Origins of Dog Sweaters and Clothing

More Than Dog Sweaters for Protection

We dress our pet dogs in costumes to be cute and buy dog sweaters and raincoats to keep them warm and dry but this wasn't always the case. Dog clothing is not exactly a new idea. We are not sure of the date when dog apparel first appeared but we believe that they first wore protective clothing or leather armor to protect fighting war dogs  from the harsh,  cold and damp Northern European climate. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Britons and Romans used dogs that were specifically trained for battle.

Horses and Dogs in Armor

Horses and Dogs in Armor

Horses and Dogs in Armor

Old drawings show war dogs going into battle wearing large protective spiked metal collars and coats of chain mail. This armor, whether it was cloth, leather or metal plate, covered the back, neck and chest of the dog almost just the way dog sweaters cover dogs today. In fact, we can probably say that these protective devices were the great grandparents of 21st century dog sweaters.

During the Middle Ages good hunting dogs were so valuable and prized that every effort was made to keep them safe and comfortable. It is even said that the dog kennels were warmer and more comfortable than the quarters for the household servants. The dogs were fitted with armor consisting mainly of large spiked collars that would protect the wearer's throat from the teeth and claws of his cornered prey. Some dogs were fortunate enough to be fitted with capes made of heavy quilted fabric or hardened leather that acted as body armor. The leather armor was occasionally studded with metal plates and in the late Middle Ages plate armor protected the dogs.

Dog Armor Predated Dog Sweaters

Samurais also had fancy armor to protect their dogs. This dog armor is now the property of a museum in the UK. This unusual armor is believed to have been made for a very important pet belonging to a samuri or daimo sometime during the mid 18th to 19th centuries.Samurais also had fancy armor to protect their dogs. This dog armor is now the property of a museum in the UK. This unusual armor is believed to have been made for a very important pet belonging to a samuri or daimo sometime during the mid 18th to 19th centuries.

In the 21st century the more fortunate pets are gifted with every necessity and luxury that a beloved dog (or cat or bird) could even possible want or need. Small dogs wear beautiful sweaters, coats, ponchos and jackets to keep them warm during a cold winter. Even some big dogs don't have heavy enough fur coats of their own so they also need winter clothing. Dog apparel is made to suit every taste, need and budget. Many dogs are bred to live in balmy climates but instead live in places where there are cold and harsh winters.  Dog sweaters, dog coats and dog jackets are necessary for these pets to keep warm and cosy. Practical and adorable dog sweaters are made for dogs of all sizes and shapes.  There are as many different styles and motifs for dog apparel as there are for their owners.  Some dog sweaters even come in matching fashions for their owners.  No wonder it is said that some pets and their owners look alike.

Don't forget the cuteness factor. Pets wearing the latest fashion in dog sweaters, dog coats, dog raincoats and dog jackets are absolutely adorable. There are even dog tracksuits and dog warmup suits for the most athletic pet. Dogs like to wear their new fashionable canine apparel because they feel important and get loads of attention.

Crochet Sweaters $16.45

Beautiful luxury items exist to pamper the most spoiled dogs and to delight the most particular owners.

Unfortunately, not all dogs (and cats) are as lucky to have a home and a loving family. Too many are in shelters hopefully waiting to be adopted. ASPCA, PETA, and the North Shore Animal League, among other, are desperately in need of funds to rescue homeless animals. A percentage of sales on this site will be donated to these organizations.

search engine by freefind