Bow wow wow factor

If an Englishman's home is his castle then where does that leave his best friend? Until now, he was invariably out in the cold in a rough old wooden kennel with a shaggy blanket. But the tables are about to be turned. From a pink castle complete with turrets to a Bauhausinspired modernist structure, German design company, Best Friend's Home, has launched a range of upmarket pooch parlours that will have the Joneses goggleeyed over the back fence.

The designers, Doria Keppler and André Heinermann, say they cater for all tastes. The pink fairytale castle (above) for instance, complete with family crest and handily removable back panel for easy cleaning, is the perfect des res for a Chihuahua or a Westie. Whereas the Gone With The Wind-inspired Alabama, with Who could resist being sent to the dog house when it comes in the shape of a castle with a £3,000 price tag, says Sam Taylor its imposing pillars and wide entrance area, is very popular with Labradors.

Priced between £1,400 to £3,000, they appeal to discerning doggies with detached home budgets. But there is always a chance to share. With its spacious clear lines and glass floor-to-ceiling panelling, the Cubix is very popular with couples or close friends.

The designers say they created the 'dog houses' to bring more beauty to our lawns. They range in size from small to extra large, from a Yorkie right up to a Saint Bernard. And each house is individually engraved with a serial number for that exclusive WAG appeal. The houses come unfurnished, which just leaves Fido with the tricky question: fitted carpet or not?

For further information: 0049 5295 9958602; www.bestfriendshome.com