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'Celebs to blame' for
Surge in Trophy Dogs
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The
celebrity circus has fuelled interest in so-called 'handbag dogs', it is
being claimed.
Sainsbury's Finance maintains the publicity around celebs such as Paris
Hilton, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Geri Halliwell and their small-pedigree
pals has triggered a soaring demand for the petite pets. The number of chihuahuas
it insures has leapt 417 per cent and there has been a 248 per cent increase
in the number of West Highland White Terriers since 2006. While the overall
number of pint-sized pedigree breeds it insures has shot up 41.3 per cent.
However, the organisation warns against choosing a pet for accessorial reasons
on the basis of fashions or trends claiming that carrying an animal in a handbag
could actually be "distressing for the animal".
Neal Devine, of Sainsbury's Finance, said:
"A pet should never be seen as an accessory and people should not be guided
by fashion trends when purchasing a pet. It's important that you understand
the physical and mental needs of a particular breed when you purchase it."
Former Spice Girl Geri famously took her shih-tzu Harry to see Tony Blair
at his Chequers country retreat, while hotel-heir Paris is often seen cuddling
her Chihuahua.
