Fashion Hounds

What Is Your Dog's Style?

Submitted by Lori Moreland
Owner of Pet Empawrium & Spaw
www.petempawrium.com

I am a big dog lover in both senses. I have a big love of dogs in general and I love BIG practical dogs. I have two Newfoundlands, and both their idea and my idea of dog fashion is au naturale. I realize that most dogs have a style, their look and personality reveal something about their purpose, and maybe something about the human's who love them.

So, I begin with my Newfoundlands. What would their style be? I took my husband's cue on this one. He calls our Newfs "˜green.' Like most giant breeds, Newfs strive to conserve energy. They will perform when they must, but they will never waste an ounce of energy! I would classify most giant dogs as "˜green.' Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Leonbergers would be energy efficient canines.

Using the definition that Haute Couture is fashion-custom made and designed for a specific person or with a specific purpose in mind, the Doberman Pinscher and the Black Russian Terrier are the epitome of Haute Couture in my book. Both of these dogs were developed for very specific purposes. The Doberman was developed by the German Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann as protection, and the Black Russian Terrier by a military kennel to be a part of the national security force.

I know that I am old enough to remember Glam Rock! Lots of hair, energy and winged shoes! Can't you just see the Afghan Hound as a Glam Rocker? All that long hair, and, when they run, can't you see their wings? I can also see Bearded Collies and Australian Shepherds in this group. Hair, wings and energy!

Sophisticated, dramatic, curls and waves. Old Hollywood Glamour can be seen in our dogs too! Borzois, Cocker Spaniels, Irish, English and Gordon Setters. Portuguese Water Dogs and Bedlington Terriers.

Their elegance and style reflect the heyday of the silver screen. On the flip side, there is the New Hollywood Glamour. Tiny skirts and teenier tops. The toy breeds reflect this New Hollywood Glamour best. Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pomeranians are small, and, in some instances, downright tiny. They are also incredibly portable. I know, stars and starlets see them as fashion accessories, but regular folk like to be able to take their dogs with them and pocketbook pooches are much easier to sneak into your local boutique than my Newfs!

Like Ready-to-wear clothing, some dogs are just low maintenance, at least from a coat standpoint. Bulldogs, Weimaraners, Dalmatians, French Bulldogs and Bull Terriers will turn heads with no real grooming effort. (Just don't confuse low maintenance with easy to train!) Winter styles are generally luxurious, plush and snuggly. This category is reserved best for our northern breeds. Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies. Beautiful, luxurious winter coats and all the grace and class to wear them.

Several breeds are native to our great country and are All-American style. The Australian Shepherd, with its less than obvious name, the Boston Terrier, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and the Plott. However, I have no idea what their party affiliations might be!

And last, but not least, the classics. Classic styles never seem to go out of favor, and there are many breeds whose style has been consistently in vogue for the last 10 years. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles and Dachshunds. Among these breeds, just about anyone can find a dog they would own.

One more thing on dog fashion! Just as not everyone can, or should, wear certain types of fashion, not everyone can, or should, have certain breeds or types of dogs. Unlike fashions and styles, which change every season, dogs are a lifetime commitment. They are living, feeling beings and deserve better than to be just a fashion statement.