According to Google, after the premiere weekend of the Superman movie:

• Searches for "adopt a dog near me" increased by 513%

• Searches for "rescue dog adoption near me" increased 163%

• Searches for "adopt a puppy" increased 31%

• Searches for schnauzers - which are similar to the dog Krypto in the Superman movie - increased 299%

This is not the first time a popular movie has increased interest in dog adoptions. After the release of Disney’s movie “101 Dalmations,” the American Kennel Club (AKC) reported that Dalmatian registrations jumped from 8,170 to 42,816.

Unfortunately, when people adopt dogs on an impulse, it may be a poor decision that they later regret. A year after the release of the Disney movie, there was a 25% increase in Dalmatians at shelters and rescue organizations. As the novelty wore off and owners realized the commitment involved, many Dalmatians were abandoned or surrendered to shelters. In 1997, Dalmatians became the most abandoned breed in some areas. This led to a devastating effect on the breed, with many dogs being euthanized.

A Dog is a Commitment

The "Dalmatian Syndrome" highlights the negative consequences of a breed becoming a "fad" due to media exposure.

A dog is a long-term commitment! Dogs depend on their families for a place to live, food, vaccinations and medical care when needed, and love and care as they age. In return, they reward their families with companionship, love, and devotion.

When considering adopting a dog, it’s important to do your research, to understand the care that will be required. If you are buying or adopting a specific breed, there are many websites that provide detailed descriptions of each breed, along with specific requirements, health risks, and even breed behaviors.

If you’re adopting a mixed-breed dog, the adoption center or a veterinarian may be able to advise you on the dog’s likely parentage and general characteristics.

For help in finding the ideal dog breed for your family and lifestyle, Sugar Sweet Georgia Puppies offers and online Dog Breed Selector that can recommend the bets fits from hundreds of dog breeds.