The doggy wears Prada

By KRISTI ALBERTSON

Fashion for pets can be serious business

The Daily Inter Lake

A dog might not mind wearing last season's jacket or worry whether that sweater makes it look fat.

Many owners, however, are becoming increasingly conscious of doggy fashions that are so last year.

This year's well-dressed dogs are decked in everything from neckties to cashmere sweaters. Overalls and concert T-shirts from the Black Eyed Paws or Bone Jovi are available for everyday wear.

There also are, of course, outfits for those special occasions. Luther, a local dachshund, won a best costume award at a dog show this summer for dressing like a bronco, complete with reins and saddle. He walked with owner Dawn Triplett's daughter, who dressed as a cowgirl.

"It was a lot of fun," Triplett said.

On most days, Luther runs around in his birthday suit. During the winter, he doesn't spend much time outside and doesn't often need to bundle up.

"But I totally understand owners with dogs that have outfits on. With short hair, they need them to stay warm," Triplett said. "You might as well make them cute at the same time, right?"

Triplett's sister-in-law, Linda Herset, makes Luther's wardrobe. Herset has her own company, LH Creations. She sews wedding dresses from her Kila home but hopes to begin making dog clothes for more than just the family pets.

"That's where I want to go," she said. "I'm experimenting now. … I always thought it'd be fun."

It may be profitable, too. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates owners will spend $38.4 billion on their pets this year, an increase of nearly $10 billion in just five years. That figure covers things such as food and trips to the veterinarian, but much of the industry's growth has come from pet retail and specialty services.

Pet fashion is gaining momentum, but, like designer clothes for people, the most stylish outfits are made for small frames. Sandra Carriveau, a groomer at Petco, says the lack of cute clothes for "plus-sized dogs" is frustrating.

"It's not fair they have to go elsewhere to find clothes," she said.

She held up a white faux-mink coat emblazoned with a Barbie logo. It's something she'd like to buy for her American Staffordshire terrier, Ohana, but even a large size isn't big enough to fit the dog's barrel chest.

"They really should have Barbie clothes for us pit bull owners," she said.

Carriveau's coworker, Katrina Libby, says many owners treat the store's grooming room like a dressing room and bring in outfits for their dogs to try on. Others simply "grab and go," she said - they find the garment they want in the size they need and leave without giving style much consideration.

But for some owners, the perfect dog outfit is as elusive as a well-fitting pair of jeans.

"The little old ladies go nuts," Carriveau said. "They try the different hats on their little dogs and ask, 'Which one looks best?'"

Whether a dog owner is shopping for fashion or functionality, the primary goal is keeping the animal warm, Libby said. She knows people with four or five outfits for one little dog and others who simply want to shield their short-haired companions from the elements.

"I think the animal's comfort is the main concern," she said.

Dog clothing sales pick up this time of year, general manager Maria Ahmet said.

Cold-weather gear, especially sweaters and booties, is currently the most popular. Thanks largely to the Flathead's first big snow of the season, she said, "sales right now are wonderful."

Dog booties are a relatively new phenomenon, Ahmet said. She attributes their popularity to a spike in winter hiking. Owners want to protect their pets' paws from the snow and ice.

"It's really a valuable thing," she said.

Booties also protect paws from the salt on sidewalks, she added. There is special salt that won't harm pet feet, but general sidewalk salt is hard on paws.

And while some garments are adorned with ruffles and lace, winter clothing tends to be practical.

"Most of the really weather stuff is warm and doesn't have that frill on it," Ahmet said.

Clothes sans frill are available for dogs of all sizes.

Hunters can buy camouflage or bright orange outfits. Cause-conscious canines can sport orange silicone collars - the Animal Cancer Foundation's equivalent of the Livestrong band.

But options abound for those who prefer a little ice. Tiaras and barrettes can doll up furry little princesses. Carriveau bought rhinestone charms to spell Ohana's name on her collar.

"You can get as much bling as you want," she said.

People who shop for more ostentatious outfits tend to be young women, "the Paris Hilton-type people with their Chihuahuas," Libby said.

The store does, however, see the occasional macho man with a Pomeranian. Some guys kneel and rifle through the racks of clothes, Carriveau said, but they cast a lot of self-conscious glances around while they do.

"I just think it's nice that they do it, though," she said, "because it just means they're taking care of their pets."

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com