If the truth be told, there are really very few people that don't find it amusing, attractive and just plain old cute to see different types of dogs in very stylish designer clothing. However, there are also some breeds of dogs that just aren't good matches for clothes, usually because they are big, rugged, outdoorsy types of dogs in the first place. Adding a few clothing accessories to these types of dogs for special occasions and events is still fun, and with the wide selection available in styles and types it won't be difficult to find the perfect item.

In general the biggest market for designer clothing for dogs is for the toy and small breeds. For some of these dogs is it important to have extra protection from the elements, especially in cold or wet weather. Breeds such as the Chinese Crested, Mexican Hairless, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhound, Pug, Boston Terrier, Miniature Pinchers, Toy Poodles and even the smaller terrier breeds are the most commonly seen sporting designer apparel, but they are also breeds that tend to need extra protection from the cold and damp. Combining the necessity of staying warm with looking great is lots of fun for the owners, plus the dogs really seem to come to enjoy wearing their outfits around town.

Of course dog clothing doesn't have to be limited to the small or toy breeds. Larger breeds such as the Greyhound and the Whippet as well as many of the exotic breeds certainly need protection from the cold and the damp weather and a larger sized dog sweater is just the answer. Any short coated medium to large breed kept in cold or wet climates should have some type of protective clothing if they are going outside. This not only helps to keep the dog dry and warm but prevents chills and respiratory problems that can be associated with cold and weather climates with some of the shorter coated breeds.

Even the very large, rugged outdoor types of dogs can still have a few designer outfits in their wardrobe. Think of how dashing a Rottweiler will look in a leather jacket and hat or a German Shepherd in a sporty denim vest. Choosing the right type of designer clothing to match the dog's size, breed and personality is just as important as selecting clothes for yourself or your kids. The great news is that the dog will love whatever you get and you won't have to worry about them wanting to take it back for something else!

Designer dog clothing ranges in price from relatively inexpensive to very costly, depending on the designer, the style and the materials used in the clothing. Custom designed and one of a kind items are often not that much more expensive than the retail styles, provided you don't have a lot of accessories and costly embellishments to the design.

Finding designer dog clothing on sale has also never been easier, thanks to the internet. You can now browse hundreds of doggy designer websites as well as pet store sales areas to find styles, fashions and specific items at discounted prices. Buying out of season is a great way to find dog clothing at deep discounts, just as it is for buying human clothes as well. Shopping online does have its drawbacks as you can't try it on before buying and not all sizes are clearly marked as to the exact measurements. Some clothing is sold as toy, small, medium, large or extra large breed, so you may have to take your best guess as to sizing. Check the return policy for the various online stores to be sure you can return the item if it doesn't fit.

Designer dog clothing needs to be made with both fashion as well as practicality in mind. You will need to be able to easily get the dog in and out of the item so stretchy items such as t-shirts and sweaters are very popular and easy to work with. Make sure the dog is comfortable in the item and that it is not restrictive or binding on the dog. There should be room under and around the front legs, the neck and across the chest to allow for normal movement. Clothing that restricts the dog can cause irritations on the skin or mat the hair, plus it will be uncomfortable for the dog. When this happens the pet is less likely to be tolerant of wearing clothing again as it was not a pleasant experience the last time.

There are lots of other designer dog items other than clothing such as sweaters, jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, evening wear and costumes. One fashionable accessory are specially made dog shoes, perfect for adding a touch of class to a formal type of outfit or keeping your dog's feet dry and warm when walking through the snow or mud. Typically the shoes are soft and easily form to the foot but are also stiffer through the sole, providing extra support and protection. Dog shoes can pull on like socks or they can lace up like running shoes. It is again important to make sure they are not too tight around the legs as this can cause circulation problems and extreme discomfort for the dog. Remember it will take your pooch a bit of time to get used to wearing shoes so provide lots of praise and attention when they are tolerating the footwear. Start with short periods of wearing the shoes and gradually increase the time as the dog gets more comfortable.

Additional items to add to a dog clothing collection can include cool hats, sunglasses, bandannas, raincoats and even scarves and ear muffs. Like anything new your dog will have to get familiar with wearing the items to be really comfortable, but once they get the hang of it all they will be fine. Don't forget that garage sales, pet supply stores, charity events for dog clubs or rescues or even swap meets and dog shows can be a terrific place to pick up both dog clothing as well as dog clothing accessories at bargain prices.

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