The dog clothes industry has exploded over the past few years, and like anything popular it’s easy to pay too much without noticing. So how much should the average consumer expect to pay for their dog’s wardrobe? If you want to go a step higher, how much should the store owner pay wholesale for dog clothing? Since the industry is so new, it’s not as if there’s a huge precedent set to answer these questions, but figuring it out is quite simple. Whether you’re a store owner or consumer, the cost of dog clothes depends upon the quality and availability of each piece.
There are thousands of manufacturers all over the world that make dog clothing, so the quality of the clothing depends on how good the manufacturer is. Common sense rules that higher quality clothes cost more to make and thus are more expensive, but there’s still a large difference in price depending on what country the clothes are made in. That’s why so many products in the US are made in China. An expensive piece of clothing there is cheap by American standards. No matter what the case may be, if you’re deciding whether or not the price is right, be sure to closely inspect the clothing. Look at all the stitching or knitting to see if it’s durable.
Think about how long it will last and how heavily it can be used. These are all general ways of determining if a price is good, but some may want a specific guideline. This can be very tough to determine, but what can be said is that no piece of dog clothing should retail for more than $40. That just applies to the thicker items like coats; for things like shirts the price shouldn’t be more than $25. Wholesale is too tricky to predict because so much bargaining goes on in that level. All in all, just trust your gut instinct and don’t be ripped off.
The availability of an item will have great influence on its price. For example, big companies can buy thousands of each piece of dog clothing which is why so often their clothing goes for much cheaper. The smaller stores may not be able to do this, but they will have a different selection than the big competitors and better quality (ideally). Anyway, remember to take this into consideration when deciding how much is too much. You have to ask yourself, “how common is this style?” It may be super cheap but will every dog on the block have the same piece. If something is less available, your dog will have a better chance of looking unique. The most important thing to remember in all of this is to do your research and to not get ripped off buying something that shouldn’t be too expensive.
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If you were to take a step into some fancy pet boutiques in New York City, then you might do a double take at the prices. It is not unusual at all to find coats the size of a person’s arm going for at least $60, and sometimes even more. Is it worth paying that much for dog clothes? Some say an emphatic yes and even boast about how much they spend on dressing their dog. That’s all well and good if you have the extra dough to throw around, but for the rest of us it doesn’t make sense to spend that much money. So can the average person get boutique clothes without breaking the bank? The good news is that it is possible to get boutique quality clothes at an affordable price.
The first step to finding affordable boutique quality clothes for your dog is simple…don’t go to a boutique. Sure they’re pretty and well decorated, but you’re going to pay for the ambiance. The problem is you might not find what you want at a cheaper big name store like PetSmart or PetCo. So where do you go? Online. The internet stores have a much lower overhead than brick-and-mortar stores, so they can charge less for the fancy fashions. Simply go to one of the major search engines and start looking. You will find there are literally millions of sites selling dog clothing, so you have plenty from which to choose.
However, you do need to be careful of where you choose to buy. There are easy ways to tell if an online store is a good choice for you aside from looking at prices. Make sure they have a return/exchange policy, and make sure you understand it. Take a look at the site itself. Does it look neat and well maintained? Do they update they’re inventory information regularly? Do they make it easy to contact them (i.e. they have a phone number and email)? If so, then it’s safe to assume that whoever runs the store is willing to work hard to get and keep you as a customer. The online world of commerce can seem daunting, but it is the perfect place for the average dog-loving consumer to get some great boutique quality dog clothes.
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Picking out your dog’s clothes is a process that requires thought and planning. You must start by asking yourself if your baby needs something fun or functional. It’s also good to decide what style will fit their personality. The answers depend on your dog’s physical stature and the time of year. To pick the best clothes, you must measure and asses your dog and pick appropriate attire for the season.
It’s important to measure and assess your dog’s physical attributes to get the clothes that are best for him. One of the most important things to consider is size. Is your dog big or small? Bigger dogs tend to not get as cold as their smaller counterparts. If it’s really cold outside, they will benefit from some cover, but you don’t want to overdo it and make them overheat. Another important factor is coat thickness. For example, Huskies have a coat of thick fur made especially for cold weather, and they’ll rarely if ever need extra protection. All the breeds have differing levels of coat thickness, so examine your dog and use your best judgment on what he needs. If a jacket is going to be too much, then there are many different kinds of sweaters available. Also, you need to determine what kind of clothes your dog will tolerate. For example, will he like having a pullover sweater or a coat that wraps around his body? The wrap coat is faster and easier to put on but doesn’t cover as much of the body. Once you determine all of these things, it’s easy to shop around and find exactly what your furry baby needs.
