Keeping off the Chill
Dog clothing seems to be quite the fashionable thing these days. I can understand how putting a sweater on a short-haired or hairless Chinese Crested might have its point. After all, our domestic dogs are the result of breeding out many of the characteristics of their wild wolf ancestors. These wild forefathers of the pug and Pomeranian could survive no matter what the elements threw at them, including below freezing temperatures for extended periods of time.
Is there anything wrong with clothing your dog?
The only drawback I can find is the possibility that clothing might obscure a dog’s natural body language (raising the hackles, drooping the tail and so forth) from his or her “peers”. Presumably this could lead to some sort of altercation between a couple of canines.
Then there is the matter of tasteless outfits. As far as I’m concerned, this would include, as a subheading, outfits that match a dog’s human companion. But I’m not a big fan of matching anything. A friend of mine has adopted twin girls, and on their birthday I make it a point of NEVER giving them identical dresses.
Dogs are not children
It’s true! But if life in Japan can be a forecast for the future, more and more people will be adopting dogs in lieu of having children. There seems to be a trend of carrying Yorkies in strollers, toting Chihuahuas in purses and even wrapping small dogs in baby slings to wear on your chest.
What about a dog’s dignity?
I don’t think that dogs have the same emotional response as people, but I believe there is truth to the idea that all domesticated animals (well, with the possible exception of the cat) like to contribute to the “pack” survival. You, of course, are part of his or her pack. So put some dog clothing on George the Doberman if you like, but be sure he wears a little backpack on that holds water for the two of you when you go on your next hike!
What does this mean?
I think it means that a dog is happiest if he has appropriate work to do. I don’t believe that “being cute” should be a job description, especially for a dog. Even a little Chihuahua can find something to do to help his adopted family. Maybe he brings you your slippers, one at a time!