What is the number one favourite pet in the UK? If you think the answer is “dog” – you are wrong. There are 8.6 million cats and 8.3 million dogs in Britain according to recent figures. But experts predict (预测) that there will be more dogs than cats next year as dogs become more and more popular.
Dogs as accessories (配饰)
We like to spend time with our pets. The Queen is famous for her corgis (威尔士矮脚狗) and is often photographed with them. Nowadays some dog owners are more extreme（极端的） – a few TV celebrities even take their dogs shopping or to restaurants. Chihuahuas (吉娃娃犬) are especially popular as “handbag dogs” because they are so small.
Dog holidays
People are also giving their pets holidays. Many UK hotels and holiday parks now welcome dogs as guests. What about owners who go abroad? They can leave their pets at a dog hotel or dog spa while they are away. Some even provide their canine (犬) guests with a TV.
Dogs are for life
The British charity, Dogs Trust, finds homes for thousands of lost and homeless dogs every year. Their famous slogan（口号） “A dog is for life and not just for Christmas” was created in the 1970s to teach people about the responsibility（责任） of owning a dog. Dogs Trust told British people not to give dogs as gifts or treat them like toys.
Dogs on TV
Victoria Sitwell is the host（主持人） of the popular TV programme called “It's me or the dog”. In the show Victoria helps dog owners with their pets' bad behavior. She tries to find ways to problems such as a Dalmatian who thinks he owns the house and won't let the family sit on the sofa, dogs that will only eat ice cream and biscuits and even a bulldog（恶犬） who uses the owner's bed as a toilet. Yuck!
Fashion for dogs
You can shop online or on the high street for the latest in dog clothes and accessories（配件）. Specialist shops sell dog boots, dog dress costumes, dog coats, dog dresses and dog pants.
