Hey magi-
I'm looking for a visual or sneaky method for turning a balloon animal dog into a chihuahua (pretty small little guy) I've thought about using a doves to bunny concept but I want it to be as 'ungimmicky' as possible because it really has to be a surprise appearance. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated!
Muchas Gracias
M

Because your condition is a balloon you don't make it easy, because a dog is landing in another way than a dove.
A dove will hop on your finger(s), a dog won't do this.
My choice would be a dove-tray, in combination with a balloon.

Your solution then is to simply make a bag to hang on the back of your pants with an automatic release, and have the coat cover it. The rest you should be able to work out for yourself. Hint: Movement and misdirection, with the balloon dog in play.

You can also hang the bag on the back of a roll-on type table. Cost from $500 to $1000 depending.

I find is interesting that, you seem to think a prop removes the surprise from a magic trick.

I believe a Dove Tray would catapult the poor dog into the air. Those small dogs are very fragile animals. They break easily.

Right Bill!
With a dove tray, that poor pup might "appear" as a "flying dog"! --Spectacular!, but!!! (Maybe put a parachute on the little beast?)

If I were planning on doing something like this, I would check out the possibilities with a paper bag.

You might announce: "My famous vanishing balloon dog!" (The litte beast from south of the border is in the bottom of bag. Drop in the balloon, do a hokey magic word, and haul out the Mexican Mutt.)

"Senator" Crandall used this "highly technical" method to produce a rubber chicken. The chicken prop got the laugh--the audience "forgot" about the bag when the poultry was produced.

Celeste Evans closed her dove act with her little poodle, which appeared in a P&L DUCK PAN.

Gene Eisenbarth (Gene & Jo) produced 6 Chihuahuas to close his show. The pups "sat up" in a row on the table, and got "AWWWWWS"

A lot depends on how much "mystery" you want to achieve. I think that if I were doing it, I would play it as broad comedy. Go for the 'oooh' and "awww".

You may want to check out the Abbott "Doves to Duck"

http://www.abbottmagic.com/Abbotts-Dove-......duck.htm

It is different than the standard type doves to rabbit both in look and in operation.

If you want to PM or call me I would be happy to explain the differences to see if it might be of help.

Rick