Depending on the season and weather, the dog clothes need to be either heavy or light. This is common sense, but it helps to keep it in mind when shopping. Stores often have a sale of off season clothing, and it’s good to stock up, but don’t forget the in season pieces. For example, if it’s a rainy spring season, then you should pick out a quality raincoat. Picking the best clothes for your pet can be fun and easy if you follow these simple guidelines.
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One of the greatest things about getting dog clothes is it gives you a chance to show off your dog’s personality. You already know how special your dog is, and now you have a way of expressing that to the world. Also, something that non-pet owners don’t understand is that when you are a dog lover, your pet is like an extension of yourself. So, anything you do to pamper them gives you just as much happiness. When you’re shopping for dog clothes, there are two things to look for: matching clothes to your dog’s personality and coordinating the clothes to your style.
With the wide variety of dog clothing out there, it’s easy to find something that expresses your furry baby’s personality. There are many cute dog shirts with sayings on them. You can find everything from “love me” to “bad to the bone”, as well as countless others. If you’re not into message shirts, there are plenty of styles of shirts, jackets and coats that can represent your little tough guy or your refined little lady.
Another fun thing to do when shopping for dog clothes is to coordinate your dog’s wardrobe with your own. If you look at the new styles of dog clothing coming out, you’ll notice that they follow what’s hot in the human world of fashion. You can find a nice corduroy dog coat to match the one in your closet, or a dainty summer dog dress that goes perfectly with your summer dress. Doing this may seen crazy to some people, but we dog lovers know it’s just another way to feel closer to our furry little babies.
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Starting a Business in the Dog Clothing Industry: Is Now A Good Time?
Posted by Grant at 8:07 AM Friday, July 14, 2006Yes. Let me just get that answer out of the way. In a matter of just a few years, dog clothing has grown from obscurity into a booming industry. Millions of dog owners around the country and around the world are willing to pull out their wallets to clothe their furry babies. Even though it takes hard work, the dog clothes industry is booming, and there’s plenty of room for businesses small and large to turn a profit.
First, let’s discuss one of the less glamorous aspects of getting a dog clothing business started – hard work. First of all, you have to set up shop. These days, you can either have a traditional “brick and mortar” store or you could set up an internet business. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but internet businesses are cheaper to run due to the low overhead. This first step can be complex and difficult, so it’s a good idea to get help and research as much as you can before going for it. An educated business owner is a successful business owner. Once you have set up your store you need to do some product sourcing. Look around for good, quality suppliers that can offer you the most for your money. For a dog clothes store, your suppliers must be able to provide fashionable clothing at a decent price and in a timely manner. If you don’t have enough money to buy a lot of inventory yourself, you might want to find a dropshipper. They will ship the product directly to your customer with your company’s info on it. It’s best if you can find a wholesale supplier that also drop ships. Getting everything started can be a daunting task the feels overwhelming, but if you stick to it, then you will be rewarded in the end.
The payoff for all your hard work is worth it. Last year, pet supplies in the U.S. made about $34 billion. That’s a big enough pie for everyone to have a slice. There’s no sign of this popularity fading anytime soon, either. Now it’s hard to flip through TV channels without seeing something about a celebrity buying expensive things for their pets. Thanks to people like Paris Hilton, dog clothes are going to be around for a while.
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People may think that large dogs don’t need dog clothes, but there are situations where they are needed. It can still be fun to dress them up as well. Just because they’re big doesn’t mean they can’t have a pampered wardrobe. Most large dog clothing is made for functional purposes, but it’s good to have fun with it as well.
Large dog clothing serves many useful functions. One of the best examples is raincoats. No matter how big a dog is he’s not going to like being soaked, and a good quality raincoat will keep him dry and happy during his walks in the rain. During the winter, dog boots are a useful item. Often times, the sidewalks and streets are salted or covered with chemicals to melt the ice. These substances can be painful and damaging for your big baby’s paws and can be dangerous if he licks them off himself. Putting durable boots on him will prevent all these problems. These examples show how clothing for large dogs can be a useful and good investment.
