Dressing up your dog has been done pretty much since the dog first became domesticated.
There are many reasons for dressing your dog, the least of which is simply for fashion’s sake. But some breeds that have been moved from the environment that they have naturally adapted to, say a Chinese Crested that is mostly hairless being raised in Boston, sometimes have issues when trying to maintain their core temperature when outside in the elements.
Many service dogs are typically dressed in some form or another. Military dogs will wear a harness with military insignia, while the very basic idea of “dressing,” the fact that it is not simply a harness makes it not just functional. Seeing-eye dogs have vests to aide in their visibility. Historically some areas that used dogs in battle would often dress them in armor to assist in their protection.
Celebrities and teacup breed owners have raised the standard of dog dressing to a new level, often “blinging out” their pets in actual diamonds. Stores like Target even have “designer” dog clothes available.
Every Halloween stores like PetsMart and Petco have costume contests for their shoppers and their pets. And many of the attendees attest that their dogs “love” the practice.
There is debate as to whether dressing a dog is appropriate and could be considered abuse. Most dogs however do not seem to have issues with the practice. At least as far as one can tell by observing a clothed dog.
Certainly for physical aspects of protection from the elements, injury, and safety, (for instance, a sweater for cold, a bullet proof vest for police work, and a life vest for boating or sailing) one would find it difficult to argue with the practice. But simply for aesthetic concerns one can understand why some people may be against the practice. Like a dog’s relationship to its owner, it is really a personal decision and should be handled in a manner that takes into account the dog’s comfort and health.
Like anything else that you do with your dog, they need to be conditioned to become accustomed to wearing clothing of any sort. If your dog is reluctant and difficult you should really think about the reason you are choosing to dress it up and react accordingly. No one breed is more accommodating when it comes to dressing up. Though some breeds are certainly less combative just by the sheer nature of their disposition. Just make sure that the clothing is made of a quality fabric and is not toxic.
Certainly for physical aspects of protection from the elements, injury, and safety, (for instance, a sweater for cold, a bullet proof vest for police work, and a life vest for boating or sailing) one would find it difficult to argue with the practice. But simply for aesthetic concerns one can understand why some people may be against the practice. Like a dog’s relationship to its owner, it is really a personal decision and should be handled in a manner that takes into account the dog’s comfort and health.
