The popularity of the new Disney movie “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” has grown, but so has the number of Chihuahuas left abandoned or taken to shelters.

“As different breeds have increased popularity we see more of them in animal shelters,” said Beth Drake, executive director of TAILS Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Road.

Patti Bianco, vice president of the Illinois Animal Rescue, has seen this many times before.

“This happens every time there is a movie out with a breed-specific animal,” Bianco said, adding that a similar situation arose when “101 Dalmatians” came out in 1996.

“People look at the dog on the screen and say ‘Oh, I want one of them’ and when they get the dog they fall in love with in the movie, they end up disappointed in them,” Bianco said. “Then they are dumped within months.”

Bianco and Drake expect to see an influx in the small dogs being turned into their shelters over the next few months.

“Because of this movie, we will see more Chihuahuas owner relinquished and abandoned as strays,” Bianco said.

However, some shelters do not expect to see many Chihuahuas for different reasons.

“I don’t expect to see more Chihuahuas,” said Roberta Shoaf, director of the DeKalb County Animal Shelter, 16173 Baseline Road. “I really can’t address the movie itself, but Chihuahuas only have a couple puppies at a time so finding them isn’t as easy as, say, a Lab.”

Shoaf also said smaller dogs are more easily homed than larger dogs.

Regardless, many rescues and shelters advise researching the breed before going out and getting a dog.

“You need to look at the breed specifics; personality and what’s required to care for them,” Bianco said. “The personality of a Chihuahua is very timid.”

A potential owner should also look into where to buy or rescue the animal.

“To purchase a pet from a pet store is usually not the best decision,” Drake said. “Very few will take the pets back and usually the animal ends up at a shelter.”

Bianco also advises people to get a dog for the right reason.

“There are a lot of animals who need to be rescued,” she said.