'Chihuahua' is top dog

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" proved it's no dog, opening at No. 1 in U.S. theaters this weekend, Box Office Mojo said Sunday.

The animated family movie, featuring a long list of popular actors such as Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, Cheech Marin, George Lopez and Paul Rodriguez, pulled in $29 million in estimated ticket sales in its debut.

Last week's top movie, "Eagle Eye" was No. 2 with $17.7 million in estimated receipts.

Another new offering, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," a romantic comedy start Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, tallied $12 million.

Next up was "Nights in Rodanthe" with $7.36 million at No. 4.

A surprise at No. 5 is "Appaloosa," which shot up from 37th place in its third week in U.S. theaters. The Ed Harris-directed western raked in $5.02 million.

Next were: "Lakeview Terrace," $4.5 million; "Burn After Reading," $4.08 million; and "Fireproof," $4.07 million.

New more new movies rounded out the Top 10. "An American Carol," a comedy starring Trace Adkins, Brandon Alter and Kelsey Grammer, recorded $3.81 million in sales and "Religulous," featuring Bill Maher's take on religion, had $3.5 million in gross receipts.