no costume on my dog

[Jane Austen]

I seem to be in the minority by not thinking it is appropiate to dress dogs or other animals in costumes. Our family has never even tied a bow around a dog's neck.
It seems demeaning to decorate animals and want them to do circus tricks.
Last winter I was thinking of getting Duchess a sweater or jacket for the worst winter weather, but I know she wouldn't stand for it. Just as well! If I saw how cute she looked I would probably go out shopping for another.
But really, other than necessity why subject your loved pet to the unnatual addition of dressing them up? Bah Humbug

[CorgiMum]

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[Lady's Daddy]

For the most part, I agree with you. I don't believe dogs or other animals are here to do tricks for us. I feel that is demeaning also. I seems that some people get enjoyment out of being a "boss" to their animals. However, I will put a shirt on Lady from time to time just because she looks so damn cute in them. All in all dressing up your dog should be just for fun and not something that has to be done or for the amusement for others.

[Michael Romanos]

Well, I must admit to dressing up Taylor to amuse crowds of people because I had an outfit specially made for him for the 2005 Christmas parade down the main streets of the city. The outfit is still incomplete as my wife is going to make a bow tie out of the material left over. The outfit will be used three or four times a year - the next christmas parade, at a large fair, at a radio station family and dog picnic promotion, and at a City Council dog bush walk and picnic day.

[Jeni D]

Dudley will never be caught in any outfit, that's for sure. I agree that costumes are for children on Halloween and should be kept off our dogs--That being said, I completely understand why people costume their dogs--They sure look cute

[mochamix79]

After seeing my sister's two pugs dressed up for Halloween, I have to admit that I am very tempted to dress Huw up. Nothing sissy like, but really cool...a little devil or something. It would go w/ my devil costume. But as far as other outfits, a friend of mine at work bought him one, and I wouldn't have the heart not to put it on at least once and take a picture for her. He may get a sweater when he's older or a bomber jacket type thing, but I'm not for putting tu-tus on them and parading him around like a circus act. We have a little more dignity than that.

[Michael Romanos]

It funny that circus should be mentioned in this thread because there is only one circus company left in New Zealand -and it's for sale -and the owner has two Fox Terriers -one of them is around 21-23 yeas old, and they perform dressed up and they both jump onto Shetland ponies and are taken for rides whist in a standing position. They probably do other things as well. But they are well looked after and loved by the staff. That's the same circus where Taylor enjoyed meeting with the elephant.

[CorgiMum]

This Christmas photo (from 2 yrs ago) is a tradition in our home.

My husband wears a Santa hat during the present openings and the dogs each put on their Christmas 'costume'. Monty has been wearing that ribbon on her head each Christmas Day (for a minute or two) for 11 years now. Ever since she first pulled it off of a gift that first Christmas when she was just a wee pup.

When Dylan came along, well the fellow could not be left out.

[Jane Austen]

Corgimum, Dylan looks adorable in his collar and tie and I think that something like this is nice to see in The dance routine. As long as he doesn't mind it being on.
I thought I was going to "open a can of worms" with this post and was ready for an barrage of insults. But I find that people are generally feeling closer to my point of view than I thought at first.
I hate to see an animal " have to" wear a costume that is cumbersome and uncomfortable and that is all I really meant. Not the occasional picture op.
When Duchess came back from a groomer one day she was wearing a ribbon on her neck and it was pretty but she kept stepping on the ends. Then I bought her a"girly" collar in pink so everyone would know she's a female. That didn't work either as her fur mostly covered it. An also it was too dainty, it tended to twist. I will be looking for a nicer collar than the drab one that she is wearing now.

[CorgiMum]

Jane, I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying your thread.

I think we all understand what you mean. I do not believe either that we should 'dressing up' any dog, just for the sake of it say, matching the owner's outfit. Especially with such a dignified breed as a corgi.

Some breeds, such as toys, living in cold climets need the benefit of a coat of course. As some dogs need boots in winter to protect their paws from road salt.

The collarette that Dylan is wearing was a delight for the people at the seniors home that we visited when we did our routine for them.

And since we are all taking this topic as good sports I'll share one last picture of Montrose and Dylan in costume. Contrary to the look on Dylan's face, they did not mind at all, and they enjoyed the squeals of delight and attention that the children gave them.

Montrose in 12 years has had two collars, both the same, deep royal purple, a quick snap buckle. Dylan has had two, the first one green, this second one black. Other than those, the rest are workiing collars.

[corgimom]

Barbara,

I love the pictures of your two in their modified costumes. What do they wear for Saint Patricks day? You don't have bunny ears do you? Okay, you have convinced me, no halloween costume for Cody - I would have never taken him out in public anyway. Maybe I will sew myself a costume and take a picture of Cody and me together?? Don't think so

I do have the reindeer ears and Christmas bow tie for him. For Christmas, my sister in law has one of those elastic fabric collars with the bells on it - I think I will try that for Cody - would be easy to make also.

[CorgiMum]

I should clarify, the dogs are wearing their 'inside' leashes to greet the Trick Or Treaters, they did not go out of the house.

[corgimom]

Where were each of their pumpkin containers? filled with good treats I hope