The Birth of Dog Fashion
Let's imagine rainy England at the beginning of the 18th century; this period can be considered the beginning of the fashionable dog boom. The reasons that forced the British to dress their pets lay not only in climatic conditions, but in their exceptional stiffness.
Gentlemen and ladies considered it indecent to take their pets out into the world “naked”, so the first bulky capes and robes appeared, and the queen of England herself was the trendsetter of dog fashion. Perhaps someone remembers an English children's song called “It Can’t Be” translated by Samuel Marshak?
I give you my word of honor:
Yesterday at half past five
I met two pigs
No hats or boots.
I give you my word of honor!
True, bulky, uncomfortable cloaks and capes were not popular for long. Pet owners wanted something new and unusual.
Clothes for dogs by purpose
Dog clothing is divided into several types according to purpose, which is also taken into account when choosing outfits for your pet.
Decorative
Decorative clothing for dogs is used for performances, for participation in exhibitions, competitions, photo shoots and other events where the pet takes an active part.
This category includes all kinds of elegant suits, tuxedos, dresses, etc. The image of an elegant dog is complemented by various types of jewelry, fashionable hats and beautiful shoes - boots or comfortable booties with various decorations.
Protective
Protective clothing is designed to be worn in cold weather to protect the animal's body from cold air, winds and precipitation.
Popular types of protective clothing for dogs and puppies:
• overalls;
• jackets; • raincoats; • blankets with reflective elements for safe walks in the dark; • pullovers; • pants; • artificial sheepskin coats and much more. The protective category also includes summer clothing that protects your pet from the scorching sun.
Postoperative
For dogs who have undergone surgery, manufacturers create special post-operative clothing. It is necessary to protect wounds from infection.
In the category of postoperative clothing, fabric bandages are fixed on the back with ties or Velcro. They are recommended to be worn after sterilization, cesarean section and other abdominal type surgeries. Bandages gently support the animal's abdominal cavity and prevent postoperative sutures from coming apart.
Hygienic
Hygienic clothing for dogs is designed to protect and maintain cleanliness in the genital area. This category includes knitted panties and bodysuits with disposable pads, which are often used during the period of estrus in bitches. Hygienic clothing is also worn for nursing dogs when it becomes necessary to wean puppies from breastfeeding.
Other types of dog clothing
The range of clothing for dogs is incredibly large. Manufacturers create a wide variety of outfits for our little brothers for everyday wear and going out. Each owner will be able to choose stylish and comfortable clothes for their pet for any occasion - a regular walk around the yard, for performances at sports competitions, for photo shoots, etc.
When buying clothes for your dog, it is very important to choose the right size. First you need to take measurements, measuring the length of your back, chest and neck circumference. There is a special size table from which you can accurately determine the required size of clothing for your pet, taking into account the measurements taken.
You should definitely try on new clothes and see how comfortable they are for your dog. This can be determined by her behavior. It is unacceptable to dress animals in outfits that cause characteristic discomfort.
After each walk, clothes should be cleaned of dirt, washed and dried if necessary. When washing fabric products for dogs, it is not recommended to use powders and other cleaning products that can cause allergies in animals.
Take the choice of clothes for your dog seriously and do not forget to properly care for the products!
Both small and big
One of the first large breeds for which clothing was invented were St. Bernards. As you know, for a long time they specially trained and worked as rescuers in the avalanche-prone Swiss Alps. Brave dogs searched for and dug out people, but while working, their thick fur was covered with a thick layer of snow, which caused discomfort and inconvenience. In addition, snowballs could cause hypothermia and illness, so caring owners and trainers sewed special overalls for dogs.
Comfortable, durable clothing was sometimes worn for sled dogs in Alaska. Here, looking ahead a little, we can also mention police dogs, for whom they sew a special body armor or blanket with rescue dog pockets.
Why do dogs need clothes?
Clothes for dogs perform not only a decorative, but also a practical function. It protects animals from wind, rain, snow, sultry heat or cold.
Every dog has an internal thermoregulation system. Breeds that do not have a thick undercoat and thick fur are most susceptible to freezing in cold weather.
What dogs need clothing for warmth and protection:
• representatives of short-haired breeds;
• trimmed animals; • small dogs with short legs; • elderly dogs; • female dogs during pregnancy and lactation; • puppies and representatives of small decorative breeds. In order not to catch a cold on your four-legged friend while walking in the cool autumn or frosty winter, you need to choose warm and comfortable clothes for him, made from high-quality and waterproof material.
There are different types of outfits for animals, distinguished by style, materials and purpose.
Man in history
One day, an unremarkable fashion designer from Japan decided to sew beautiful clothes for his pet. It turned out to be very comfortable and cute. Passers-by began to pay attention to the dressed-up dog, and those who also had dogs wanted something similar for themselves. So a fashion designer named Yakio Kato retrained as a dog designer. In 1981, he even opened his own dog fashion house and was one of the first to sew dresses for dogs, robes, T-shirts and other interesting accessories.
Today, things for four-legged pets are produced not only by companies specializing in pet products, but also by such well-known brands as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry.
