A canine family film was the best in show in the North American box office at the weekend, according to early studio estimates.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua featuring Drew Barrymore's voice as a pampered pooch who gets lost in Mexico took $US29 million in its opening weekend.
Thriller Eagle Eye fell one place to number two, taking $US17.7 million.
Teen comedy Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist opened in third place taking $12 million.
The film, starring Juno actor Michael Cera, recouped nearly all of its $US13m cost.
A Richard Gere romantic drama Nights in Rodanthe and western Appaloosa rounded out the top five.
The top 12 movies brought in $US95.4 million - up 42% from the same weekend a year ago. The rise was attributed to Chihuahua.
