London - July 15, 2005

Top Dog

London Dog Guide 2005

Looking like a dog used to be a bad thing. Not anymore.

Pooch parlours are opening up all over town, offering the best in canine maintenance to turn any tramp into a stylish lord or lady.

The handsomest hounds are primped and preened by London’s best mobile groomer, Charlotte Lahaise at Top Dog (07798 521587). She will come to your house to clean ears, clip nails and finish up with a wash, trim and blow-dry.

Diet-conscious canines need sniff no further than Pugs & Kisses (183 New Kings Road, SW6; 020 7731 0098). The boutique does a fine line of doggy dishes. Would Rover like venison, lamb or fish for his tea? Or perhaps a Pawsitivily Gourmet chocolate croissant, doggie donut or a cherry pie?

He’ll need to work it off, of course. Send him to the nice girls at Houndstretcher (39 Cadogan Street, SW3; 07887 608938), where he’ll be taken for walkies (and talkies) with some of London’s most social pooches.

Top dogs like to look chic in the park. For the latest in designer clothing, head to London’s newest pet outfitter, Mungo & Maud (79 Elizabeth Street, SW1; 020 7952 4570), where every accessory requirement, from leather collars to travel beds, will be met.

After all this excitement, your dog will need some serious beauty sleep. Check into The Cadogan Hotel (75 Sloane Street, SW1, Knightsbridge; 020 7225 7141) and ask for the Posh Pooches Package. You and your furry friend get a suite complete with a luxury dog bed, a silver bowl of mineral water and a never-ending supply of organic dog biscuits. Grooming and walking can be arranged after your full English breakfast.

The only drawback to all this doggy indulgence? The next time you and the pooch are out and you hear a few wolf whistles, they may not be for you.