Website about dogs
Clothes for dogs are the most useful attribute in the arsenal of care products for our pets. If just recently it was mostly small, pampered decorative dogs who were sporting vests, suits and overalls, now you can increasingly see a dressed Doberman, Collie or Labrador.
Such clothing is not only protection from wind and frost for dogs without undercoat (German boxer, bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, pug, pinscher and others), but also a real lifeline for owners of dogs of long-haired breeds (Pekingese, Spitz, collie, spaniel). Now they don’t have to bathe their dogs after every rainy and slushy walk - just wash their paws and dry their overalls.
The clothes for pets were also appreciated by owners of show dogs. For them, this is a real salvation when traveling to exhibitions over long distances. The dog's fur on the road can get dirty and spoil the impression of the dog in the ring. To ensure that no incidents happen on the road, it is enough to put on a special blanket or overalls on the dog.
Finally, owners of sporting and hunting dogs also liked this type of clothing. Competitions or competitions among working dogs take place outdoors in all weather conditions and often last for quite a long time. To prevent your dog from catching a cold while waiting for its exit or the announcement of the results, you should buy clothes for it and always take it with you to such events.
DIY dog clothes
Good news for needlewomen. In order to dress up your pet, it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money on ready-made suits and overalls in pet stores. If you are good with knitting needles, you are quite capable of making, for example, such a knitted costume for a dog.
There are several advantages to such clothing for dogs. Firstly, you will be able to fit the costume to your dog as accurately as possible, making the necessary adjustments during the manufacturing process. After all, it is not always possible to choose ready-made clothes that will perfectly fit your pet’s figure. Secondly, your pet will be unique. It’s much more pleasant to walk with a dog whose clothes emphasize his uniqueness and inimitable beauty, isn’t it?
Recently, costume competitions have been increasingly held at various dog shows. We are sure that if you decide to knit a costume for a dog, your pet will be guaranteed not only a high rating from the judges, but also an audience award.
You can also sew clothes for your dog. To do this, select a pattern (it can be found on special websites) and adjust it to the size of your pet. Choose fabrics that are light and warm. If your dog has short legs (dachshund, basset) or long hair, be sure to make the entire product or just the bottom waterproof.
Try to ensure that sewn clothing does not have internal seams - for dogs with short hair and delicate skin, they will create severe discomfort. When choosing a fastener option, consider the dog's coat type. Zipper or Velcro closures are very convenient to use, but if your dog's long or curly hair gets caught in them, using the garment will be a real pain for both him and you. In this case, give preference to a closure with buttons, snaps or hooks.
How to choose the right ready-made clothes for your dog
If you don’t have time to bother with making clothes yourself, go to a pet store after taking your dog’s measurements. Important measurements are chest circumference, neck circumference, body length (from the withers to the base of the tail), and the distance between the front legs. If possible, come with your dog or agree on an exchange if you don't get the right size. Clothing that is too tight or too loose will not perform its protective function.
Best Sweaters for Dogs
Some representatives of smooth-haired and hairless breeds freeze already with the arrival of autumn, experiencing discomfort even at home. Don't want your pet to warm up under your blanket? Buy him a quality golf sweater, sweatshirt or sweater. In addition to the guaranteed portion of tenderness received from seeing an animal in stylish clothes, you will give it the necessary comfort and protect it from colds.
Croci Cubic Dog Hoodie
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
98%
buyers recommend this product
A fashionable sweatshirt from the Croci brand will appeal to both the pet and its owner. The unisex model is made of gray-turquoise cotton. The insulated item has a fleece lining, a hood, long sleeves and a decorative pocket on the back.
A loose-fitting sweatshirt does not restrict movement during active walks, keeping your pet warm in cool and windy weather. Thanks to the use of natural material in tailoring, the product withstands any type of washing and does not deform even after many years of wear.
Advantages:
- Stylish unisex model;
- Warm;
- Natural material;
- Does not require specialized care.
Flaws:
- Available in one size only.
Thanks to its softness and versatility, the Croci sweatshirt is suitable for any medium breed dog. Back length – 40 cm. Optimal for beagles, cocker spaniels, sharpeis.
Arnydog “Rhombus” Sweater for dogs
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
The Arnydog Long Knit Golf Sweater is a unisex piece that will keep your heat-loving pet warm during the cooler months of summer, early fall and late spring. The model has a high neck and short sleeves.
A soft black sweater with a laconic red and white graphic pattern will not cause irritation on the body even if worn for a long time by a Chinese Crested or other hairless dog.
"Rhombus" is available in sizes from XS to XL and is suitable for many breeds. In addition to normal use, this golf can also be used as a winter lining for thin demi-season overalls.
Advantages:
- Wide size grid;
- Versatile;
- Soft and warm;
- Not easily soiled;
- It's inexpensive.
Flaws:
- Requires careful washing.
A sweater from Arnydog will be especially appreciated by owners of dachshunds, pugs, corgis and other heat-loving breeds with non-standard physiques, for which it is very difficult to choose suitable casual clothing.
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