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Dog Clothes: A Brief History

  • 13/08/2012

Have you ever wondered how dog clothes became a part of today's culture? The history of dog clothing is very interesting and it may not be what you expected. Clothing designed for your dog was not always the iconic image of fashion with a hint of sensibility mixed in that's sold today. In fact, they went through many stages before becoming the stylish and fun outfits you see pets everywhere wearing.

The military was actually the first to use dog clothes. They were designed to protect military dogs in the same way that armour and uniforms helped to protect the soldiers fighting next to them. They were created with this specific function in mind, not for fashion. These brave and dedicated dogs needed protection from the changing weather and sometimes, even attacks. These uniforms did their jobs and helped keep these amazing canines safer.

Police, firefighters and other organisations that we commonly look to for keeping the public safe, were the next group to use dog clothing. These uniforms were used partly for protection but they also distinguished one group from the other. For example, you can recognise a police dog in a crowd and tell which department he works for by its uniform. Seeing Eye dogs and other helper dogs were next in line to receive clothing. Their uniforms make it easy for the people to know the owner has some type of disability.

For years, dog clothes were used to symbolise some type of special training, then it began to expand and clothing for family pets started to appear. At first, pet owners dressed their dogs in Christmas and Halloween outfits just for kicks. Before long, celebrities began dressing their pets in fancy outfits. These were mainly just for show.

Over time, dog clothes became more acceptable for the average pet and many practical designs were introduced to consumers. These include T-shirts, jerseys, tanks, sweaters and winter outfits such as hooded jackets with fur, raincoats and boots for wet and cold climates.

Today, buying clothing for your dog is as common as buying it for yourself. They still serve a practical purpose by keeping your pet warm and dry. In addition, they help protect your pet from cuts and scrapes they can encounter when playing. However, style is right up there at the top of the list when it comes to doggie clothing. You can even buy outfits for weddings, birthdays, sports and many other special occasions.

Military and other working dogs still wear their uniforms although; they have changed somewhat over the years to become more stylish and more durable. For example, police and military dogs have bulletproof vest now that can protect their vital organs from bullets when out in the field.

Dog clothing has been around much longer than many people realise. Just as humans need warmth and protection, so do our animals. They also look great wearing these outfits around no matter what size dog you have. Since dog owners want the best for their furry little friends, dog clothes are becoming more and more popular every year.

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