Celebrities 'spark trend for handbag dogs'

By Marianne Straker, Thu 21 Aug 2008 - Published in Pet Insurance

The celebrity trend of buying small pedigree pets may be responsible for increased demand for 'handbag dogs', according to Sainsbury's Finance.

The group claims that the rising number of people looking for pet insurance for these kind of dogs may be down to people in the public eye like Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Geri Halliwell and Britney Spears.

It claims between 2006 and 2008 it has seen a 417 per cent increase in owners buying pet insurance for Chihuahuas and a 248 per cent increase in those looking for cover form West Highland White Terriers.

However, it states people should not be treating pets as fashion accessories.

Neal Devine, pet insurance manager at Sainsbury's, said: "It's important that you understand the physical and mental needs of a particular breed, such as how much exercise it needs, when you purchase it."

A BBC programme broadcast earlier this week revealed some pedigree pets were costing owners thousands of pounds as a result of genetic diseases caused by years of inbreeding.

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