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Similar to people, clothing tailored for dogs is made for
multiple reasons. Protection from hostile weather conditions is
the primary one. Although most dogs possess coats given to them
by mother nature, the majority of dogs of any breed will prefer
to wear another layer during cold and windy conditions. The
protective footwear shelters a dog's sensitive paws. Yes, dogs
also like to get compliments. In fact, your dog understands what
you say when you compliment it.
Companies sewing dog clothing make apparel made to fit for
canines of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. These vary from the
chic couture for the fashionable dog to premium quality outerwear
for rugged terrain and any weather.
Function and comfort
Before you buy a set of clothes for your dog, it is important to
look for comfort and function. The material from which they will
be made must be of high quality. The stitching must be durable.
The fit must be adjustable so that the dog enjoys complete
freedom of movement. As an owner, you must be able to take it off
and put it on easily. The fabric must be breathable and soft. The
material must be stretchable and need minimum maintenance. It
must also be stylish.
If you and your dog live in temperate climates, then a sweater
during wintertime would be welcomed by your dog. Sweaters
comprise essential components of a winter wardrobe. Dog sweaters
provide the canine with comfortable warmth when the temperature
slides down. A sweater is a must-have for short-haired breeds and
small dogs. Senior dogs and arthritic canines also require a
sweater which will help them to get benefits from another
insulation layer. Dog owners can buy one or all from fleece
hoodies to wool handknits. A few dogs look good and feel cozy in
soft acrylic pullovers.
Foot and outerwear
If your love likes the outdoors, it is a good idea to present it
with outerwear. The latter will protect the dog from hostile
weather elements like rain and snow. Better-Designed outerwear
for a dog will permit the canine to be on top of things with
style and comfort. Search for waterproof rain slickers and puffy
down parkas. It would be excellent if the jacket were a
reversible one. A reflective trim with high visibility would be a
bonus. It would help the dog to stay safe in conditions of low
light. Footwear is important to protect your dog from snow, ice,
mud, and even fire ants. Your dog should not touch pesticides,
road salts, and many kinds of hazardous chemicals. Dog boots
offer traction during wintry conditions while keeping the dog's
foot comfortable and dry. Senior dogs would love the traction
shoes that give them a better grip over treacherous frozen or
slippery surfaces.
How to Measure Dogs for Clothes and Leashes
Every woman knows the fitting-room routine: Always take in three
of everything. You bring in one in the size you think you wear,
plus one size larger and one smaller. Despite years of attempts
at standardizing clothing sizes for people, sizing has become as
much about pandering to the ego as it is about measuring tapes.
Doggie clothing has absolutely no standards, so, unless your
local doggie couture has dressing rooms, fitting your dog can
prove even more difficult than dressing yourself. Here's how to
measure dogs for clothes and leashes.
Expect every doggie designer's line to differ on sizing methods.
Some lines use weight as a guide, others generalize with S-M-L
sizing, and yet others have numerical sizing -- but no two sizing
charts are guaranteed to match up. The good news is that
measuring tape can save you a lot of returns -- if you know how
and where to measure. Three basic measurements will guide you
through most doggie designs.
Three Measurements For your Dog
To measure around the neck, pick the spot where you expect a
collar to ride, generally the narrowest point between shoulder
and jaw. Leave a couple of fingers inside the tape when you
measure. You donโt want a collar too tight, and you want room for
a well-fit collar to rest.
The next measurement youโll need is the โgirth,โ the largest
measurement around the chest. Youโll want clothing to fit closely
to this measurement, especially if youโre fitting a dog that
travels low to the ground. A loose fit in the chest is not only
uncomfortable for your dog but can be a tripping hazard. Measure
the length of your dogโs legs if you plan to include skirts or
tutu styles in your canineโs closet. Especially for small dogs,
rear paws and claws can become entangled in skirts and netting.
The last measurement youโll want, the โbackโ or โlength,โ is the
most complicated. A T-shirt should be longer than a crop shirt,
but shorter than a dress or long coat. For most mid-length
shirts, measure from the โcollarโ to the point on the back where
the ribs end. For a long coat, go to a point a little short of
the tail. For a crop-top or bolero sweater, measure to just
behind the front leg, making sure you leave room for free
movement of the shoulder. Clothing that bunches in the armpit can
produce painful chafing.
Trim Excess
While ensuring doggie clothing matches up with those basic
measurements can avoid most fashion faux pas, a couple more tips
will make your doggie a diva. Some clothes feature โcustomizableโ
snaps, velcro tabs, and straps. These items can improve fit but
are put to better use if you adjust them for your pet, then make
the adjustments permanent. Removing extraneous buttons, getting
rid of irritating extra velcro, and trimming off the ends of
straps once fitted will all make clothes more comfortable.
Consider Fabric
Canine clothes come in diverse fabrics, each of which has its
plusses and minuses. Some are practical -- rain-wear is generally
nylon or rubberized. Fashion clothing, however, comes in
everything from silk to polyester. Stretchy fabrics -- and lots
of materials that have some percentage of elasticized content --
have "give" on size. Cotton breathes well, making your dog cool
and comfy, but provides no slack for sizing. Shopping in person
provides an opportunity to touch fabrics and judge their stretch.
Take that opportunity to judge comfort too. The best-fitting
itchy fabric is still itchy, and your dog can't look gorgeous if
they're scratching all day.
Boots and Footwear
When buying booties, your measuring tape will stand you in good
stead once again. Have your pooch stand on a sheet of paper, then
trace around the paw. Measure from front to back of the resulting
oval, and measure shoes and booties against that length. If your
canine friend has thick paws -- often true of Great
Danes and Boxers -- a second
measurement around the foot may come in handy. If youโre
purchasing products in person, put your hand in the bootie and
measure in the round as well as for length.
Measuring for Leashes
One item that is often forgotten in the fitting room isnโt
strictly clothing, but also benefits from fitting your dog -- and
you! A properly fitted leash allows you to
show your pampered pooch to its best. Walking leashes typically
come in two-, four-, and six-foot lengths. To prevent tugging but
still give good control, your leash should let you put your hand
on your hip comfortably.
A well-fit leash and comfortable clothing let you and your dog
express yourselves however you like!
More on Pet Apparel and Supplies
How to Dress Your Dog for the
Seasons
How to Make a Dog Bed at
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