It seems that any time Hollywood unleashes a movie or television program in which certain dogs are highlighted, a “breed du jour” is created. This phenomenon is like many other fads collected from the entertainment industry, such as clothing, hairstyles, and baby names.
Most recently, according to Mara Reinstein in Parade Magazine’s February 24, 2023 edition, the Chihuahua in ‘Will Trent’ is TV’s new “it” dog. The television show, based on Karin Slaughter’s popular book series, focuses on an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations who reluctantly adopts a dog after finding her tied up and apparently abandoned. The dog, who plays the character “Betty,” happens to also be a rescued dog in real life, approximately eight years old per her trainer, April Macklin.
I do enjoy the show, and Betty is undeniably cute, but every time I see her, I think to myself that it will undoubtedly create an “I must have a Chihuahua” mindset. Seeing this little munchkin, without careful consideration, many will flock to obtain one “just like her.” If past trends continue, we can expect an increase in shelter surrenders and, more inexcusable, ‘indiscriminate backyard breeding’ of these dogs and the resultant health issues that will occur because of it.
If you do not believe me, take note that just recently, the Stanislaus County Animal Services had 38 chihuahua mixes brought to the shelter in a single day, adding to their already overcrowded facility. Our own shelter also recently received an abandoned mom with multiple chihuahua-mix pups. Be aware that Chihuahuas (including mixes) comprise approximately 50% of the homeless canine population in California shelters. Even though they are cute and small, they have nervous personalities, which can make them unpredictable. For those who want to have a dog like the one seen in “Legally Blonde” or “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” or to mimic celebrities like Paris Hilton, Madonna, etc., the reality of the dog not being what is envisioned undoubtedly contributes to its high relinquishment.
We often bear witness to the devastating impact of mass media on popular culture, and unfortunately, this situation is no exception. Researchers from the University of Bristol, the City University of New York, and Western Carolina University conducted the study, “Dog Movie Stars and Dog Breed Popularity: A Case Study in Media Influence on Choice.”
They confirmed, after researching a multitude of movies featuring dogs and evaluating American Kennel Club (AKC) registration trends during releases, that the movies can significantly impact the popularity of specific dog breeds. This effect can last up to ten years after the movie’s release (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140910152512.htm).
An example of this phenomenon was quantified from Riverside County’s animal shelters. After the show “Game of Thrones” first aired, there was an increase in husky impounds. Unfortunately, the show’s dire wolf’s characteristics resembled Siberian Huskies, which fans wanted for pets. As a result, in this area, impounds grew from 1.7% of all dog breeds in 2013 to nearly 7% of the impounds in 2018. Like many dogs, they are adorable as puppies, but the strong-willed Husky is inclined to use his intelligence in clever ways with which a novice owner is ill-equipped to deal, thus accounting for the highest number of returned breeds at the shelters.
The more popular the film(s), the stronger the effect. Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who appeared in 27 films and was a “box office success”, caused such a demand that many took advantage of the public’s desire and essentially created a breed that, today, is susceptible to serious health issues including hip dysplasia, heart problems, bloat and cancer. Today, Shepherds are still declared the third most popular breed. Unfortunately, they are also the third most abandoned due to the guardian being unprepared to care for the breed. Again, take note of the dogs in our shelter.
Dogs from accredited, responsible breeders can cost up to thousands of dollars. Backyard breeders and puppy mills come into play to meet the demand for the “dog of the moment” and turn quick profits. Not caring about the animals’ temperament or health, they sell puppies for substantially less than what a reputable breeder would charge. Unfortunately, these animals then become true victims. Breeding Moms are usually confined to areas with minimal shelter from extreme weather and have no ability to eat and sleep in areas other than where they defecate.
The sick or dying ones receive little or no veterinary care. They often suffer from malnutrition or disease because of inadequate or unsanitary food and water. They are continuously bred until they can no longer produce offspring, then they are either killed or discarded. Finally, the puppies that are taken from their mothers before they are ready end up having serious emotional or physical problems. Ultimately, if the breeder cannot sell them, they are discarded like trash. Our shelter is overflowing with examples of this deplorable behavior.
Getting a dog because you saw it in a movie does not do you or the animal any good. For man’s best friend to actually be his best friend, seriously think before choosing your pet. Research the breed and ask yourself if the dog’s temperament, size, energy level, etc. would be a good fit for you, your family and your lifestyle. Realize also that the dogs in movies have had years of specific training, and the cute puppy you get will not be what you saw on the screen.
