The Blue Cross is a British animal welfare charity. They have reported a disturbing trend that handbag dogs are being abandoned by their owners at a great speed. These pampered pets, often toy breeds like chihuahuas, have become a popular accessory among the wealthy.

Pancho, a chihuahua cross, waits to be sprinkled with holy water at the Blessing of the Animals in Los Angeles
Pancho, a chihuahua cross, waits to be sprinkled with holy water at the Blessing of the Animals in Los Angeles

Growing Trend of Pampered Pets Dumping

The Blue Cross has reported that owners are leaving handbag dogs at a disturbing rate. People may be drawn to the cute and compact size of these breeds. But they may not fully comprehend the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

These dogs require regular exercise and grooming, and when owners tire of taking care of them, they often abandon the dogs. As a result, handbag dogs are especially vulnerable to injuries and illnesses when they are left to fend for themselves.

Lillybell and Sweet Pea handbag dogs at the Blessing of the Animals
Lillybell and Sweet Pea handbag dogs at the Blessing of the Animals

Chihuahuas: The World’s Smallest Dog, The Biggest Victim

This trend has hit the chihuahua, which is the world’s smallest dog breed, particularly hard. People often buy these dogs as fashion accessories instead of as family pets.

When the dog no longer suits their lifestyle, they abandon it without much carefulness. The Blue Cross has reported that chihuahuas are the breed that shelters receive the most surrenders of.

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Coco Bella is dressed as a ballerina for the Times Square Dog Day Masquerade in New York
Coco Bella is dressed as a ballerina for the Times Square Dog Day Masquerade in New York

The Consequences of Abandonment

When left to fend for themselves, handbag dogs become especially vulnerable to injuries and illnesses. Therefore, the Blue Cross urges owners to think carefully before getting a pet and to seek help if they can no longer care for their animals.

Despite the cute and compact size of these breeds, they require regular exercise, socialization, and grooming.

Little, best in a show at 'Howl-own, a dog costume competition for handbag dogs in Boston
Little, best in a show at ‘Howl-own, a dog costume competition for handbag dogs in Boston

Abandoning a pet can have serious consequences.

Unfortunately, many people are attracted to handbag dogs as fashion accessories rather than as family pets. As a result, these dogs are often abandoned when they no longer fit their owners’ lifestyles. The chihuahua, the world’s smallest dog breed, is particularly susceptible to this trend.

In fact, the Blue Cross reports that chihuahuas are the breed that shelters receive the most surrenders of. This rise in abandonment rates is a concerning trend that highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Final Thoughts

While handbag dogs may be cute and trendy. They are living beings that deserve to be treated with care and respect. The rise in abandonment rates is a concerning trend that highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership.

If you are considering getting a pet, take the time to learn about the breed and its needs. And be prepared to make a lifelong commitment to its care.

James Bond, adopted from an animal shelter in San Francisco after being among other handbag dogs
James Bond, adopted from an animal shelter in San Francisco after being among other dogs

Source: The Guardian

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