When you have a big baby, you can still have tons of fun getting them new threads. One of the best ways to have fun clothing your big dog is through message shirts. There’s a wide variety available with all kinds of phrases and words printed on the back. Some cute examples are messages like “Big Boy” and “Security”. You can also show his cuddly side with one like “hug me” or “You know I’m adorable”. Aside from shirts, you can also get costumes to have fun. This is great for special occasions like Halloween or Christmas when everyone gets dressed up. As you can see, large dog clothing can be both functional and fun.
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Summertime is the perfect chance to have some fun showing off how cute your pet is in dog clothes. People and their pets are out, and it’s a great time to socialize and turn some heads. A great thing about summer dog clothes is that they’re so versatile. There are many styles and colors from which to choose. Whether on the beach or at the park, dressing your baby in summer dog clothing gives you many options.
The varieties of dog shirts, jerseys, and raincoats are numerous. You have a choice from shirts with printed messages, polo shirts, tank tops, sports jerseys and just about any other shirt that a human could have. The sports jerseys even come with the logos of professional and college teams. As for the raincoats, these very useful pieces of summer dog clothing also come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They have different levels of thickness for the smaller dogs that get cold easily, but all of them help to keep your pooch dry, which makes everyone’s lives easier. Another important note to make is that putting dog shirts on your dog can help their health. Skin cancer is the most common cancer among dogs, and putting a shirt on them to block harmful UV rays can help reduce their risk.
Dressing your pet in the summer is a fun and special activity. Find just the right outfit for you and your pet’s personality, and go have fun!
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Small dogs are wonderful companions, and they look adorable all dressed up. Due to their less than large stature, many of them need some clothes to keep from shivering to death, however, buying small dogs a wardrobe has become an issue of fashion and pampering. Clothing the small dog is all about assessing their needs and then their style.
What kind of clothing does my little baby need? That’s the question on the mind of every doggie parent as they begin shopping. The answer depends of the weather. If it’s winter, then they need coats and sweaters to stay warm during outside walks. Also, many dogs are still cold even indoors, so it’s a good idea to have an “around the house” sweater. When the warm spring and summer roll around, they can go “naked”, but it’s still good to get some shirts. Many short haired breeds like Chihuahuas and Min Pins get cold indoors from the air conditioning, so a shirt or light sweater can come in handy. While the outdoors is very warm, a shirt will protect a dog from sunburn. All you have to do is put sun block where there’s bare skin. Since skin cancer is the most common cancer among dogs, this is a very important step in prevention.
You can give your little one style by expressing their personality through clothing. One easy and fun way to do this is through message shirts. You’ve probably seen them in stores or online with messages varying from “I’m cute” to “spank me”. There is a huge variety of these shirts available, so enjoy looking around for what best represents your little spunky one. If message shirts are not your thing, then perhaps canine couture is the way to go. Canine couture has been gaining popularity and is now a booming business. People can buy high fashion dog clothes right off runway. The problem is, however, that these fashions often cost much more than the average dog parent is prepared to pay. Still, these fancy styles are quite catching and are made of the best quality, just be sure not to pay too much. Following all of these suggestions can make clothing your small dog a fun and easy experience.
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For many people, the jury is still out on whether or not dog clothes are frivolous or useful. The fact remains, however, that they do have advantages for pooches. Dog clothing may appear to be an unnecessary luxury, but it does have advantage for dogs such as protection from cold and sunburn.
One major advantage is that dog clothes provide canines small and large with protection from the cold. During those long winter months, the bitter cold is just as uncomfortable and dangerous for dogs as it is for us. Dogs that have on a coat or a sweater feel much better outside and can stand to go for longer walks. This means no one has to sacrifice fresh air or exercise to hide from the weather. This is especially advantageous for small breeds as anyone with a shivering Chihuahua can attest.
Another advantage of dog clothes comes to light during the bright, warm summer days. The problem that many people don’t realize is that dogs are just as susceptible to sunburn as humans. Also, skin cancer is the most common cancer among dogs. Dog clothing such as shirts can help to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s also a good idea to put sun block on any exposed skin. Don’t worry, it will absorb quickly into the skin before it gets licked.
