Darlington’s designer district now has an outlet for dogs, with their own high-end clothing ranges and paw-lickingly good food. Jenny Needham reports

Grange Road has long been known as Darlington’s designer district, with boutiques that cater for special occasions and for customers who like to dress up in top quality, high-end label clothing. Now, just around the corner, dogs are getting a look-in too with their own designer dog store.

It’s been opened by Vicki Robertson, founder of the Designer Dog Company, which has already been trading successfully online for some time. The 31-year-old, who also works in Dundee, decided on Darlington for her first outlet as her fiancé Kevin and his family live locally.

“I’m working between the two at the moment,” she says. “Kevin is looking after things during the week although I still cover social media, order stock and keep up to date with the admin. I hope in the coming months to work in the shop full time, but it takes time to become established so I’ll be carrying on with my other job for now. “

Vicki is very happy to have found an outlet in the West End of Darlington. “When I realised the former Dolly Mama shop had become available, I actually cried,” she says. “Northumberland Street ticks so many boxes. It’s in such a highly sought-after area and is ideal for the quirky and elegant look I want to create. There’s plenty of parking and we hope local dog owners will also drop in on their daily walkies. We always have a treat ready in the biscuit jar.”

The Designer Dog Company has been open for a couple of weeks now and Vicki is pleased to discover that Darlington is a town of real dog lovers, although they do seem to favour the smaller breeds. Top selling treats so far are the Green & Wilds Chew Roots – “amazing for puppies and dogs that love to chew furniture” – and The Barking Bakery’s doggilicious cakes, Woofins. “We have so many people buying for doggy birthdays,” says Vicki. “One woman bought them because of a family birthday as she didn’t want her dogs to miss out on having cake.”

The store’s products range from £1.60 for a bag of Cheesy popcorn to as much as £135 for our Mutts & Hounds Teal Tweed Donut Bed. They are also the only North-East stockists of the exclusive Holly & Lil dog collars and leads hand-made in London and featured in magazines such as Vogue and Time Out. “My own dog Holly has been wearing their products since 2006 and, admittedly, she has grown a rather lovely collection over the years,” says Vicki. “They look great, feel great, and last a very, very long time.”

The main food brands are Lily’s Kitchen and Aatu, all grain-free with top-quality ingredients. “We only sell real dog food and I hope the pet owners of Darlington will embrace what we are about,” says Vicki. “All our biscuit treats are hand-baked from only human grade ingredients or air-dried real meats. I’m very passionate and selective about the products I sell and have taken time to consider and research ingredients and quality.”

Vicki also stocks a small range of goods for cats and there is a selection of gifts and accessories for the home.

Vicki’s own dog Holly, a Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel, is the inspiration behind the business, and the products she sells reflect the sort of things she likes for Holly. “She has a rare disease called GME, which was diagnosed last January and she’s had to have treatment. I love dogs with a passion, but she is far too special to me to even consider bringing another dog into the equation. She is one spoilt little lady in my life.”

Holly turned 11 in June and, naturally, there was a special birthday celebration… with a gorgeous personalised birthday cake, or course.

• The Designer Dog Company, 9 Northumberland Street, Darlington DL3 7HJ. T: 01325-787374; W: thedesignerdogcompany.co.uk