Meet the world's most pampered pooches! 'Diva dogs' of Hong Kong travel in prams, spend their days at the spa and even have their own organic BAKERY
- Hong Kong is home to some of the world's most pampered pets
- Treats include days out at the spa, designer clothes and organic food
- Owners are competitive so pets are always beautifully groomed
They wear bejewelled collars, dress in the finest fashions and eat their supper at expensive restaurants: welcome to the jet-set world of Hong Kong's most indulged canine residents.
But it's not all fashion and food. As these incredible photos reveal, the city's pampered pooches also enjoy days out at the spa where their fur is turned into a rainbow of neon colours, and spend their Sundays snoozing on the beach.
Nowhere is the penchant for mollycoddled pets more apparent than in the fishing village of Sai Kung, where dogs are very firmly considered to be members of the family.
Colourful: A pampered pet shows off his yellow and blue dye job as his tiny Chihuahua friends look on
Travelling in style: A canine resident of the Hong Kong village of Sai Kung shows off his expensive wheels
Loved: Hong Kong's dogs are very much part of the family and are given a life that many humans would envy
Just outside the city, Sai Kung is one of the most canine-friendly spots on the planet, with streets lined with chic dog boutiques and restaurants that rush to welcome the four-legged friends of their customers.
But while Sai Kung has the highest concentration of dog fans, the rest of the Chinese megalopolis isn't far behind.
Hong Kong has experienced a boom in dog ownership in recent years, with an estimated 174,975 canines believed to live in the city.
To cater for them, huge numbers of dog-related businesses have sprung up, with everything from baths to walks and even funerals laid on.
Happy: One of Hong Kong's larger dogs licks his lips while being given a cuddle by his indulgent owner
Safe and sound: A wide-eyed little dog peers out from the safety of his pram, which he is sharing with a friend
Neon: A pair of primped and preened pooches show off their matching fluorescent pink and yellow dye jobs
Sunday stroll: Three pampered pets enjoy a seaside stroll from the comfort of a pram pushed by their owner
Other popular local treats include lunch at one of the city's many dog restaurants or a visit to one of the stores in the Three Dogs Bakery franchise, which sells organic cakes, pies, chews and other dog friendly treats.
More still splash their cash on designer doggie gear, with collars bought from Hermes or Gucci not uncommon.
Others choose to dye their pets' hair in rainbow hues and all boast neatly manicured claws and regularly shampooed fur.
So what's behind Hong Kong's love of dogs? According to photographer Brian Cassey, the low birth rate in Hong Kong could be to blame.
'Hong Kong has one of the lowest birth rates in the world,' he explains. 'With few actual babies, people have found substitutes to splash their love, attention and money on - in the form of some very pampered pooches.'
Looked after: A dog carries his own bottle of water during a stroll along the promenade in Sai Kung
Who's best? Owners compare notes on dog grooming and care while sitting at a bus stop together
Lunch time: Four tiny dogs wait for their lunch to arrive from the comfort of their Hello Kitty! pram
Spoilt for choice: A selection of the dog inspired goods popular with Hong Kong's many dog aficionados
Competitive: Four dogs pose for photos perched on discarded computers left at Tai Long Wan beach
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