For those who are still on the fence with dog clothes, it’s important to look at these facts. They do much more than make a dog look cute and draw attention. They have advantages that help our little friends live better lives.
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Skin Cancer and Your Pets: It's More Common Than You Think
Posted by Grant at 1:54 PM Thursday, July 06, 2006These days, skin cancer is a concern for everyone. It’s easy to go to the grocery store and find a large variety of sun block with all the different SPF levels. It’s not news that ultraviolet radiation is dangerous, but it might be news that it’s just as dangerous for your dog or cat as it is for us.
No one wants to suffer the pain of watching their little one go through skin cancer, so it’s important to take the proper steps to avoid the disease. Skin cancer is surprisingly common in dogs and cats, and the main culprit is the same one for humans…UV radiation. Even though your friend is furry, he or she is still susceptible to overexposure of the sun. Not to worry, though, there are simple and even fun steps one can take to protect their dog or cat.
According to Dr. Ruthanne Chun, assistant professor and oncology researcher at Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, skin cancer is the most common cancer among dogs and the second most common among cats. For dogs, 450 of every 100,000 will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and for cats it’s 120 of every 100,000.
Just as with humans, UV rays from the sun play a large role in causing skin cancer with dogs and cats. Many owners may think that their dog’s or cat’s coat will protect them, but this is only partially true. Many breeds have short, thin coats and fair skin on their ears and bellies. These areas are in the most danger of developing skin cancer.
Aside from overexposure to UV, other known causes of skin cancer are viruses, hormones, burns, genetics and vaccines (only in cats). Once an owner educates him or herself about these causes, the proper steps can be taken to prevent skin cancer in dogs and cats.
Dr. Mary Bagladi-Swanson, assistant professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says that one can simply apply an SPF 30 sunblock to their dog’s or cat’s exposed areas. It’s usually best to apply the lotion to the ears, belly and any other bare or barely covered skin. It absorbs into the skin and protects your pet even in they lick it. It’s also a good idea to try and keep your dog or cat out of the sun during the strong hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Another step you could take involves dog clothing and pet clothing. It’s the same concept for humans: the skin that’s covered by clothing will be protected from the sun. Surfers who take their dogs to the beach with them all day have a special kind of dog clothes called a body suit. If you’re planning on spending a day at the park, then it’s a good idea to consider bringing along some dog clothes or pet clothes like a shirt or hat. If your dog or cat will wear them, then not only will they be cute, they’ll be protected!
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The phenomenon of dog clothing has hit America full force. Last year, our nation spent about 34 billion dollars on pet supplies! The industry is booming, and there’s a chance for businesses small and large to turn a tidy profit.
However, “dog clothes fever” hasn’t yet hit everyone, and there are some that don’t quite understand the concept of clothing dogs. Many are also wondering if the whole industry is one big fad that will pass away in a few years. It’s too early in the game to answer all these questions, but what is for certain is that even though dog clothing is popular because it’s so darn cute, it actually is functional and useful for dogs.
Let’s face it, dog clothes are adorable. Everyone’s faces light up when a little Chihuahua or Yorkie struts by in a cute little dog coat or sweater. Owners love to look at their babies dressed up and they love the attention it brings. So, the purpose of dog clothing could be seen in many cases as purely aesthetic. Another example is summer dog clothes. Dogs don’t need help staying warm during summer unless they’re like my perpetually cold and shivering Chi-chi. So, the only purpose those dog shirts seen at the beach and the park serve is to make people happy. This is not to say that it’s wrong. On the contrary, think about how many products we buy everyday with the sole purpose of making us happy, so don’t be so quick to judge that dog clothes are frivolous and useless.
There are some dog clothes that serve important functions. For example, during the long winter months, a dog’s natural coat is sometimes not enough protection from bitter cold. This is when it’s great to have a dog sweater or dog coat to wrap them up in before going on a walk. For the smaller breeds that have a hard time holding in heat, it’s nice to clothe them even when they’re inside. Other clothing like dog boots also help when the sidewalks and streets have been salted or sprayed with de-icing chemicals. It can be very painful and even harmful if your little baby gets these things in their paws. One thing is for certain, whether they’re fashionable or functional, dog clothes are here to stay.
