Beverly Hills Chihuahua

You all must KNOW I was going to eventually blog this topic!!! As a lover - and breeder of Chihuahuas, we had to have this movie in our DVD library! Today was my son's birthday so we chilled as a family - dogs and all - and watched it. It's an adorable movie that appeals to kids and adults. Very Disneyesque and filled with toy breed clichés but entertaining none the less.

When the movie came out I should have run to the theater to see it (time is a precious commodity in my life - I simply didn't have enough). I have received many calls and emails looking for Papi and Chloe look-a-like pups and was often times left confused. I also grew concerned over the number of young children that were being given Chihuahuas puppies recently. (they DIDN'T get them from us!!!) Now that I have watched it, things make a LOT more sense and I can respond appropriately.

First - I simply cannot match the look of Papi. He is NOT a full breed Chihuahua. His story is amazing and one that makes me very happy to see being promoted. Rescues from shelters should always be the first choice when looking for a family pet. He was a rescue and is what I believe to be - at a minimum - a Chiweenie (Dachshund and Chihuahua mix).

Second - the concern arose that more and more people would be looking to add a Chihuahua to the family after this movie. A Chihuahua is a 15 to 20 year commitment and bringing one home should never be taken lightly. Like after the 101 Dalmatians movies, I worry that the interest will explode - as well as the number of Chihuahuas suddenly living at shelters.

Third - a small breed dog should honestly never be around small children and definitely not the responsibility of one. To buy a Chihuahua puppy for a small child can lead to devastating results. They are much more fragile than a larger dog and can easily be hurt - mostly by accident. They follow you at your heals and can easily be kicked across the floor if you don't pay attention. Their bones are broken easily. Dropping a 10 lb lab puppy from your arms is a lot different than dropping a 2 lb Chihuahua puppy. Also, due to their small size, they have a high rate of experiencing hypoglycemia. A young puppy will play at great lengths with a playful child, a quick way to induce an drop in blood sugar. I do not know a young child experienced enough to know how to handle and helping a puppy recover from the shock.

Put this all together and what do you get?? When your young child begs you for a Chihuahua after watching this movie - take them to the shelter and find their perfect new best friend!!! An older pup or dog is just as adorable has an 8 - 10 week old one and is a lot less expensive. You will not need to invest in the series of puppy boosters! Also, the spay/neuter issue is taken care of AND you will most likely save their life! Take all of this and add the fact that a 5 to 6 lb full grown Chihuahua is much more strong and solid - much less vulnerable. The perfect way to give your child their dream come true - without the potential nightmare of accidentally hurting - or even killing - their new best friend!