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| This Chihuahua was saved by The HSUS from a Tenn. puppy mill in June. © Riley/The HSUS |
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Many fans of Disney's new film "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" are likely to fall in love with the pint-size pooches and want one of their own.
While The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) applauds Disney's on-screen and online warning that pet ownership is a big responsibility— entailing a lifetime commitment and adoption—they say there's an equally critical message to convey: whenever you get a dog, make sure you aren't supporting puppy mills.
'Cage After Cage of Chihuahuas'
This is especially relevant to Chihuahuas, according to Stephanie Shain, Director of The HSUS's Stop Puppy Mill Campaign. "We saw cage after cage of Chihuahuas during some of our most recent puppy mill raids, like the one in Hickman County, Tenn.," said Shain.
Chihuahuas are one of the most common breeds being churned out by puppy mills today due to their small size and the ease in which they can be bred in cramped cages.
The tiny dogs are often sold through pet stores or over the Internet to unsuspecting buyers who believe they are dealing with a reputable breeder.
Chihuahuas at Shelters
The HSUS recently conducted an informal survey of animal shelters in California, the fictional home of the film's lead canine character and where Chihuahuas are a popular breed.
Most of the shelters reported that Chihuahuas are one of the top five breeds they receive. One shelter, when called mid-day, reported it had already received five Chihuahuas in less than 24 hours.
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Timmy once spent his life in a puppy mill. He was rescued and now lives a happy life with his family in Texas. ©Elizabeth Dinges |
In Need of Homes
"Clearly there are already enough Chihuahuas out there who need homes," said Kathleen Summers, deputy director of the HSUS's Stop Puppy Mills Campaign, whose own pet Chihuahua was adopted from an animal shelter.
"If you decide you have the right home for a Chihuahua, visit a shelter or breed rescue first.
And never purchase a puppy from a pet store or over the Internet. A responsible breeder will allow you to visit her home and see how all her animals are living, so that you can be sure that your purchase is not supporting a puppy mill."
Summers added that any time a particular breed is featured in film or on television, demand goes up, and puppy mills are only too happy to breed more dogs to cash in on the craze.
Summers also said the message about choosing the right pet, and avoiding puppy mill dogs, applies to all the breeds of dogs shown in the film, from the German Shepherd who is one of the heroes of the story, to the Doberman who plays the part of a villain.
"No dog you see on screen necessarily reflects the individual dog—even of the same breed—you'll be bringing into your home. No breed, regardless of how wonderful they appear in the movies, is right for everyone."
Little Dog, Big Decision
With Chihuahuas in particular, The HSUS also reminds would-be adopters that the breed is not the best choice for families with small children, the audience most likely to be entranced by the Chihuahuas in the film. Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas can be easily injured by enthusiastic tots, and as a breed they are more likely than others to nip or bite if they feel threatened.
Shain added that anyone thinking about a Chihuahua should also be prepared to make a long-term commitment. "These little guys can live as long as 18 years" she said.
The HSUS encourages dog lovers to do their research before getting a pet. "You want to be sure you're getting the right pet for your family, and from a responsible source," said Shain.
For more information on adoption, visit our Puppy Buyer's Guide. To learn more about on puppy mills, visit our Stop Puppy Mills website.