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To Mutt or Not to Mutt - The Pros and Cons of Purebred Dogs
Posted by Grant at 1:54 PM Wednesday, July 05, 2006When most people think of a purebred dog, they think of words like ideal, perfection, excellent, pretty, etc. However, these descriptions turn out to be far from the truth. Many pure breeds are racked with genetic disorders that bring much harm to the dogs. Purebred dogs may be considered extra special because their breed has been crafted over generations by the hand of man, but as with many things crafted by the hand of man, nature has proven it can do a much better job.
The reason pure breeds have so many genetic problems stems from something that can affect any species: inbreeding. All breeds can be traced back either to a specific mating or group of dogs. This means that through the generations, individuals had to be crossed with relatives to propagate the breed. So, even today if you mate two pugs chances are they’re at least distant cousins. In nature, individuals select mates based on health and ability to get resources. When they reproduce, bad genes in one get covered by good genes in the other. This way, each new generation is as strong and adaptable as possible.
So, the question you have to ask yourself is; “do I want a healthy, intelligent, well-balanced dog or do I want a specifically designed dog that may or may not have genetic disorders” However, it’s important to note that I’ve met many wonderful purebred dogs, and I even own two pure Chihuahuas myself. My point is that when you go with a purebred, you are taking a risk of the dog having complications that are avoidable in a mutt. This means more vet bills and heartbreak for you and your family. So, before you decide you must have that Cocker Spaniel or Dalmation, at least look at what dogs need a home from your local shelter or pound. If more people did this, it would be better for us and the dogs.
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Pets are popular with humans for good reason. From the time the first dogs were domesticated to the current day menagerie of mammals, reptiles and birds, pets have been an invaluable addition to our lives.
Many people may think it unwise to have babies and pets under one roof. While safety measures should be taken, research has shown that getting a pet for your children can teach them valuable life lessons and give them self-esteem. When you have an infant, you do need to be selective in what pet your family has. Cats and dogs are obviously the most popular and tame pets, but even they carry issues. Cats have mixed reactions to babies. A great deal depends on the personality of the cat, so watch him or her closely when you bring baby home. Dogs have a pack centered mindset, so they will probably view the infant as a new pup in the group. The best dog breeds to get are: Affenpinscers, Basset Hounds, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Collies, Golden or Lab Retrievers, Poodles, Pugs and Schnauzers. These are just suggestions, so if you have an extraordinarily sweet dog or cat who has no problem with baby’s arrival, you obviously have nothing to worry about. A good general safety guideline is to never leave the pet alone with baby.
If a dog or cat will not work, there are other pets your family can have. Some good suggestions are: guinea pigs, birds and the classic fish. Rabbits can be good but not for children under 7.
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Purchasing small dog clothes is easier than it seems, once you know the basic rules for your breed. It's much like picking out clothes for yourself. Moreover, it's simply an attention to the miniature detail. Quality accents like hoods, belts, or trimmings can make or break dog clothes. When purchasing small dog clothes moms and dads need to pay attention that the proportions of the piece of small dog clothing is correct. It's an obvious fact that small dogs are shaped differently than large dogs, and the detail in the small dog clothing should reflect that.
Different breeds' beauty shines in different kinds of dog clothing. Small dogs such as Shih-Tzus and Pekingese look fantastic with accessories because of their long hair. Delicate ribbons, fancy bandannas, leather collars and leashes are the best way to dress up these small dogs. Whereas Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinshers can pretty much make any piece of small dog clothing look fantastic. Also, because of Chihuahuas constant loss of heat resulting in constant shivering, a hand made small dog sweater is a must. Well groomed small dogs such as Terriers should wear small dog clothes that show off their legs, and fantastic grooming.
When picking small dog clothes, it's also great to remember what is neccessary for your small dog's breed. As mentioned before a small dog sweater is a must have for all toy and tiny breeds. A small dog coat is also great for those doggies in colder climates or regions with snow. Also, small dogs will not step foot outside without a proper raincoat to protect them. When picking out small dog clothes, remember to have fun! Pay attention to all the beautiful miniature detail, and use the detail to make your little one stand out.
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