Pink Tutus Vs. NFL Dog Collars

In a world where Paris Hilton has her own collection of couture canine fashion--including bubble dresses for little dogs, diamond Eiffel Tower collar charms, and pink puppy pajamas--I'd say that clothing and accessories for dogs has reached new dimensions. More and more, America is into doggy fashion--there are even doggy reality shows, doggy runway shows and red carpet events for designer doggy apparel. Coming from someone who never thought much beyond dressing my dog in anything more than a collar, I often find it amusing--and sometimes disturbing--to look at trends in canine fashion.

Probably a mainstay in dog accessories are sports-related collars, such as NFL dog collars--I've even seen a Nascar dog collar recently on a friend's dog. People even dress their dogs in MLB dog jerseys, which is somehow easier to take in than a yorkie in a bubble dress. They say that pets are a reflection of their owners. And I truly believe this to be the case, particularly with people like Paris Hilton and the hardcore football fans (like myself) who dress their dogs in NFL dog collars. But there is more to an animal's reflection of its owner than what the owner makes the pet wear. I once had a cat when I lived alone in an apartment, and I talked to the cat so much (from the time it was a kitten) that as an adult, it was always very vocal--always meowing no matter how content it was. I've even seen dogs that seemed to take on physical features of their owners, or vise versa. It's so strange how that happens sometimes.

But back to doggy fashion...You can get anything from doggy raingear to formal wear to pajamas, as I mentioned before. You can find doggy sunglasses, hats, Halloween costumes, ballerina tutus, sweatsuits, polo shirts, hoodies, puffer jackets, and more. As "adorable" as these things can be on our pets, have you ever noticed how the animal never looks very happy or comfortable? This is why I think things like MLB dog jerseys and NFL dog collars are okay, but a camo vest or a tuxedo? Come on now. Even the Nascar dog collar on my friend's dog was acceptable--after all, it is still just a collar. I'm glad my friend had enough sense to not go all crazy and get a racecar helmet or driving gloves for his dog.

What does our canine fashion sense say about us as Americans? Well, ultimately, I think it says that we like to have fun with accessories. And to a degree, I think it's okay to accessorize our pets, within reason. A tee-shirt or sweater here and there is fine, but why make your "best friend" uncomfortable in an itchy pink tutu? MLB dog jerseys--no problem. But a zip-up, fur collared bomber jacket? We've got to draw the line somewhere, right? I have a feeling doggy fashion is going to become even more elaborate as time goes on. I, for one, am happy to stick to simple NFL dog collars. My dog is pretty happy with that idea, too.