Will Smith Movie Gives Cause for German Shepherd Concerns
Posted By Freelance Writers Date: 17/04 Posted Under: Celebrity Dog Owners, Dog NewsDogs have always been subject to ‘fashion’ trends but nothing, it would appear, can boost the demand for a particular type of dog more than a Hollywood movie.
Where Jack Nicholson’s ‘As Good as it Gets’ raised the profile of the Griffon Bruxelles, Will Smith’s latest blockbuster ‘I am legend’ has seen demand increase for German Shepherds, prompting concern from some animal welfare organisations charged with the task of picking up the pieces when dogs are abandoned.
They’re loyal, reliable and man’s best friend but, according to reports, the German Shepherd has seen a surge in popularity after starring alongside Will Smith in the blockbuster sensation, I Am Legend, enquiries for both puppies and adult German Shepherds in the UK have gone through the roof according to Anita Guy, who has been breeding, showing and working German Shepherds for nearly twenty years.
“German Shepherds are great companions and would give their life for their owner, so I’m not surprised that it was this breed of dog chosen for I Am Legend or that their popularity has increased since the launch of the film on boxing day,” she says.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has also had a large decrease in the number of German Shepherds taken in, in recent times. In 2004, over 727 pure and cross breed German Shepherds were sent to the home, verse 518 after the film release.
A spokesperson for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home comments: “Remember to take time to consider whether you are ready and have the time for a dog as ownership comes with daily responsibilities. Too many people rush into getting a dog after falling in love with them on the big screen choosing a breed that isn’t suitable for them. Do your research before you get a dog on what is the most suitable breed for you, your family, home, environment and lifestyle as remember dog ownership is a commitment that can last up to fifteen years!”
Will Smith was reported to be so fond of Abbey AKA Samantha, the German Shepherd from I Am Legend, that he wanted to keep the dog following filming. Although this wasn’t possible, it is rumoured that he receives visitation rights at the weekend.
German Shepherds are not the only animal to grow in popularity following a blockbuster release. According to pet retailer, The Pet Shop, the sales of fish increased by 50% following the release of Finding Nemo in 2003. They also had a run on turtles last year with sales soaring by 100% following the launch of TMNT.
Ratatouille also inspired an explosion in rat sales with Pets At Home saying that sales of rats in the half-term holiday were up 50 per cent because of the popularity of film.
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Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 5:04 am and is filed under Celebrity Dog Owners, Dog News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Remember when the same thing happened when the Jurassic Park movies came out!
Its a nice article all this is good manner A reputable German Shepherd breeder takes great care in providing a foundation upon which German Shepherds can grow to be smart and socialized working dogs. Pet stores sell puppies like any other merchandise.