Dangerous dogs have long been the bane of the postman’s profession, but these pet pooches seem two unlikely suspects to have hounded their local mailman.

Pomeranian pup Fred and Yorkshire Shih Tzu breed Honey have been accused of snapping at the postman’s hands, despite being too small to reach the letter box at their home.

Owner Maureen Rose, who walks her dogs on Hampstead Heath, received an “insulting” letter from her local delivery office threatening legal action and a stoppage on deliveries to her address unless she kept her pets under better control.

But it would be nigh-on impossible for wheezy Fred – an asthma sufferer – and Honey, who has to take medication for breathing problems, to even reach the letterbox.

On their hind legs the nine-year-old pet pooches stand just 12 inches off the ground.

Ms Rose, a 54-year-old former postwoman, said: “I love my dogs to bits, this is just persecuting the defenceless.

When I read the letter I just could not believe anyone was coming out with such proper rot.

“They’re like my little babies because I don’t have any children.”

In the letter, seen by the Ham&High, Ms Rose is accused of having a “potentially dangerous dog” which could threaten the postman’s safety.

Royal Mail spokeswoman Sally Hopkins claimed there are around 4,000 dog attacks on staff every year – some of which have led to serious injury.

She said: “Our main aim is to prevent attacks.

“If we feel there is a risk from a dog, or any other animal, at an individual address, we are committed to working with the customer to agree simple steps to ensure that we can deliver the mail safely.”

Ms Rose is considering legal action and claims some of her neighbours with small dogs have received similar letters from the Hornsey Road delivery office in Islington.

“One old boy with a Jack Russell has a letter box on a wall to the side of his door and he has also received a letter,” said Ms Rose, who lives in Archway.

“It just feels as if we have been targeted by someone who has something against small dogs.

“To be honest I just don’t understand it.”