LONDON, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- As 25,000 owners prepare their pooches for Crufts, a recent survey(i) showed that, over the course of a lifetime, the average mutt cost owners a whooping GBP22,000. With this in mind, doesn't a one off cost of GBP12.99 for a virtual dog start to sound much more appealing? And if so, what other advantages can a virtual pet offer?

Anipalz, the virtual pets that claim to be just as good as the real thing are set to take the toy market by storm this year, having been one of the biggest hits at the 2006 Toy Fair. They are designed in a highly sophisticated ipod style game with advanced graphics. You keep your Anipal pooch happy by training him, playing with him and teaching him tricks, and when he's good you can even give him a treat. The more you play with him - the more obedient he becomes and the more he loves you. What more could you want?

Below are the top ten reasons why a virtual canine is better than the real thing.

1) You don't have to get on you hands and knees in public to clean up poop

2) The Anipal dog comes with a stylish built in "lead" so you don't have to worry about him running off.

3) You can take an Anipal dog on the bus or tube without annoying other commuters

4) You won't spend a fortune on vets fees, food, health insurance, kennels...

5) You won't have to worry about fleas

6) Anipal dogs don't bite - your postman will thank you!

7) You don't have to take it for walks in the rain

8) An Anipal pooch won't run through a muddy puddle and then when you get it home jump straight on your bed

9) It won't chew your slippers

10) It won't steal sausages off your plate when you're not looking

If you want to be the first in your street to own an Anipalz dog, contact Nikko UK Ltd on +44(0)1707-377771 to find out your nearest retailer. Your street will be a cleaner place!

(i) Churchill survey: 2000 dog owners surveyed.

For more information on the Nikko range please contact Katie Traynier or Lucy Davies on +44-(0)20-7486-6644 or email Katie.traynier@smees.co.uk or lucy.davies@smees.co.uk

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