Few things look more adorable than a dog dressed in boots, a sweater and a pom-pom hat, or a dog in a cute or clever costume for Halloween. But there are many reasons to dress your dog besides how precious he or she will look in a fashionable ensemble!

• Some dogs, particularly small breeds, feel the cold more acutely than most people realize. And small dogs tend to get cold faster than larger breeds. A sweater or coat on a cold day can make outdoor time more pleasant for your pet. If you’re shivering in the cold, chances are your dog feels it, too.

• Raincoats aren't just fashionable springtime wear, they protect your dog. Animal fur does protect dogs against water, but it can only protect them so much. Once the dog’s fur gets wet enough to soak through to the skin, the dog can grow cold more quickly than if his or her skin stayed dry. Short-haired breeds are more susceptible to rain and wet conditions than long-haired dogs.

• Snow and ice can damage a dog's pads, so dog boots, while cute, do more than make people giggle. They protect your dog’s feet from the harsh elements. Dogs that walk and run over rugged terrain, like dogs used for hunting or tracking, can benefit from rugged boots designed for rough landscapes. Even the tiniest dogs can be made more comfortable with boots, especially in the winter when it’s necessary to walk on ice, snow and salt. Cracked pads are painful, but prevention in the form of boots can save your doggie’s paws.

• Dogs can sunburn, too. Clothing, whether light garments in the summer or warm coats in the winter, protect your dog from the sun. Dogs with light hair and pink skin are especially sensitive to the sun’s rays, just as we are. You’ve got another reason to dress your pooch in that sassy T-shirt for a day at the park—sun protection! And consider putting sunscreen on your dog’s ears, nose and stomach if you’re planning much time in the sun. Your vet can recommend a brand that will work well on your dog.

Before you write off the idea of dog clothing as something cutesy and unnecessary, consider how you feel when you go from a nice warm house to the cold outdoors. If your dog lives indoors with you, your pet is used to the same toasty, warm environment. You wouldn’t go outside in mid-winter for any length of time wearing only your regular clothes and a pair of thin slippers! So, bundle up your pup against the weather, and make sure outside time is comfortable and fun.

See our Full Line of Adorable Dog Clothes!

Sorry, I think I will "PASS" on dressing my dogs in clothes and boots

I use to think clothing on a dog was cute but not on my dog!!!   Until my daughter got me a Shih Tzu and took "US" shopping   Now all I do is shop or sew dresses for her...lol...shes got it all, from bikinis to  winter coats.  My baby will never be nekked again   Thanks for the website info...see ya later...I'm going shopping

Hmmmm, fashion for Newfys, rubber boots and rain gear, mostly  bright yellow.

So what would be fashionbally correct for a Beagle?

This thread should had been called "Why pimp my Dawg"?

Dero...I think yellow would look nice on Daisy....it'll bring out her brown eyes and it'll look good on her complexion....

Um...I don't think I want to be a headline in the local newspaper cuz my 100 pound Rott kicked my butt while I was tryin to put a "tutu" on him!!    No thanks...what robber would be afraid of a big dog dressed as Bozo runnin at him ??   

Oh I get it~~~ the original post is a big advertisement!!!!!! 

There is a link at the bottom of the post to her site.

uh huh- even without the ad link...don't you know if you dress up your dog, all the other dogs laugh & make fun of them.....shhheeelllloooooooo!!!

good mother of God... I think I'll buy Edgar a top hat

Better yet...buy Sampson a Tuxedo and penny loafers

OMG... I just checked out the adorable doggy clothes web site...it even sells dog caskets for over $500.00 even with the side bar handles, for the 6-8 "PAW" bearers (sorry, couldn't resist)

Many people do realize that clothing does serve it's purpose for dogs. It's not just about cute. Dog clothing protects them from the elements.

Many people feel that their dog is NOT just a dog, it is a member of their family. Thank goodness enough people feel that way. Animals are still the most innocent, forgiving and loving creatures in this world.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

I  don't believe that because i chose not to dress my dogs up that they are not part of my family.......I just chose not to do it...or have anymore on them in 100+ heat than they already have.   My babies are some of the most spoiled and loved more than most humans are loved.    Thanks

Hello everyone,

I have Chinese Crested dogs... and mine are the True Hairless type (CC's come in haired=Powder Puff and naked= Hairless!!

My doglets dont just have some clothes... they have wardrobes! Because doggy clothing is so pricey.... I go to PetEdge.com to get most of their clothes but for REALLY good deals... I actually go to the PetEdge's showroom...they have the most wonderful 'sale' prices of tons of returned doggy clothing. Doggy clothes that normally sell for $15.00 and up are marked down to just s few dollars!

One of my favorites are the doggy sunglasses... look at my pics for a picture of my beloved Percy wearing his sunglasses! He actually wears them when ever we go bye bye... he does not ever try to get them off...he is soooo cute!!

For wintertime, we get lots of snow here... my doglets all wear full body jammies. I usually make these myself for my doglets. I use bright multi colored fleece.

Summertime though my doglets usually go naked once they get their summer tan! I use plenty of special sumblock of course.

Now my 117 pound Doberman does not wear clothes... a bandanna is as close as clothes he will tolerate! LOL!

Bill???

If I sew a itsy-bitsy tinnie-wennie, yellow poka-dot bikini for Nova, will you let her wear it? I promise it it look just like the one Queen wears well almost the same....Mel's doesn't have a place for a tail to come out of