MOST people break the bank buying luxurious Christmas presents for their partners.

But this year hundreds of pounds will be spent on a different sort of gift.

For pampered pooches in the region will have more than £71 of presents under the tree.

The North-East is the one of the most generous areas when it comes to spending money on pets, a survey found.

More than 90 per cent of respondents said they considered their dogs and cats to be family.

Six per cent admitted to spending more on their pets than their partner – and nine per cent said spending time with their dogs was the better than visiting their loved ones during the festive period.

Sarah Caldecott, from Darlington, who has two dogs, said: “I buy my dogs things they need at Christmas, like coats and collars, but I will also always wrap them up a treat each.

“The best bit is watching them tear open the wrapping paper.”

Carl Shepherdson, owner of Wags and Whiskers pet boutique in Stockton, said: “Last night we had our first Christmas shopping event and more than 150 people turned up. It was crazy.

“The amount that people are spending on their pets does not surprise me at all. For some people it is a lot more than £71.

“People have also started buying gifts for family pets, even if they do not own a pet themselves. Dogs and cats can really be part of the family and a lot of people will wrap up presents for them.”

One of the most expensive gifts at the Stockton boutique is a £150 Swarovski crystal lead.

Mr Shepherdson added: “Our most popular gift is a cracker, which has a dog treat, hat and joke in. Those cost around £7.

“We also sell Christmas dinners in a tin for dogs, which people love to buy. Those contain turkey, goose and duck as well as Christmas trimmings including Swiss chard and parsnips.”

The South-West was the most generous region, where families will spend £76.29 this Christmas on their pets.