Slovakia's first dog modelling agency has opened in Bratislava. 

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAK REPUBLIC (RECENT) (REUTERS )

A dog modelling agency aimed at getting 'man's best friend'
contracts to feature in advertisements and possibly gain international fame
has been set up in Slovakia.   
    The Darli Dog Agency (DDA) is the brainchild of Katarina Kacnikova, who
got the idea of creating a portfolio for dog models on the internet some years
ago when her Yorkshire Terrier was photographed by various international
magazines. Her pet, Darli von Xentauri is an international dog model, who has
also given his name to the modelling agency.
    "We have worked with Darli and been photographed professionally
for two years now, or its better to say he has been. After a lot of e-mail
response we decided to found a modelling agency for dogs. A lot of people are
keen to try it, so we will see," Kacnikova said, joking about her lacking
modelling experience compared to her dog's.
    The modelling agency allows people to create a portfolio for their pets
on the internet by uploading photos and descriptions of the pets. Advertising
companies or other businesses in need of dog models can in turn search the
Darli Dog Agency website to find the right animal they need, and DDA will
organise a photo shoot.
    The dogs can be asked to appear in calendars, advertisements and dog
fashion shows.
    DDA has been set up in cooperation with the Zusi fashion shop for dogs.
The founders also cater for the dog modelling market in the Czech Republic,
and hopes the business will expand.
    ""We would also welcome dogs from abroad. We will be happy
when dogs from countries which don't have their own agency apply to our
website,"
said the owner of Zusi fashion shop for dogs and co-owner of the Darli Dog
Agency, Zuzana Hrkelova.
    Recently DDA invited dog owners to register their pets with the
agency.
    "I have a friend here who told me about this, so we are going to
try it," the owner of a Chihuahua who had found his way to the
registration tent set up in Bratislava said.
    The agency is looking for dogs of all sizes and types to register and
are planning to organise Bratislava's first dog fashion show in the near
future.