Is That a Lipi-Cat Fur Coat You're Wearing Or Is It Really Someone's Lost Dog?

Real fur has a quality to it that simply cannot be replicated, even by the best of the fake fur products. Despite some peoples' strong anti-fur sentiments, there will always be those who love the pure luxurious look and feel of the real thing.

As with just about everything these days, there are quality products and there are cheap knockoffs, so it is of paramount importance that you purchase from reputable furriers to protect yourself. After all, the end goal is a one of a kind item, so integrity in the production of it should be equally important. Currently, there is a huge market for cheap imitations, especially from China, where the manufacturing process is not regulated. In fact, when purchasing non-domestic clothing or accessories, there is a strong likelihood that whatever you're buying is in reality the hide of a domestic dog or cat, so buyer beware.

Reputable furriers engage in the highly specialized trade of designing, maintaining and repairing fur products. While humans have hunted animals for their meat and pelts for tens of thousands of years, the furrier guilds regulating the trapping and trade of animal pelts were formed in Europe as far back as the 14th century. Today, of course, except in the very coldest regions of the world, fur is a more a luxury item used for clothing, hats, blankets and throws, and various other accessories. Domestic furriers continue to satisfy the demands of their customers by producing the finest products using only hides from managed wildlife or farmed animals.

In the international fur trade, when domestic animals are used, the pelts are often dyed to look like a familiar animal. Coats and hats with clever names of non-existent animals, such as "Asiatic raccoon", "Lipi-cat", "Korean mink" and "leopard cat" can be found all over the Internet. The unsophisticated consumer has no idea what they are really buying. In addition to deceiving an unsuspecting buyer, these furs are usually low quality. Stray dogs that are not healthy may be used, and once dyed could be called anything. Unfortunately these furs, unlike their high end cousins, are poorly made, tend to shed a lot, and very likely will not last long either. If you are shopping for fur, new or used, the number one tip off that this is a low end product is the name of an animal that does not exist.

In the globalized world of trade, it can be difficult to know what you're getting. The only way to be sure you're buying real fur produced by an ecologically responsible furrier is to shop where the products you are buying are highly regulated. In North America and parts of Europe, there are strict regulations in place that govern fur farm practices as well as proper wildlife management.

Fur seems to be once again gaining popularity among many consumers. Fur hats, coats and scarves are being seen on the fashion runways, as well as in the stores.As with anything that you may want, it is important to do your research and know who you're buying from. The purchase of fur from reputable furriers will guarantee that you are getting a high quality item while protecting both endangered species and domestic animals that are so unscrupulously used by unregulated dealers around the world.

For top quality real fur hats author Stephen Daniels recommends high quality products from Trailside Traditions. The owner has been in this business for more than 20 years, and takes pride in the quality of the pelts he gets from his eco-responsible suppliers so he can create beautiful quality fur products for his customers