A Chinese zoo has been accused of attempting to deceive visitors with two dogs painted to appear as panda bears.

The pair of dogs have been dyed black and white in an exhibit at Taizhou Zoo.

The zoo, which opened on May 1, told Chinese state media that the animals were Chow Chows painted black and white to resemble giant pandas.

Officials added that they had clearly advertised them as "panda dogs" and insisted they did not make any false claims.

On Friday, the dogs were reportedly still on display at the zoo where the number of people coming to see them remained "at a normal level".

There are currently no real pandas housed at the zoo.

The display has been criticised by state media and online users for "misleading visitors" and "mistreating the dogs".

"It is not funny at all to dye Chow Chow dogs to attract tourists," one person wrote on the social media platform Weibo.

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"Their fragile skin and naturally thick coats make them susceptible to skin diseases."

However, zoo chiefs defended their actions, saying the dogs had not been harmed.

"Normal people dye their hair," a spokesperson told Qilu Evening News.

"Dogs can dye their hair, too. It’s the same as hair."

It comes after a zoo in eastern China denied allegations that some of its bears might be people in costumes after images of one of their bears standing on its hind legs drew speculation online.

Hangzhou Zoo, home to sun bears which are found in southeast Asia, said this type of bear looked noticeably different to others.

The pictures, which show a bear standing at the edge of its enclosure with its fur sagging above its legs, prompted accusations that the creature was really a zoo employee in disguise.