DC Thomson Consumer Products has partnered with Rupert’s Pet Shop to launch a range of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher dog toys. 

The deal marks the brand’s first foray into the pet sector, and the toy range will launch at all 405 Poundstretcher and 55 Pet Hut stores across the UK this summer.

Rupert's Pet Shop is a new UK company specialising in designing and manufacturing innovative toys and accessories for dogs and cats. 

The team at Rupert’s Pet Shop has worked together for many years designing and manufacturing toys for children before turning their attention to pets.

“We’ve been talking to Poundstretcher for a while now as we know that they are becoming a major destination for pet toys," said Rupert's Pet Shop chairman Ian Madeley. 

"Their new Pet Hut stores are especially impressive and we want to be part of their growth. The Beano, Dennis and Gnasher in particular, are a really good 'fit' to their shopper profile with a high percentage of families with children.

"We already know that families are key pet toy consumers and Poundstretcher are really getting behind the range.”

Designed and developed by Rupert’s Pet Shop, the range will feature five different dog toys including a Comic Fetch squeaky fabric toy, the Gnarly Gnasher hairy soft toy, a Whoopee Whiff cushion, a Rough and Tough Menacer fetch toy and a Sock Slinger.

Tim Collins, head of brands at DC Thomson, added: "Rupert’s Pet Toys are an exciting addition to The Beano licensing programme and one that will allow us to expand our retail footprint in the UK pet market.

"This new partnership will not only open further commercial opportunities for Dennis the Menace and Gnasher but also highlights our ongoing commitment to developing innovative and relevant products that appeal to The Beano fans of all ages.”