I SWITCHED on the TV the other night to see a dog driving a Mini.

I tapped myself on the side of the head to make sure I was awake and then settled down to watch, fascinated.

It came as no surprise to discover that the hairy pooch at the helm was a Schnauzer. Well, a Giant Schnauzer-cross called Monte to be exact. Regular readers of this column will know that I am a keen exponent of this intelligent and loyal breed.

I called Max, our Miniature Schnauzer, over and we sat and watched together in awe as Monte skilfully manoeuvred the black hatchback on live television. He looked like he’d been born to chauffeurdom as he sat upright in the driver’s seat and confidently controlled the pedals with his paws.

Our favourite part was when Monte turned sideways to stare intently at the camera in the passenger seat, while simultaneously driving the car in an altogether different direction. Monte had found himself in a canine rescue centre in New Zealand because his owners said he was untrainable.

Scientists have conducted numerous tests on the brainpower of Man’s Best Friend. The brainiest ones can learn 250 words, count to five, and have the mental capabilities of a small child.

According to leading canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD, dogs can solve spatial problems, operate simple machines, understand symbolic concepts and deceive other dogs and humans in order to get rewards. Secretly, they are becoming more like us every day.

Some owners have obviously recognised this and are calling their beloved pooches names previously reserved for humans. On our recent walks we have come across Mini Schnauzers called Eric and Stanley, Labradoodles named Sid and Nancy, a Percy and a Labrador called Barbara.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, some have taken to wearing clothes. Admittedly, Max has his fetching Harrods Barbour, but we’ve noticed that some dogs are now sporting even more exotic outfits, such as patterned jumpers, Wellington boots and even diamante accessories!

“Whatever next?” exclaimed Max.