Dog clothing, when?

[xamier]

Hello:
I am trying to look into when people started putting sweaters/clothing on pet dogs. I would appreciate any suggestions, leads, search terms that anyone could suggest.

I have found a few articles that mention dog clothing going back to the dark ages, but no actual documentation. The references may be a cleaver way to sell people cute dog sweaters.

I am at a loss about where to look next. I am considering taking a period type small dog (white fox working terrier aka Jack Russell terrier) into an event during the winter. (In the scenario, a small dog would be appropriate. But I am not going to take him, if I can’t keep him warm)

Respectfully, Betty Morgan

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Dog clothing, when?

Hello:
I am trying to look into when people started putting sweaters/clothing on pet dogs.

Probably when people decided to take away the animal's dignity...

That aside, one of the old time life books had medieval plates showing royalty using fancy garbs on their dogs. Before the many crashes, there was a thread on dog collars and how there were varying degrees of ornate, simple leather to jeweled.

I imagine there is probably little difference today than using the animal as a fashion statement yet having the clothing serve as functional purpose.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Dog clothing, when?

When people stop hunting with them?

[xamier]

Re: Dog clothing, when?

Well People still hunt with dogs.

I am really looking for any references to keeping them warm in the winter. I have no interest in dressing up the little guy, but when he starts to shiver, especially when in an area that is colder then where we live on the coast, I want to put some type of cover on him to keep him warm.

I am actually looking for any reference to middle to lower class folks keeping their pets warm. Royalty would not be appropriate in this scenario. I am having difficulty finding any actual documentation concerning dog clothing.

It seems to me that there is a possibility that dogs were wrapped up by some means; blankets were used on horses quite early. One can read about them being “rugged up” when looking into the history of the thourbreds and horse racing.

I am not advocating taking dogs to events unless the event rules and the scenario allow and are appropriate for them to be there. I would also not advocate taking a dog not of the appropriate breed or taking one if the responsible person is not willing to be with the animal 24/7.

Respectfully, Betty Morgan

[Rev]

Re: Dog clothing, when?

Betty,
I don't have any documentation other than family legend, but my grandfather used to talk about his grandfather making 'coats' for his hounds out of old blankets. They were by no means royalty or gentry.

[xamier]

Re: Dog clothing, when?

Thank you very much.

Old blankets for hounds are the type of reference I am looking for. I will look into hounds, hunting, and hunting in winter to see if I can find any documentation. Perhaps there is a diary entry out there somewhere that mentions this subject.

Respectfully,
Betty Morgan

[BrandonHinds]

Re: Dog clothing, when?

when and if you are ever ready to have any type of dog clothing made, even if it is from blankets, please let me know. My mom is a seamstress that makes dog clothing for a living and used to do reenacting her self. She has made one dress for herself and several shirts for me, but now she focusses on making dog clothing and will gladly do any sort of custom work you wish.