Five Christmas presents for your lucky dog

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According to a survey by the Real Petfood Company, 85 per cent of dog owners buy their Christmas present each year. According to another recent survey in Australia, pet owners would rather buy presents for their pets than their co-workers come Yuletide. We won’t argue with that – here are some ideas for some extra-special presents for your much-deserving dog.

According to a survey by the Real Petfood Company, 85 per cent of dog owners buy their Christmas present each year. According to another recent survey in Australia, pet owners would rather buy presents for their pets than their co-workers come Yuletide. We won't argue with that – here are some ideas for some extra-special presents for your much-deserving dog.

A personalised pet portrait
Okay, so maybe this present is more for owners than the pets themselves… but why not immortalise your pet with a personalised photograph or portrait? In Christchurch, illustration and design studio Ernest makes lifelike pencil portraits of our furry friends, while Furever Photography in Auckland promises dramatic and detailed studio portraits for pets. There's also endless options on Etsy, like bold and colourful hand-painted illustrations, or hilarious, Renaissance-style portraits that'll give you laughs for life.

A designer doggy outfit
There are plenty of places in New Zealand to buy custom, designer outfits for our four-legged friends. Dogs of Desire has a great range of clothing (we love their rugby jerseys), while Animal Outfitters features accessories for only the hippest of dogs. After something even classier: You can't go past this 'Chewy Vuitton' bag from Mascot Pets.

A special feast
Lots of cafes and restaurants are pet-friendly and some even go the extra mile to make sure our little mates don't go without a good feed. In Wellington, Beach Babylon in Oriental Bay has a dedicated doggie menu, complete with doggacinos (water and frothy milk sprinkled with beef stock, cold), dog biscuits or a gourmet meat platter. We reckon that'll keep poochy pretty peachy. They have a great menu for humans too.

A trip to the grooming parlour
Dogs like to preen and primp just as much as humans, so why not treat your pup to a pamper session this Christmas? In Auckland, there are all kinds of options: Studio Hound in Epsom uses all natural products; Wags Pets at Bucklands Beach has the full suite of services, from haircuts (and drying) to nail trimming and teeth treatments. Howick mainstays Three Poodles offers holistic services and massages to chill out even the most excitable dogs.

A fancy new bed
Just like humans, dogs love their sleep. Treat your dog to a brand new bed this Christmas with an ultra-bespoke doggy bed, like an indoor kennel designed by Tim Webber for 8 Paws, or a chic design by Cloud 7. (Warning: Not for the thrifty!)