SHANGHAI, July 9 — China is set to become the 23rd country to broadcast the world’s only television network that caters uniquely to man’s best friend.

Yesterday, Gilad Neumann, CEO of Dog TV, said he was proud that China Telecom was set to start carrying the channel initially in Shanghai before rolling out to other regions within the country.

“By broadening our offering and further expanding network availability, we’re providing millions of families the opportunity to keep their dogs happy and mentally active while they are home alone,” he said.

Although dismissed as a gimmick when it launched, Dog TV is scientifically developed and has proven hugely popular with pet owners.

Programming is designed specifically for their eyesight and hearing range and aims to both relax and stimulate canine viewers, and the channel is already available in the US and South Korea and across much of Europe, including Germany and the UK.

China is the third largest pet market in the world and is home to an estimated 27 million domesticated dogs. — AFP-Relaxnews