It may be the closest thing German dogs will get to a royal seal of approval. From December, pampered pooches across Germany will be able to use a range of "high quality dog accessories" endorsed by the country's first canine: Winston Holly, the border terrier.

The items, ranging from shampoos to chew toys, will bear the face of the animal companion of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's family. The chancellor's wife, Doris Schröder-Köpf has worked alongside the Rossmann drugstore chain to develop the products for 150 branches across Germany.