Comments on: Don’t you think it’s cruel to treat dogs like fashion accessories?

By: frayed knot

frayed knot — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:31:59 +0000

Usually, but I have seen a few dogs that love it! A friend of mine had a poodle that loved to; primp, shop and show off...she was darling. Dogs are pack animals and they love companionship, what ever the price.
References :

By: onemeanoldmom

onemeanoldmom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:13:59 +0000

Yes, I do!! I think some celebrities (like Paris* & Britney) carry them around for the attention. There is no telling how and if they are cared for at home. I believe it's all just for show.

*Paris????….tell me again why she is a celebrity!!
References :

By: grandmadarcy

grandmadarcy — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:36:59 +0000

As long as an animal is loved daily, that is really what matters. Growing up my sister had a cat who would let her dress him up anyway she wanted to and ride in her baby carriage. I think that is an awesome example of a pet and owner really loving each other. I as a grown up woman have 4 cats and they live indoors and run the household basically! We all love and pet and scold them when needed, just like humans....and occasionally try hats etc. on them for fun, if the animal chooses to oblige with our ideas!
References :

By: Patriots fan

Patriots fan — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:19:59 +0000

I agree somewhat. I don't like it when people dye their dogs fur a different color or anything. Putting outfits on them is ok to a certain extent. Putting them in bags like they are an accessory is a little much.
References :

By: Chihuahua Addict

Chihuahua Addict — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:50:59 +0000

I think quite a few people, DO go WAY OVERBOARD, with their dogs and do use them as Fashion Accessories, which they are not. I have #13 Chihuahuas, and because they get cold so easily, and they don't have alot of fat on them, to keep their little bodies warm, I will put a sweater on them, when needed, to keep them warm! I really don't see a problem, with doing that! Other than that, I don't dress mine up! I never have, nor will I ever, carry them around in a handbag, or dress them in unnecessary, fancy clothing, doggie jewlery, etc… They like to walk and explore, not be carried around in doggie purses, or be dressed up like dolls! Dogs are NOT Fashion Accessories and should not be treated as Fashion Accessories! To each's own I guess!!!
References :
Former Chihuahua Breeder and Owner of #13 Spayed and Neutered Chihuahuas, who I adore and cherish!!!

By: tom l

tom l — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:22:59 +0000

This is a redundant question, every one of these breeds were developed specifically for that purpose;
Affenpinscher
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested Dog
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Poodle (Toy)
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
So to say that it is improper to use them as a fashion accessory would be to say that the breeds should never have been developed in the first place.
References :
breeder trainer exhibitor

By: Swamp Poodles

Swamp Poodles — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:08:59 +0000

Actually, I think it's better that a dog be dressed up and carried in a handbag, then to be left in the backyard giving birth with puppies stuck 1/2 in and 1/2 out of the mother because people "can't afford a vet"- or the dogs that are traded in because "they are too hyper" or "I can't get it housetrained"!
References :

By: moof

moof — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:47:59 +0000

i do not think that is CRUEL. if the dogs are pampered and loved, that's great. i just think the little designer outfits and bags are foolish — but not cruel.
however, if the dogs are MISTREATED, then of course that is cruel. the example you used, paris hilton, isn't an example of someone who just likes to dress up her dogs and carry them around. she's extremely irresponsible with her pets. she abandons them, fails to alter them and does not fulfill their needs. if a person brings the accessory dog into situations the dog is uncomfortable with (mass crowds, yelling, flashing lights), that's a bit cruel and i certainly don't agree with that. if they seriously treat the dog as just an accessory and do not let it exist as a DOG (they need to socialize the dog, train the dog, attend to the dog, etc.), that is cruel to the dog who isn't living the life it should.
but if they treat the dog WELL, i don't care if they dress up their pooches to their silly hearts' content.
References :

By: lilpurpledog

lilpurpledog — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:35:59 +0000

I own a small breed dog and I HATE seeing the tween queens carrying them around like fashion accessories.

I got my small dog because of my health problems (I would not be able to train a large dog to leash walk because of RA and Lupus). A small dog, on the other hand, I can because they won't make my arms or joints hurt when they tug the leash. I never forget that my dogs are dogs. I take them to the farm and let them run, and I play fetch. However I am the anticrhist to a lot of you…. because I do dress them up.

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/670442 quincy (his obediance class graduation day pic is there)
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/719509 otter (quince and otter at the farm pics are there)

My large dog… I had before I got pretty bad. She is trained thugh and can still go for a walk without tugging.( I dress her up to though….LOL).

Its gotten out of control with breeders calling things micro and teacup and poo and doodle.
References :

By: Demon

Demon — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:45:59 +0000

If the dog's primary role in your life is "fashion accessory", then yes I think it's cruel. People who do this may not realize that they're treating the dog like a fashion accessory, saying things like "She's my little baby". The main indicator is when carrying the dog around and dressing him or her in adorable little outfits take precedent over more necessary activities like exercise and training. If someone really loves his or her dog and takes excellent care of the dog, but likes to dress the dog up in clothes that are not uncomfortable or restrictive – preferably only on occasion – I don't see an issue with that.
References :