Why Do We Dress Our Pets?
Why do we dress our little Chihuahuas and Yorkies up in fancy and sometimes expensive clothes? It is a curious habit of our species to personnify other species so that we may better relate to them.
People wear clothes to protect our skin from cuts and scratches and keep us warm in cold weather. We have also clothed our animals for centuries, although these days, dog clothes are utilized more as a fashion statement and hobby than to actually keep a dog dry and warm. Dressing our animals in clothing dates all the way back to King Arthur, when they covered their horses to both protect and identify them. Police dogs have also worn protective clothing for decades to keep them safe and warm in bad weather, as well as to identify to the public that they are specially trained and working dogs.
In the US, the main purpose of most dogs is companionship, and especially the smallest breeds, such as the Shi-Tzu and Chihuahua, were bred specifically for this purpose and no other. Smaller dogs, through decades of controlled breeding, were developed to have a big personality in a very small package. An unfortunate result of their small size is their general lack of physical fortitude. The very tiny breeds are often fraught with sensitivities to cold, weak joints and delicate structures. It is for this reason that these breeds benefit from clothing made specifically for dogs, and since the pet clothing industry caters mostly to small dogs, there is a wide selection of clothing options available.
Even a thin layer of material such as a t-shirt can help keep your dog warm. As your dog ages, it’s metabolism slows down and it may not be able to stay outside in cold weather as long. On cold days, it is advised to keep outings short, unless your dog is wearing a thick doggie coat or waterproof parka.
Dressing a dog in clothes sounds ridiculous and superfluous to many people, but most dog owners treat their pets as a member of their family. Our dogs have regular doctor visits, special diets and rigid schedules, just like the rest of the family. If you have a small dog that is sensitive to cold, why not care for it’s needs too and put a coat on it when you are going outside for a walk?
A wide range of styles are available in dog clothing, including special holiday outfits, hats and sunglasses. While all of the products out there may not really be necessary, there are quite a few viable options for even the most utilitarian dog owner.
To ensure the best fit for your dog, measure the circumference of the neck and chest (just behind the front legs), and the length of his back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Since there isn’t a standard size for animal clothes, you’ll need these measurements to buy properly fitted clothing and gear.