Small Dog Clothes on Celebrity Pets

Although dogs have always been considered one of the most popular—if not the most popular—type of pet, the recent glut of celebrities who seem to be permanently attached to their dog, especially those that are considered to be in the “small dog” category, has led to a rise in the popularity of owning small dogs.

Nowhere is this more prevalent that in the celebrity world.  Well-known personalities such as Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton are almost never seen without their dogs.  It is rare that a photograph of these ladies is taken where the dogs are not featured.

They are not the only celebrities who own small dogs, however (or are owned by small dogs, as the case may very well be).  Tori Spelling is owner of (or owned by, whichever way it is viewed) by an adorable pug named Mimi La Rue; Dame Elizabeth Taylor is also another famous small dog owner.

One would think, however, that a small dog would be owned almost exclusively by a woman.  That is not always the case.  A website devoted to celebrity dogs (and not necessarily just those dogs owned by actors or actresses, but by presidents, sports figures, and other well-known people), listed Brett Favre as owning a Yorkshire terrier; Ted Danson owned pugs; Bob Dole had a Miniature Schnauzer.

It is often quite amusing to see a picture of a celebrity and her (or his) dog, and notice that the small dog clothes being worn by the animal are as opulent, fashionable, and in some cases expensive as the clothing being worn by the celebrity.  Further, there are actually clothing stores, many offering “upscale” fashions that cater strictly to small dog clothes. A quick search of the Internet revealed over 30 “hits” for “boutiques” and clothing stores devoted exclusively to clothing for the well-dressed dog in the Beverly Hills/Los Angeles area alone. 

It would seem, however, that celebrities are not content to just dress their furry companions in the height of fashion.  Some believe that if they have access to services such as manicures and pedicures, as well as those amenities offered by spas, then so should their dogs.

The 2006 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, was one such place where spa services were offered to celebrities and their pets.   Those attending were offered spa treatments at the same time, in the same area, so that they would not have to be separated for even a minute. 

Not to be outdone, LA-based celebrity dog spa Chateau Marmutt offered to trim nails, give relaxing massages geared specifically to small dogs, baths, hair care and styling, and other special amenities to their petite canine guests.

As is quite common with any pet, no matter the size, small dogs are often regarded more as a member of the family as they are a pet.  It is not therefore no longer unusual to see more and more people who are not necessarily considered as having celebrity status, carrying their small dog with them wherever they go.

One website, however, warned consumers that pet lovers who wish to dress their little darlings in the same style of small dog clothes as those of more famous dogs, and as a result, go shopping in fancy pet boutiques such as those found in New York City can expect to pay as much as $60, if not more, for a miniature coat or sweater. 

This same website also cautioned about pet owners, celebrity or otherwise, who buy expensive clothing for their dogs, but neglect to provide proper veterinary care for their animals.   It is stressed that vet bills and bills for the essentials should be taken care of first, before money is spent on fancy small dog clothes and accessories. 

Further, there is a growing concern that many celebrities are “forgetting” that the dogs are just that—dogs, and may sometimes, inadvertently, not take into consideration that their beloved four-footed friend may tire more easily, or may not be able to tolerate the same environment for the same amount of time that a celebrity can. 

That having been said, where can the average person go to buy the small dog clothes that have been made so popular by the likes of “Mimi La Rue” Spelling, “Tinkerbell” Hilton, and other chi-chi canines?  The places where such fashions are available may just come as a shock.

A search of the Internet revealed that small dog clothes, some that it is claimed to have been once worn, or that are similar to those worn by “celebrity dogs” can be found on EBay® at a more drastically reduced cost than one would be expected to pay if one bought the outfit from a “boutique” or specialty store catering to small dog clothes. 

Other on-line pet websites such as www.swankpets.com offer small dog clothes that were created by the same designer (yes, that is correct—there are designers who devote themselves to the creation of small dog clothes) that the celebrities use for their dogs.  Anyone's dog can be dressed just like a favorite celebrity dog, but for a fraction of the price.

It would be supposed that if one chose to dress one’s pet in the designer small dog clothes that are seen in Hollywood, one would naturally expect that those who observe the family pet dressed in that manner would be able to recognize the particular style.  However, if that should not be the case, one might find oneself having to come up with a unique way of making sure that it is duly noted that the small dog clothes being worn by the family pet have that special distinction.