There is a phenomenon well known by veterinarians, dog trainers, and shelters as the “dog movie star effect”. This refers to the increase in demand for a breed of dog after it’s been featured in a movie. The sudden demand for a specific breed often leads to poorly bred dogs and an increase in these dogs being relinquished to shelters when their characteristics don’t match their movie representations.
Here’s why you shouldn’t buy that movie star dog!
1. The Dog Movie Star Effect Misrepresents Some Breeds
The dog movie star effect goes back to the days of Lassie, which launched the popularity of the Collie in the 1940s. Although there have been many other cases since then, perhaps the most notable example of this unfortunate trend started in the 1990s with the Dalmatian. After the remake of the film “101 Dalmatians” hit theaters, shelters were overflowing with Dalmatians. Unethical breeders and puppy mills started churning out Dalmatian puppies as quickly as possible to seize on the popularity of the film.
Children everywhere were begging their parents for a Dalmatian. Unfortunately, many well-meaning parents went out and bought Dalmatians with little to no research on the breed or the breeders they were buying them from. Dalmatians are high-energy dogs, can be aloof, and require exercise and training. These Dalmatian breed traits proved to be too much for many people to handle, and many of these dogs ended up in shelters.
Studies show that breed popularity remains increased up to 10 years after the release of a movie featuring a dog as the main character. Movies such as “Turner & Hooch” featuring a French Mastiff and “Beethoven” featuring a St. Bernard, were followed by sharp increases in ownership of these rare dogs.
Labrador Retrievers have topped the list of most popular dog breeds for over 30 years. Despite that, rescuers still worried about increased demand for Labradors following the movie “Marley & Me” in 2008. Thankfully, the movie did not paint the breed in an unrealistic way and even highlighted some of the challenges Labrador owners can face.
This effect can also happen with popular TV shows. Fans of “Game of Thrones” drove an increase in demand for dogs that resembled the show’s Direwolves. Of course, Direwolves don’t exist, but that didn’t stop unethical breeders from producing Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and mixes to try and resemble the popular canine characters. Some breeders even promoted them with “Game of Thrones” related imagery and names. Soon shelters and rescues saw a huge increase in these wolf-like dogs when owners realized they could not handle these strong working breeds.
2. On-Screen Breeds Have Different Real-Life Needs
Every breed has different traits and characteristics. Not thoroughly researching the breed and understanding their needs prior to bringing them into your home is one of the biggest mistakes pet owners can make. Dogs are a lifetime commitment and deserve to be placed where they will thrive. It’s important to know things like the dog’s energy level, behavioral traits, whether they are good with children or not, potential health issues, and grooming needs beforehand.
Responsible dog owners research breeds ahead of time and ensure their chosen breed is a good fit for their household.
3. Your Lifestyle Should Accommodate a Breed’s Traits
Once you’ve done some research, it’s important to evaluate how the breed will fit with your lifestyle. If you are active and want a dog to take running and hiking, you don’t want to adopt a Basset Hound who would rather be a couch potato. Similarly, if you are frequently away from home and don’t have time to exercise a dog, don’t get a high-energy breed like a Border Collie.
Recent upticks in Belgian Malinois ownership have experts warning the public that this breed requires a ton of work! The Belgian Malinois was recently featured in the film “Max”, and like many other movie star dogs, the public’s interest in the breed has increased. There’s a reason this breed tends to play military dog characters: the Belgian Malinois is a working breed. They are often used in police and military settings. This smart and athletic breed requires an exorbitant amount of exercise and training and will not do well in a home that does not provide that.
Understanding your chosen dog’s physical requirements is a must! Working breeds must be worked. Not providing enough exercise or mental stimulation to a dog is not only detrimental to them but to your home as well. Dogs without enough outlets for their energy tend to be more destructive. They will chew furniture, dig, try to run away, and overall be more difficult to manage.
4. Breed Hype Leads to Shelter Overpopulation
There is another dark side to the sudden demand for certain breeds. The trending dog tends to attract unethical breeders looking to monetize the breed’s popularity. These breeders produce as many puppies as possible with little concern for their health or proper breed standards. This results in poorly bred puppies with health and behavioral issues as well as a miserable life for the mother dogs.
Many of these dogs will ultimately end up in shelters that are already bursting at the seams. Approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters every year in the U.S. Trend breeding adds to the pet overpopulation problem and can diminish some of the good characteristics of the breed.
If you are adding a dog to your home, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue. There are many wonderful dogs of all breeds and sizes in need of a home. If you are unable to find the breed you want through rescue and want to go through a breeder, be sure to find a responsible breeder. Never purchase through mass breeding operations like puppy mills and backyard breeders.
