Fashion fad Chihuahuas make first appearance in most unwanted dogs list

Chihuahuas have officially become a fashion fad after appearing in the top 10 most unwanted dog breeds for the first time.

Rapidly increasing numbers of ‘handbag dogs’ are being given up when their owners realise the realities of dog ownership are harder than simply following celebrity trends.

Last year the mini-mutts became the tenth most common dog breed handed in to Blue Cross rehoming centres, making it onto our top 10 most-unwanted list for the first time ever.

Sadly, other diminutive dogs are suffering the same fate as the Chihuahua. Overall numbers of unwanted ‘handbag’ dogs handed over to us, including pugs and shih tzus and Yorkies, has increased by 120 per cent in the last five years.

A survey of pet owners reveals a culture of impulse buying, with nearly a third of owners spending under than a week researching which pet they will get – that’s less time than they spend deciding which mobile phone or tablet to buy.

We're urging people to think before they buy.

Alyson Jones, Rehoming Development Manager for Blue Cross, says: “Sadly, people often think these little dogs won’t be much trouble to care for and it’s often too late when they realise they don’t have time.

“Celebrities may have people to look after their pets, but for us normal folk even little dogs like pugs and shih tzus are going to take up time with their training and exercise needs if we want them to be happy and well-behaved.

The top five ‘handbag’ breeds handed into us last year were:

• Yorkshire terrier
• Chihuahua
• cavalier King Charles spaniel
• bichon frise
• shih tzu

If you’re ready to commit to a new pet, visit our rehoming pages now.