I tell ya, puppy mills should be shut down. They're horrible...
I've heard that one of the reasons dalmations are such a problem is due to the movie 101 Dalmations being released and re-released. As soon as that movie comes out every kid on the planet wants a Dalmation and the puppy mills inbreed the hell out of them just to meet the demand. Then the dogs have all kinds of problems and become unwanted... It's a damn shame. Every time I see a Mastiff in a movie or a commercial I cringe at the possibilities. Thankfully though, they're so darn big that most people shy away quickly.
Kath, if I were you I'd go to the pound and find the goofiest looking mutt you can. He or she will most likely bring you lots of joy and laughs. And when people ask what breed he is you can make one up, or laugh and say "hell, I don't know, but he sure is a lot of fun..."
