Do Clothes Make the Dog?

Dear Dog Lady,

I want to get my dog, Foxy, a wire-haired fox terrier, a coat for Christmas. Should I spring for the plush velvet leopard print or the faux fur with the gold chain frog closures?

Millie, Seattle, WA

Millie, don’t be silly. You must be caught up in the “Queer Eye for the Straight Dog” craze. Consider this a dressing down. Don’t dress up dogs. Dogs don’t like wearing clothes. Dog Lady has never seen a dog that looked happy in a wrap -- especially a fake fur.

Dogs have real fur or hair, which keeps them protected in the cold. They’ve adapted over hundreds of years to withstand the elements. They don’t want to be outfitted like Barbie dolls. They like to go naked.

Most mornings, when Dog Lady goes out with her dog, she meets two pugs dressed up in elaborate costumes like circus performers. Dog Lady imagines these two creatures would be so much happier if they were allowed to run around in their birthday suits rather than be trapped in human-made regalia.

As a responsible owner, you don’t need to buy your dog a wardrobe, but you must ensure your dog stays active in winter weather and is warmly sheltered indoors. The best you can do to protect your pet is to wash and dry off your dog’s paws after an outdoor outing – especially if your darling has stepped in ice melting chemicals. Also, be sure to towel off the snow from its natural coat.

Fa, la-la, la-la. If you are determined to don your dog in gay, straight, or leopard apparel, then deck the halls. If it makes you feel cozier to swaddle your dog in garments, suit yourself. Just remember that clothes on dogs are designed for people

Posted by Dog Lady at December 15, 2003 09:13 AM