Pet accessories
There have always been those dogs that exude a certain air of vanity. Poodles are most famous for their coiffed 'dos, bows and manicured nails. The silky locks of a Maltese or Shih Tzu practically just beg for silky ribbons. And let's not forget the spiky collars adorning many a scary dog named, well, "Spike".
Yet lately, one is hard-pressed to see any breed of dog without some kind of ornamental accessory -- be it a glittering bejewelled collar, sporty goggles (called "doggles") or a spiffy designer carrier to perch in. It seems the boundary between "family pet" and "furry child" has grown steadily more blurred with pet owners more than happy to lap up the latest in pet trends.
Posh pets
Kristy Carruthers, owner of Poshpup.ca an online pet accessories store based in B.C., says the pet boutique market has grown increasingly over the last five years as fashion trends and designer labels now come in pet-friendly versions. "A person's pet is a reflection of themselves," she explains. "When people buy something they like for themselves, they'll buy it for their pet too."
Indeed, any make, size, colour or brand in today's fashion is available in doggy-form: hoodies, Hawaiian shorts (that even absorb pee -- sorry fellas, dogs only), crystal necklaces, charm bracelets…the list is endless.
Practical and cool accessories
Carruthers does points out that many pet accessory items have a practical element as well. She admits she thought "doggles" were silly at first, but then found out albino breeds or dogs with cataracts benefit greatly from them. Dog booties also help breeds with sensitive feet and are great for dogs taking long treks through icy snow.
Carruthers' most popular items are what she terms "practical, but cool", such as stylish carriers for smaller dogs or large collars with crystal lettering. "Even big dogs need bling," she says.
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