create your own

Designer Dog Products: From Reasonable to Ridiculous

78
rate or flag this page

By Maddie Ruud


Designer Dog Bed
Designer Dog Bed

Why Do People Buy Poochy Couture?

In our label-obsessed consumer culture, desire for designer clothing and furniture may be nothing new, but there's a now a new breed - specifically, of the canine kind. Having a dog in the first place is no small expense, but can you imagine spending a thousand dollars on a designer dog bed, or 2 grand on a designer dog collar?

You might explain away your spending by saying you like to spoil your "baby." But while you may idolize Paris Hilton, but your pooch obviously doesn't have the mental capacity to idolize Tinkerbell. I think it's safe to say that if you're shelling out hundreds on designer dog products, it's for your own satisfaction.

And who am I to say that's wrong? It's no different than buying a pair of designer jeans or a couture gown. You might even get more use out of it (through your four-legged friend, of course). In the end, I'd rather you buy your dog some expensive accessories than treat your dog like one.

Ready to dress your pet for success?  Or just want to marvel at others' excess?  Some of the most ridiculous, and more reasonable, designer dog products are showcased below.

Designer Dog Furniture

Forget the donut-shaped dog pillow. Whatever your decor, your furry friend's furniture can coordinate with your own. With beds from the cowboy-inspired Rodeo to the feng shui-friendly Chinese Zen, and sofas from a gilded chaise longe to a leopard-print couch, you're sure to find something to suit your aesthetic tastes... or lack thereof.


Designer Dog Beds

American Contemporary Bed American Contemporary Bed
Price: $995.00
Rodeo Bed Rodeo Bed
Price: $950.00
Mahogany French Nouveau Mahogany French Nouveau
Price: $690.00
Chinese Zen Dog Bed Small Chinese Zen Dog Bed Small
Price: $575.00

Designer Dog Carriers

While pet-toting tote bags can run $300, a more affordable (and very popular option) is Juicy Couture's line of dog carriers. Think twice before you invest, however. While it may be practical for a Tinkerbell-sized celebrity canine companion to be carried around, head poking out of the top of your purse, it's not as easy, the bigger your pooch pal is.  I'd never carry my own little Vivi, small as she is, in one of these contraptions--and not just because she'd pitch a fit.  Put a few 5-lb weights in your purse and carry it around all day. You'll start to see what I mean.


Pet Purses & Totes

Medium Precious Pak O Pet in Cherry Red Medium Precious Pak O Pet in Cherry Red
Price: $299.99
List Price: $349.99
Celltei Precious Tote-o-Pet Brocade Pet Carrier : Size S Celltei Precious Tote-o-Pet Brocade Pet Carrier : Size S
Price: $280.00
PETote Bali Black Pebble Suede, Size: Large = $193.19 PETote Bali Black Pebble Suede, Size: Large = $193.19
Price: $273.39
List Price: $185.99

Designer Dog Wear

Fashion has made clothing into much more than just body coverings. Similarly, doggie couture has taken on a life of its own. Not only can you put your pomeranian in tweed, you can buy your pitbill a baseball jacket representing your favorite team, or dress your doberman in diamonds. Check out a few potential items for your dog's dream wardrobe below, as well as designer dog collars that could cost you a small fortune.


Designer Dog Clothes

Harris Tweed Coat (Size 14) Harris Tweed Coat (Size 14)
Price:
CIZL Tres Royale Coat CIZL Tres Royale Coat
Price: $69.00
List Price: $98.00
Texas Longhorns NCAA Dog Varsity Jacket Coat Size XL Texas Longhorns NCAA Dog Varsity Jacket Coat Size XL
Price: $46.95

Funny Faux-Designer Dog Items

Like owner, like dog? A company called "Haute Diggity" specializes in dog items that imitate people's products. Even if you can't afford a pink caddy, your canine companion could, for a fraction of the price (but still a pretty pricetag... for a dog bed). More affordable are the plush toys designed to spoof popular brands of nail polish, chocolate, even an iPod!



Pet Owners' Poll

Would you buy your dog a designer item?

  • Absolutely! I like my dog to look as good as I do!
  • Sure, maybe one, just for fun.
  • No, I don't care about this stuff, and neither does my dog.
  • No way! What a disgusting waste of money!
See results without voting

Can You Dig It?

What do you think about designer dog products? Harmless, hilarious, obnoxious, obligatory? Already own a few? Currently shopping? Can't imagine the appeal at all?

Vote in the poll to the right and be sure to share your comments below!

Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

Uninvited Writer profile image

Uninvited Writer  says:
14 months ago

I've often said that no matter what furniture you buy for your pet they will enjoy the box it came in more. Interesting products.

Maddie Ruud profile image

Maddie Ruud  says:
14 months ago

Susan, that is too, too funny! And oh so true! Vivi is easily pleased when it comes to sleeping spots... if I don't watch her, a fresh basket of clean laundry is one of her favorites!

entertaininstyle profile image

entertaininstyle  says:
14 months ago

Funny hub. I've always had larger dogs, so clothes and carry bags were out of the question. The toys they have now are great. What happened to the days of tennis balls and chew bones? :)

Ryan Hupfer profile image

Ryan Hupfer  says:
14 months ago

From my experience with many dog owners, nothing is too ridiculous...just too expensive. :)

Inspire Wisdom profile image

Inspire Wisdom  says:
13 months ago

Great Info Maddie... I purchased a Cat-i-lac bed from a mail order catalog that only cost about $14.95 and my little doll-baby Maltese Taffy loves it.

It's not the price that matters to our pets. They just love different things to sleep in :)

AndyBaker profile image

AndyBaker  says:
8 months ago

I agree about pets liking the packaging more than the gift.

My cat does this all the time.

Submit a Comment

Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.


optional


  • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
  • Comments are not for promoting your hubs or other sites

More on Pets!

  • Your Cat Could Be Famous Like These Other Famous Cats

    Do you ever dream of having your cat in show business? There are several ways to make your cat famous. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of your cat while he is being playful, mischievous and... - 14 months ago

  • No No Nacho - Nacho Dog's Harem

    Hub Pages’ Nacho Dog was set to take on the part of a major screen epic to rival Ben Hur, but it was not to be... - 14 months ago

  • Making Space For a Ring Neck

    Great excitement and a whole lot of changes going on at present in our household, as we now anxiously await the arrival of our latest family member. Why the excitement you may wonder, Simple, ever... - 14 months ago

working