Behind the scenes with the canine stars of 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua'

October 29, 2:46 AMPet News ExaminerHelena Sung

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It opened #1 at the box office and has grossed over $78 million dollars since it was released on October 3.  "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" charmed us with the tale of Chloe, a pampered Beverly Hills diva, and Papi, the scruffy dog who tries to win her heart. 

Here are some fascinating facts about the making of the movie: 

• More than 200 dogs were a part of the film, including mutts, Dobermans, Poodles, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Chinese Cresteds, a French Bulldog, a St. Bernard, a Labrador Retriever, a Boston Terrier, a Border Terrier, a Yorkshire Terrier, a Dalmatian, a Pomeranian, a Border Collie, a Dachshund, a Pekingese, and a Bichon Frise.  

• Head Trainer and Animal Coordinator, Michael Alexander, is a veteran of the movie industry and dog trainer with Birds & Animals Unlimited.  He directed a team of more than 60 of the best animal trainers culled from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• The team spent months looking for the right dogs--those who were outgoing, confident, and smart. 

• Papi is actually a rescue dog!  He is a Chihuahua/mutt mix who was spotted on the Internet by the trainers, who were drawn to his big ears and wonderful expression.  Alexander drove to the shelter in Moreno Valley, California to meet Papi--whose real name is Rusco--and was immediately smitten with his big, bouncy personality.  

•  After six months of training, Papi was ready to play the role of Chloe's love interest.

• Chloe's real name is Angel.  She is a white Deerhead Chihuahua who--according to Alexander--is a bit of a diva in real life. ( But he's allowed to say that since he's her daddy.)

• Chloe had four "doggie doubles" who did special stunts for her, such as swimming and running.

• The breathtaking scene of a massive army of Chihuahuas living in a lost city included dozens of real Mexican street dogs who came from a shelter just outside Mexico City.

• Trainers traveled all over the world to find the Dobermans and German Shepherds that would be in the movie, including the ones who play the evil El Diablo and heroic Delgado. Two of the German Shepherds came from rescues in Los Angeles.

• The American Humane Society was on set to make sure the animals were safe, were not overheating in the summer temperatures, and to check their paws regularly for signs of strain.

• The trainers pride themselves on using positive reinforcement, repetition, play, lots of attention and love, and interaction with people and places. 

• Many of the rescue dogs that performed in the movie later found loving homes with trainers from Birds & Animals Unlimited, members of the cast and crew, and other dog lovers.  Not surprisingly, Papi went home to live with Alexander at his seven acre ranch outside Los Angeles.

 *Sources for this article include www.wildaboutmovies.com and www.in.reuters.com.