Readers' Comments
301 results
Joanne S.
4 years ago
Breed fads are always a nightmare for shelters and rescues when a new animal movie comes out or a celebrity makes a breed popular. A year after 101 Dalmations came out shelters were flooded with these poor dogs that parents did not bother to find out are not always good with children. Let's hope people are getting smarter...but i doubt it!
conni F.
4 years ago
Maybe I will watch this movie now. I was afraid it would just further the belief that everyone should have a purse dog. Besides the difference in some of their demeanors, what about the dogs that are sold as "tea cup" size but grow up to be just a bit bigger. That seems to be a common problem with these dogs as well.
Heather B.
4 years ago
Just like 101 Dalmatians, people start making impulsive decisions without thinking about the needs of the breed.
Jodi S.
4 years ago
I don't really understand the appeal of chihuahuas because in Texas you see so many badly bred, poorly socialized ones. However, that does put me strongly on the side of research the breed before getting on "just like the movie". I'm pleased that Disney is trying to pass that message along in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" as well as a pro-adoption message.
Jessica T.
4 years ago
Chihuahuas always go really fast at our shelter. I myself am not a huge fan of the breed, but people like having the small dogs to carry around. I hope more data will arise from this article, so we can see the trends across the country. I hadn't even heard of the movie, but I am guessing teens and other movie-goers have.
Rinthea S.
4 years ago
Would like to hear an update to see if there was an increase at these rescue groups. In Iowa County it doesn't take a movie to increase our numbers - the economy alone is doing it without the movies....
Jackie L.
4 years ago
I don't think any pet store, shelter or person should sell a dog to someone without making sure they understand about the breed and what to expect. People should take the responsibility to learn these things before they get a dog, but people are stupid and don't take responsibility so someone has to make sure the dog is going to a prepared owner.
Wanda & Veronica ;.
4 years ago
people need to know that it is a movie where the animals are well traind for their rolls. there is nothing wrong with stating that one should research before buying any pet.
Ragdollkitties
4 years ago
I'm shocked at how many people bring a pet home on a whim without researching the breed(s) first. Very often people select the wrong pet for their lifestyle and/or energy level, which results in the pet being surrendered to shelters. Research, reseach, research! People shouldn't pick a pet simply because they are cute. They should pick a pet that will be compatible with their activity level and lifestyle :)
Elizabeth M.
4 years ago
I grew up with these little Mexican dogs and I love them. Yet they can be tough little guys so hopefully people won't start adopting them for the wrong reasons. Only time will tell.
Tiff
4 years ago
I am not looking forward to this movie for the effect on people and wanting the breed, but hopefully it will get more word out about shelter dogs. The lead dog in the movie was found in a shelter and is a complete success story for adopting form shelters instead of buying from breeders. Hopefully people will see this and take it into consideration more than just wanting them to look cool after the movie.
Gail
4 years ago
I really hope this doesn't turn into another 101 Dalmations thing where everyone wanted Dalmations after the movie came out....People need to realize that owning an pet is a long term committment of 10 to 20 years and you need to think about your ability to provide food, shelter and medical care for that pet for the long term. On average a cat costs $900 per year and a dog $1,500 per year. That is... food & treats, vet care, grooming expenses, litter, toys, etc. If you have not considered these expenses please don't get a pet.
Kathy
4 years ago
It's pretty shallow to watch a movie and then decide to get that certain type dog for your kids because they liked the movie. The dog they adopt will be nothing like the movie character. People need to be more responsible than that. Taking on a pet is a huge responsibility for the rest of their life, not a current fad. I hope this isn't happening, although I know it probably is.
Liane M.
4 years ago
I hope this doesn't happen again like with 101 Dalmatians. A good breeder would make sure that their dogs are going to a good home and educate the prospective owner on the proper needs and care of the breed and steer them away from a not so good fit. These little dogs really don't belong with families with very young children; they are too small and can be easily hurt.
Janet R.
4 years ago
I remember years ago reading a similar article after the Nemo movies. Everyone went out and bought those beautiful salt water fish only to have them die in masses in that salt water tanks take alot of knowledge and care. It was such a shame.
Maybe the movie business could do us all a favor if they put a message to parents at the end of these movies telling them something about the breed; the type of care involved; the annual costs in caring for these animals, etc. I know that some folks will still be impulsive and feel that their child "must have one", but maybe it will make some sense to others.
Jessica P.
4 years ago
It always has bothered me how the popularity of breeds is affected by movies, tv shows, and dog show winners...most of these types of buyer/adopters don't do any research...and one the other Veronica G made a great point about specials that show only the best snips of A LOT of work and make it look easy, which only encourages inexperianced people want to own the "lastest dog trend breed."....just look at the shelters full of "labradoodles"
Veronica (Ronnie) G.
4 years ago
For sure there will be lots of people looking for Chihuahuas now. Just last night I saw a program on TV about this film and the dogs. How Rusco was rescued (SAVED!) and trained for one year...it all looked so easy. And then there were scenes from the film with his friend, the white Chi. More than adorable.
Watching the film, some people could think, "no problem...look at these dogs."
I am always careful around these beautiful little dogs as I know they can be temperamental. And nervous...shake so.
Lastly, how many "Benji's" were adopted after the film? And the dog look-a-like in the Broadway show, "Annie."
Yes, for sure, there will be a flood of people going to rescues a-looking to adopt and to breeders to buy.
Laura S.
4 years ago
I saw this movie and thought they did a pretty good job of promoting rescue and responsible pet ownership. I wish they would have made it clear that the animals had all been adopted at the beginning of the movie so people could have had that in their minds while watching the movie. My 3 year old loved the movie and fortunately, has not asked one single time for a Chihuahua.
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