World’s oldest dog fashionista

Anyone could have predicted that a dog named Chanel was destined to be a clothes horse…uh, hound. But there was no way to know that the little Long Island dachshund would live for 21 years and nab a place in Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest dog. Clad in spiffy red Doggles to shield…

Japanese dog dressing, part 1

I have no hard data, but anecdotal evidence and online research suggest that Japan is the world’s Number 1 dog dressing nation. The size and breed range of dogs involved, the array and elaborateness of their outfits, the variety of events providing canine fashion occasions, the widespread enthusiasm for the practice… Japan rules the roost…

CATs for dogs?

Ok, this is going to be my last eyewear post. I don’t want you to think it’s an obsession. But I’m a sucker for working dogs — that’s right, Frankie; if I thought you were qualified for anything besides being charming, you’d be out earning your keep — and couldn’t resist reporting on the new…

Sunglasses, part 3 — Form & Function

Looking for an excuse to put cool shades on your pup? Dogs need protection against UVA, UVB and UVC rays, just like people do. Overexposure to the sun’s rays can create cataracts, photokeratitis, corneal adhesions and other really unpleasant conditions. Dogs need protection from getting stuff in their eyes, just like people do. If your…

Sunglasses, part 2 — Elvis

Elvis is in the building. Amy Haskell, photographer extraordinaire, has answered my urgent email requests for Elvis-in-clothes photos with one that fits right into my current fashion theme: Dog shades. The original caption was “Bad Elvis. Stealing your sister’s glasses.” By “sister” Amy means the baby (human) she recently had. I guess I needn’t worry…

Of poodles and Portuguese water dogs

Poodles have gotten a bad rap. Not only were these super-smart pups once renowned as water-fowl retrievers, but their much maligned coifs were job related. The natural coats of standard “pudels” — German for “splashes in water” — are thick and water absorbent. To help the dogs move more swiftly through water, portions of fur…

Germany’s finest: Dogs in blue (shoes)

Blame the Duesseldorf drunks — or thank them for their contribution to dog fashion. In February, 2008, 20 police dogs in Germany were fitted with blue booties to protect their feet from the glass shards left by revelers on the cobblestone streets of  Duesseldorf’s old town. Most of the pups involved in the program were,…

Giving dog couture a bad name

I’m all for letting people spend their money on what they like. And if Thai designer Riwin Jirapolsek had created a $4.2 million tiara for his wife, rather than his Maltese, this wouldn’t be a story. Many humans like pricey baubles as status symbols. But dogs can’t distinguish real emeralds and diamonds — the tiara…