Bradford's premiership pooches are proving they are top dogs by wearing fetching football fashions.

Bradford City supporters are buying collars, leads, toys, and dog baskets in the club's claret and amber colours so their pets can to show their allegiance to the Bantams.

The colourful collars are the brainchild of Wayne Allen, 29, of Clayton, who gave up his job as a window fitter to start his company, Premier Pets.

As well as Bradford City, Wayne now supplies Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester, West Ham, and the Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club. Other big clubs such as Newcastle, Chelsea, Rangers, and Celtic are also in negotiations to take the items.

Wayne, a life-long City supporter, said: "I was just sitting in the pub one day with my brother and we realised that the two things that people love most are football and their pets. So we thought, why not combine the two? And it's really taken off.

"We're both mad football fans and we've always had dogs, so this is a perfect match.

"I think it's just something a bit different and another way for fans to show off their club colours. Other things in a club shop, such as banners and flags, sell really well - so why not things for pets?"

After he got the idea, Wayne approached Dales company Oathwaites, in Hawes, which has invested thousands of pounds in machinery to make the baskets and leads.

Bradford City shop assistant Paul Lavery said the pet products had been popular since the club started selling them.

"I think in the Premiership a lot of people are wanting something a bit different to show they're City fans,'' he added.

"Bradford City colours are so distinctive that people want to show them off in any way they can.

"And having your pet displaying your club colours is a rather unique way of showing your loyalty to Bradford City.

"You get people bringing their babies in looking for baby clothes in Bradford colours, so why not do the same for their pets?"

e-mail: ian.midgley-

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk