Uh, oh: "Chihuahua" is another Disney movie about a not-for-everyone breed

Parents, brace yourselves. Disney's "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" arrives in theaters Friday and it's sure to induce pleas of please-please-pleeeeease from impressionable kids anxious to adopt a little one of their own.

After all, Paris Hilton has two. One of them even wrote a book, proving that some dogs are indeed smarter than their masters.

"What people don't realize is that Paris Hilton has a staff of people taking care of those dogs," says Bark magazine publisher Cameron Woo.

"She's definitely not out in the backyard picking up after them."

The diminutive dogs in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" are but the latest in a long line of Disney dogs that have been barking on the big screen for the past half-century.

Some have been cute, some heroic, some utterly ridiculous.

What's important to remember, says Woo, is that what you see isn't always what you get.

"Small dogs aren't accessories. They need as much care as any other breed," Woo says. "Chihuahuas are flooding animal shelters right now, turned in by people who don't seem to understand that."

That's one important lesson to take away from the film.

Here's a look at some of the other things Disney's dogs have been teaching us through the years:

"Lady and the Tramp" (1955)

Breed: Lady is a cocker spaniel; Tramp is a mutt, but appears to be mostly an Irish terrier.

Plot: Pampered dog learns about love and loyalty from a lady-loving, heart-breakin' mutt-about-town.

Breeds' behavior in movie: Dogs share plate of spaghetti and meatballs and a romantic walk in the park.

Breeds' behavior in real life: Dogs would fight over meatballs, ensuing chaos would destroy restaurant. Walk in the park would end with a trip to the animal shelter.

Lesson learned: Don't judge a dog by its appearance. Mutts need love, too!

"Old Yeller" (1957)

Breed: blackmouth cur

Plot: Stray dog helps turn boy into man.

Breed's behavior in movie: The most heroic (sniff!) faithful (sniff!) beautiful (sob!) dog to ever roam God's green earth.

Breed's behavior in real-life: Loyal, protective.

Lesson learned: "Now and then, for no good reason, life will haul off and knock a man flat."

"The Shaggy Dog" (1959) and "The Shaggy D.A." (1976)

Breed: Old English sheep dog.

Plot: In the first film, a magic ring turns teen into sheep dog. In sequel, said teen is now grown up and played by Dean Jones, but still can't avoid turning into Fido.

Breed's behavior in movie: Wacky! Almost human.

Breed's behavior in real life: Cuddly. Funny. Gentle. Likes to herd — people, too!

Lesson learned: Avoid rings bearing cryptic Latin inscriptions. If you do fall prey to one, make sure you have wife willing to groom you twice daily.

"One Hundred and One Dalmatians" (1961)

Breed: Dalmatian (duh).

Plot: Socialite wants to skin puppies for a new coat.

Breed's behavior in movie: Resourceful, adorable.

Breed's behavior in real life: Before movie's release: Active, intelligent. Post-movie: Same, but over-breeding results in poor care for a high-energy dog that needs attention.

Lesson learned: If you're a dog, pray that Disney does not make a movie about you.

"Big Red" (1962)

Breed: Irish setter.

Plot: Sportsman wants to turn Big Red into a champion show dog. Big Red just wants to chase critters and play!

Breed's behavior in movie: Good-natured, fun-loving.

Breed's behavior in real life: Relentlessly happy. Insane.

Lesson learned: Let your dog be what it wants to be.

Postscript: Movie coincided with setters' peak popularity. Then Nixon got one, undeservedly tainting the breed for decades.

"The Ugly Dachshund" (1966)

Breed: Dachshund.

Plot: Great Dane puppy grows up thinking it's a dachshund. Wackiness ensues.

Breed's behavior in movie: Mischievous.

Breed's behavior in real life: Annoying.

Lesson learned: If your wife is obsessed with dachshunds, do not buy a Great Dane. Proceed directly to good divorce lawyer.

Postscript: Story's believability aided by the fact that dachshunds really are ugly!