The Bay's pampered pooches

Paris Hilton's dog, Tinkerbell, set the benchmark for handbag dogs. In the thirst for something new, her pedigree chihuahua no longer makes the cut. Demand for exclusively bred designer dogs is huge in the Bay of Plenty finds Annemarie Quill. No wash-and-go for these pampered pups. Spas, pedicures, hair dyes and sunglasses are all part of a dog's life.

Ever since Paris stepped out carrying Tinkerbell in her Louis Vuitton bag, the pampered dog as accessory entered the mainstream. While chihuahuas remain the most popular of the pure bred 'toy' dogs in New Zealand, they no longer make the cut in the style stakes.

Labradoodles, cockerpoos, cavoodles, and maltipoos - labradors, spaniels and maltese respectively crossed with poodles - are now among the most popular dogs in the Bay, according to top breeder Jody Woodhouse.

These designer dogs have a price tag of up to $2000 each.

Vet Scott Raleigh, owner of Barkes Corner Veterinary Hospital and Brookfield Veterinary Centre, says demand for hybrid dogs, especially 'oodle dogs, is growing.

"Most of these dogs are very good natured," Scott says. "They love to be around people and children. They don't shed hair. They are relatively small and can travel easily. They are extremely responsive to their owners and become family members."

David McDonnell, of Tauranga Vets, adds there can be health benefits.

"Selected breeding can create an allergy and asthma-friendly dog."

Anna Perkins, who purchased a labradoodle bred by Jody Woodhouse, said all these factors contributed to her decision to buy a cross breed.

"We researched the breed before making the decision to purchase Daisy. My family had always had poodles and my husband's family had labradors so it seemed like a good mix. The poodle intelligence with the laid-back nature of the labrador creates a great family pet.

"There does seem to be an increase in cross breed dogs. Now we have a labradoodle I seem to see them everywhere."

Jody is one of the country's most experienced breeders. She was the first New Zealand breeder of labradoodles and her pups are sent as far afield as Europe. She also runs Kiwipetz in Fraser Cove, a state-of-the-art grooming boutique for dogs. Earlier this year Jody made international headlines when she transformed her Australian labradoodle, Celebrity, into a tiger by dying her with orange and black stripes.

PAMPERED PUPS

Designer dogs need designer looks.

In the US, Canada and Japan there is a craze for dog spas and dog fashion is taken as seriously as human fashion.

Calley Benson, owner of online store, Smooch Pooch, says Kiwis view some international fashions as extreme - such as padded bras for girl dogs, Calvin Klein-type boxers for the boys, and Burberry outfits. Calley says dog birthday parties are becoming popular in New Zealand, complete with meaty cupcakes. In Hong Kong, dogs go to yoga classes, and in LA they go to therapy.

Here in the Bay of Plenty, there is an increased demand for grooming facilities. In addition to Jody's Kiwipetz, there is Showdogs in Mount Maunganui run by Tatiana Fleury, which is a dog grooming and day-care facility, as well as a boutique selling doggie outfits including blinged collars, jeans and dresses.

Vet Scott Raleigh says the grooming and accessorising of dogs has stepped up to a new level.

"I don't have any problem with this as long as the health and wellbeing of the dog is not affected in any way."

DOG SPA TRENDS

Dying: Blondes may have fun but dogs go for bright colours. "Dying is a harmless procedure, and dogs seem to enjoy it," says Jody. Dogs get ears and tails dyed, and Jody offers customised dying like Celebrity's tiger look. The panda look is also popular.

Cutting it: Tatiana Fleury says style should fit a dog's lifestyle and breed. Two popular styles are the "puppy cut" - same length of hair over the dog's body and legs with a more individual look for the face and the mohawk.

Curly or straight: Tatiana has recently learned how to give a dog a perm. "Or you can have curly hair straightened. Braids are also popular."

Doggy-poo - because he is worth it: The beauty industry is getting on four legs. There is a huge range of special shampoos, conditioners and even perfumes for tip-top coats. Jody recommends a spritz for between-grooming sessions.

The works: Nail clipping, paw massage, body rubs and tooth brushing are offered in spa packages for over $100.

Dog therapy: Vet Scott says behaviour modification makes the owner/pet relationship more enjoyable. Scott runs a puppy preschool and also offers the services of a dog psychologist. "To my knowledge they don't lie down on a couch and tell her about their puppyhood."

ON THE DOG WALK

A coat and collar no longer lead the pack. Doggy style is essential. Tatiana Fleury runs fashions shows for dogs and a dog blog on the latest trends.

Coats: Burberry-style checked coats are popular. Smooch Pooch sells couture jerseys in handmade angora. In the Bay, hoodies are popular. Very Snoop dog.

Undies: Undies to keep those precious bits warm. Four-legged PJs for snuggly nights in the pen, and bathrobes to hang out in the spa.

Shoes: Smooch Pooch sells pink gingham booties for girl, and blue for boys. "I buy Celebrity baby booties," says Jody. In Asia lace sneakers are the go.

Headwear: Camo bandannas are hot. Smooch Pooch is selling All Blacks bandannas for the Rugby World Cup.

Sunglasses: As with humans, sunglasses are fashionable but also protect eyes, particularly if doggy likes to ride on your Harley or with his head out the Audi's window.

Bedding: Dogs can now get a range of bedding in designer fabrics to compete with Harvey Norman. Calley Benson does made-to-order dog duvets in any fabric. Don't forget his electric blankets and eye mask.

Jewellery: Collar charms such as hearts and even the skull and crossbones are popular. At Tatiana's boutique, diamond-studded collars are a best seller.

Top breeds in the bay

* Australian labradoodles: Originally labrador crossed with poodle however Australian labradoodles are purpose-bred over many generations. The ones Jody breeds are as high as sixth and seventh generation with many from imported lines.

* Kiwidoodles: Labradoodle crossed with an English cocker spaniel.

* Spoodles (Cockapoo): English cocker spaniel crossed with a miniature or toy poodle.

* Cavoodle: Cavalier King Charles spaniel crossed with a poodle.

* Maltichon: Maltese crossed with a bichon frise.

Other cross breeds:

* Jack-a-poo: Jack russell crossed with poodle.

* Yorkie Poo: Yorkshire terrier and poodle.

* Poogle: Poodle and beagle.

*  Dorgi: Daschund and corgi.

* Bagel: Basset hound and beagle.