Dogs are almost three times more popular than cats among Hong Kong pet owners, according to a new survey, which found that more than one in 10 families own a dog, a cat or both.
The study by Asia Market Intelligence revealed 11 per cent of households had a cat or dog, while five per cent had both. Dogs are by far the preferred choice of pet, making up eight per cent of the total, compared with only three per cent of households that own cats.
Traditionally dogs are regarded as 'man's best friend', but in Hong Kong their role appears to be that of 'man's best status symbol'. And as is the way in the fashion world - so it is in the animal kingdom when it comes to image. Out of favour are the schnauzer and golden retriever - the new cool canines, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), are huskies and Dalmatians.
'Owning a big dog is like having a big apartment,' says veterinarian Dr Lloyd Kenda from the Valley Veterinary Centre. 'If you're walking down the street with a big pedigree dog, it's like walking down the street with a Gucci handbag - it's a status symbol.'
He agreed with the survey's findings that people tended to keep dogs rather than cats.
'People find cats make reasonable companions, but they can't take them for a walk, for instance.' In spite of - or perhaps because of - Hong Kong's apartment-style living, dogs enjoyed a 'fairly pampered' life, he said.