Chihuahua Clothes, Do's and Don'ts

Well, dressing a dog up in dog clothes isn't for everybody, but it can be fun for both you and your Chihuahua. Before you do there are a few things to consider. Dexter and Duke both have a few fun pieces of dog clothes and enjoy sporting them from time to time. While some dogs love their Chihuahua clothes we know not all will, this guide will help you decide if dog clothes are really for you and your dog or not.

Should I Buy My Chihuahua Clothes?

The first and most important thing to think about before you go and spend your hard earned money on a bunch of dog clothes is: Will my Chihuahua tolerate wearing clothes? My best advice to you as a dog owner is to start early. Like with most things a dog is more likely to tolerate it if you start early in their life.  Before going straight to Chihuahua Clothes it is a good idea to get them used to some dog accessories first. One accessory that most dogs will eventually end up wearing is a collar. Getting your dog used to a collar might not be as straight forward as you think. Before Dexter, I wouldn't have believed how difficult it could be to get a dog used to wearing a collar. With a new puppy it is important to understand that a collar can be very uncomfortable. When we first fit Dex with his collar he would itch and claw at it constantly. It is important that you don't ignore your dog's scratching and clawing as it can lead to open sores and even infection. We eventually developed a system where we treated him when we first put it on and then only kept it on for short periods Starting with 1 hour increments we gradually built up his tolerance to wearing the collar, rewarding him with praise or a treat every time we were able to put it on him with out a struggle. After about a month Dex was tolerant of his collar. In some cases a dog will not tolerate a collar, this is a good indication that your dog will not tolerate wearing clothes. If a collar doesn't work for your dog try getting a harness. A harness is not only a good idea for dogs that won't wear collars, it is also a good idea for taking your Chihuahua on walks. A harness goes around you dog's legs and across his belly and chest and are recommended for walks because they distribute the pressure applied by a leash, remember your Chihuahua's neck is small and shouldn't be yanked on roughly when taking them for a walk. Dex has both a collar for looks and a harness for walks. Once your dog is used to a collar try moving on to a bandanna or scarf, gradually working up to shirts and sweaters. When "playing dress up" always pay attention to your dogs mood, if he looks embarrased or uncomfortable make sure to take the clothes off immediately, it's supposed to be fun for both of you, keep that in mind.

Be aware of the weather conditions and use common sense, on those hot summer days it's probably not a good idea to put your Chihuahuas clothes on, especially not their favorite sweater!

Where Do I Find Dog Clothes?

Where to start! Well on this very page you will find some links to online places to where you can find dog clothes. For more ideas check back in the near future for our Chihuahua clothes and accessories section; currently under construction, we are working on building a collection of online resources for dog accessories and dog clothes. When buying online make sure to consult a size chart if available or contact the vendor and request measurements. Most size charts and measurements are based on a dog's neck, chest, and  the length from neck base to tail measurements, but as always before you buy be sure to ask!! A fun place to find neat and trendy dog clothes is at the same places you shop. Dog accessories and clothing are moving into the main stream and you might be surprised where you can find them, so don't be afraid to ask.

How Much Will I Spend on Chihuahua Clothes?

This is all a matter of preference, and these days there are dog clothes in a wide range of quality and price. Whether you choose to go to a fancy boutique or just a chain pet store there are a few things to look for in terms of quality and comfort for you dog. First off, be cautious of long sleeves they can end up being quite a hassle. Chihuahuas have short legs and they tend to get stuck in the sleeves, we had cut the sleeves off of one of Dexter's sweaters because of this. Another item we've learned to stay away from is hats. Dexter just hates them and won't tolerate them, of course not all dogs react the same but we still feel it's a point worth considering. Also when selecting clothes for your Chihuahua be sure to approach it as if you were going to wear it yourself. Check the material, is it soft and well stitched? Is it going to shrink? If the garment is comfortable chances are your dog will be less likely to resist wearing it or itch and claw at it once it's on. Once you've found some clothes that you and your dog like it's time to have some fun, dress him up and snap some fun pictures!! Send them in and we'll add them to our buddies and even consider them for our "Picture of the Month"!!

It is important that you don't force your dog to wear clothes, if they do not respond well to them don't push the issue, remember dogs have emotions too and forcing them to dress up when they clearly don't like it can cause undo stress and emotional problems