Bizarre China ‘trend’ sees hotel cash in $45k by using a dog as a porter

It’s the small act of kindness that has gone viral, and a unique perk at one hotel stay that has resulted in tends of thousands of dollars in revenue.

A four-legged dog by the name of Hakimi has not only become a viral internet sensation — but also made some sweet extra coin for his hotel owners as well.

The black and white husky is employed by the owner of a homestay in the famous tourist city of Lijiang, Yunnan province, in southwestern China, as reported by South China Morning Post.

The Husky acts as a porter at the hotelstay.

And while most hotel pets are to merely meet and greet guests, Hakimi the husky has a slightly more detailed role — as a porter.

The cute canine gig of transporting guest luggage from arrival to their room, is a perk that has attracted many tourists to the property and generated tips and revenue as high as 200,000 yuan (AU$43,000) over a three-day period.

Along with attracting tourists to physically experience the services offered by Hakimi, it has also generated a wide reception online.

This new trend in China has earnt one hotel tens of thousands.

The dog’s owner, Xu, said that when he opened his 9-room accommodation, he began raising the husky.

“When Hakimi came to our home, it [the dog] was very energetic,” Xu said in an interview with Cover News.

“Last April, when I took it out to play and had the idea of having it try pulling a trolley, to my surprise, it learned right away.

“We never trained it. At first, it would occasionally turn over or bump into people, but it improved through practice. Its skills have improved. Also, it rarely destroys things at home, probably because it uses up its energy outside.”

The husky loves to play with his cat friend during down time.

Xu assured social media fans that his dog is only working to haul in luggage when a tourist makes the request, and believes his four-legged friend loves doing the 200m journey from the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town to the homestay.

“We only take it out to transport luggage when guests request it,” he said, adding that a vast majority of visitors stay at his accommodation especially for Hakimi’s services.

“Many guests ask for it, and the dog usually does this about three to six times a day.

“Each video gets between one and 10 million views. Hakimi has become a ‘little fortune bringer’ for the homestay. At its peak, it brought in 200,000 yuan in online revenue in just three days,” Xu added.

The husky loves to pull sleds and is an athletic breed. Picture: iStock

According to the American Kennel Club, a Husky is typically thickly coated and a compact build with great endurance.

The breed was developed to work in packs, pulling light loads at moderate speeds over vast frozen expanses.

The dog is generally “friendly, fastidious, and dignified”.

“Quick and nimble-footed, they are known for their powerful but seemingly effortless gait,” the website read.