Dogs dress the traditional New Year suit, pose during the performance from the dog circus of Japan in Hong Kong Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Photo: [AP]

Dogs seem to have become the happiest and most fortunate animal in China since the "Year of the Dog" is around the corner.

Stories about generous pet-owners buying their dogs gifts have been reported by newspapers in some of the major Chinese cities in the advent of the traditional Spring Festival, or the Chinese lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29.

Hao Didi, 22, the owner of four puppies who lives in the Eastern (or Dongcheng) district of Beijing, said her family have prepared a traditional Chinese costume, or Tangzhuang, for the puppies for the imminent festival, and is planning to take them to the pet's beauty salon.

"The Year of the Dog is something special to everyone in my family, as we love and care for our dogs so much as if it were a year for them," said Hao.

The Chinese lunar calendar counts the years with a rotation of the names of 12 animals. The cycling starts with rat, then follow ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster and dog, and ends with pig.

The shopkeeper of a Beijing Coolbaby Pet Product Chain Store said that his shop had busier business as the festival neared. The daily sales of dog clothing and toys rose about 30 percent in the past week than usual, she said.