She lives in Brussels but prefers the treats on her frequent trips to Britain – naturally, Brexit is a concern for Pippa the pedigree pug.

If Britain and Brussels split with 'no deal' in March 2019, Pippa's doggy documents allowing her to travel will be void.

But, preferring to lead the pack, Pippa (and her owner Nick Petre) took matters into their own hands.

Unwilling to wait for the results of the talks, which may end in no deal - the tiny dog is taking a giant leap for pug-kind, becoming the first to switch from British to Belgian citizenship.

While many Britons, fearing the result of the break from the European Union, reach for European citizenship via Irish heritage and permanent residency – for Pippa – it was pretty simple.

Pippa the pug is leading the pack for Brexit dogs abroad by getting Belgian citizenship so she can travel freely around Europe

The Pets Passport Scheme for international travel in Europe allows ferrets, cats and dogs who have been issued the document to travel to and from Britain

Pippa the pug's owner does not want to leave her in Brussels - preferring to bring her to Britain - where she enjoys the treats

Owner Nick Petre, 38, is forking €100 out for the Belgian pet passport – in a move which could well be replicated by frequent travellers.

Pippa the pedigree pug and European Parliament employee Nick travel back to Britain and Ireland to see friends and family.

But worried about their future travel together, Mr Petre set about finding a way to keep his dog by his side.

Now, four-year-old Pippa has applied to become a citizen of Belgium in case Britain crashes out of the EU with no deal.

Currently, around 250,000 pets travel from the UK to the EU every year.

Under the EU's pet passport scheme three animals (cats, dogs and ferrets) can travel without being quarantined because they are cleared by a vet.

Their little blue passport confirms they are in good health, have been vaccinated and can cross into Britain freely.

But if Theresa May's Government fails to strike a deal with Brussels the passports may be rendered unusable.

'Pippa's UK passport will be null and void if we crash out of the EU,' owner Nick told the Daily Telegraph.

'And with talks still blocked on some major issues I thought it made sense to take precautions. Who knows where this could lead?'

Nick, originally from Maidenhead, has no plans to return to live in the UK in the short term as he also applies for permanent residency in Belgium

Mr Petre, who has lived in Brussels since 2006, says the Belgian passport means the dog will have both Belgian and British papers after Brexit – covering her for travel.

She will still be able to travel to Ireland thanks to EU freedom of pet movement – but the £1,000 pet's globe trotting future is still uncertain.

Pippa is getting ahead of Brexit by applying for Belgian citizenship in case there is a no-deal break between Britain and the bloc and her passport is no longer valid

Nick said: 'It would be a shame if she can't travel, Pippa is very much a part of the family and loved by her family in Britain.'

'She'd be very upset if we left her and so would my parents for that matter.

'And she loves going back to Blighty, especially for the British dog snacks which she much prefers to the Belgian ones.'

'It's the uncertainty that's the problem. It drives you barking mad.'

The issue of pet passports is yet to hit the talks table. Detailed discussions are not expected until the transition period, which should begin after 29 March 2019.

However, it is claimed Jean-Claude Juncker took a personal interest in the potential impact on the pet passport scheme.

'We are not only for the free movement of people but for the free movement of pets,' a commission spokeswoman said.

The UK Government has said it is keen to ensure pets are able to travel freely and safely between EU nations and Britain.