• Misunderstood temperament: Sometimes perceived as aggressive or difficult due to their energetic behavior without sufficient exercise or socialization.

These factors combine to make Dalmatians less suitable for typical pet owners, leading to their decline in popularity despite their distinctive looks and loyal nature.