In recent times, owning a dog has become more of a fashion statement and status symbol rather than for the simple pleasure of having a faithful companion by one's side.

In China, Panda dogs have become the trend. They are not any special type of breed nor are they the result of any crossbreeding. Panda dogs are basically Chow Chows that have been cosmetically altered to look like Pandas.

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Making a Panda dog is not an easy task as the transformation takes about two hours. The entire process and supplies such as dyes and techniques are also kept secret.

 The Panda appearance lasts for about six weeks. After that period, pet owners would have to bring in their dogs for a retouch. The service and maintenance is pricey but the owners think they are worth the expense.

Hsin Chen, owner of a pet shop that caters to creating Panda dogs, says that his clients like the attention it generates when their Panda dogs walk by.

Chen said, "People don't mind paying the extra though - they like the fact that heads turn in the street and they can tell their friends: 'I have a Panda dog.'"

Although they appear adorable, Cesar Milan warned that the treatment used to alter the animal's appearance is harmful to their health. According to the famous dog trainer, the dyes used on their fur contain toxic chemicals.

Dyes are made for humans only and since dogs have a habit of licking their fur, they could ingest these harmful ingredients, among other things.

Veterinarians share the same sentiment. They believe that the process of transforming the dog's appearance to mimic a Panda's would be detrimental not only to their physical wellbeing, but also to their psychological state as well.

In defense of the treatment involved in making these dogs, Chen commented, "There are no chemicals or cruelty involved."

TagsPanda, Trend, Hot, Dog, Pet, Fashion, Status symbol, Panda dog, Chow chow, Cesar Milan