Pocket Pooches: The Must-Have Accessory - YorkieTalk.com Forums

StewiesMom · 05-16-2005, 08:50 AM

What do you think? Is it wrong to think of a dog as an accessory? Is the media making it worse? Are they helping the demand grow and in turn helping puppy mills survive and stay in business? Should they be spending their time educating the public about the dangers of puppy mills and unreputable breeders instead?

Pocket Pooches: The Must-Have Accessory

By Jennifer D'Angelo

Fox News

There's only one thing more fashionable than a Louis Vuitton purse — and that's a Louis Vuitton purse with an itty-bitty dog sticking out of it.

Inspired by Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell and Reese Witherspoon's well-dressed Chihuahua, Bruiser, in the "Legally Blonde" movies, trend-setters like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson are scampering to the pet store to buy teensy-weensy teacup and toy dogs — and fashionable carriers to tote them in.

"Everyboy has them now," said Susan Bing, co-owner of Trixie and Peanut, a popular New York City pet boutique frequented by celebs like P. Diddy (search) and Milla Jovavich (search). "It's a trend that kind of got started and was encouraged by the 'Legally Blonde' movies. And of course it helps having celebs like Paris doing it."

Besides Hilton, described as the "patron saint of doggy boutiques" by one Beverly Hills store owner, other celeb-teeny dog pairings include Adrien Brody (search) and his Chihuahua, Tori Spelling and her pug, Jessica Simpson and her new malti-poo (a Maltese poodle), Britney and her Maltese and P. Diddy and his Maltese.

Bing says the really "in" dogs are Maltese, Chihuahuas and Yorkies.

"The trend is the smaller the better. Everybody wants the teeny, teeny teacup dogs, 3-4 pounds and under," she said. Bing added that the mini mutts start at about $1,500, the smaller the pricier.

And with the increased demand for little dogs has come an increased demand for stylish totes to carry them in, among other goodies.

"The dog is viewed as an accessory, and carrying the dog is an opportunity to dress the dog and make the dog look fashionable," said Mike Campbell, owner of the just-opened Doggie Style boutique in Beverly Hills.

While Paris and Reese have made it cool to dress pooches in sweaters and designer collars — a pastime Bing said was once reserved for "kooky old ladies" — the really hot items among fashionistas are dog carriers that look like handbags.

"We have so many people now who want carriers that look like purses, we've been special-ordering them," Campbell said.

Indeed, Bing said high-end designers like Ralph Lauren and Donald Pliner (search) are now making pooch purses, along with Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade and others.

But why little dogs? Experts say they're easily transportable for people on the go, fun to dress up and loving companions that fill a void for adults who don't have kids.

"They're not ready for children yet, so it's like having a baby — there's a sense of great responsibility," said Wendy Diamond, editorial director of Animal Fair magazine, which features Paris and her equally famous Chihuahua on their latest cover. "More people in the U.S. are single and living older. Dogs are their children."

L.A. fashion expert Elycia Rubin said dog as man's or woman's best friend is the "ultimate accessory."

"It's comforting, this little creature that loves and adores you. You get constant security, love and companionship. And guess what? Dogs get you a lot of attention."

Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a California veterinarian who specializes in small animal medicine, said the tote-your-dog trend is totally healthy, as long as certain rules are obeyed.

"The bonding is marvelous — small dogs [allow for] tighter bonding. But they still need to be well-behaved — come, sit, stay and the rest of it. Doggy handbags are fine, but some [doggy] attire could obstruct them, or they could rip it off and swallow the fabric. And daily exercise is very important — little dogs tend to get very fat."

Bing also warns against breeders who specialize in small dogs, as malnutrition could be a concern.

But is it normal to treat your dog like a baby? Cruz says it can be.

"As long as you realize that this is an animal, a pet, then yes, you may treat it like a child."

schatzie · 05-16-2005, 08:56 AM

This article by Fox news is probably turning the heads too of many breeders.

Some of which are seeing $$$$ and other's looking at it more responsibility with concerns as you mentioned.

Biddy's Mom · 05-16-2005, 08:57 AM

I have mixed feelings. I think that when you see these celebrities with dogs - most of them genuinely love thier animals & I don't think they are mistreated (they actually are treated better than most humans in some cases!). However, I think it is misleading to some people who see this on TV & think that they can get a dog just as an accessory & put it in the closet when they don't need it (or if it doesn't match their outfit!). Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and I think if it's done right it's ok to dress them up & carry them in a cute carrier, etc...

SoCalyorkiLvr · 05-16-2005, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

[COLOR=red]

Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a California veterinarian who specializes in small animal medicine, said the tote-your-dog trend is totally healthy, as long as certain rules are obeyed.

"The bonding is marvelous — small dogs [allow for] tighter bonding. But they still need to be well-behaved — come, sit, stay and the rest of it. Doggy handbags are fine, but some [doggy] attire could obstruct them, or they could rip it off and swallow the fabric. And daily exercise is very important — little dogs tend to get very fat."

But is it normal to treat your dog like a baby? Cruz says it can be.

"As long as you realize that this is an animal, a pet, then yes, you may treat it like a child."

This, for me, was the best quote in the entire article. It is totally healthy as long as you understand the responsibility that comes with owning and caring for a small dog. I don't think every girl should get a "purse puppy" for her 16th birthday. It must be someone is mature enough to care for the animal properly and have the resources to do so. I think it is great more people are realizing the great joy that can come from owning a small dog. Hopefully it will cure some cases of depression and give some a "reason to live", purpose in life. Like having children, it helps a selfish individual "grow up" some and learn to be more selfless. I just think its great!

natalie · 05-16-2005, 10:59 AM

I have mixed feelings about this one!
No wonder why people think "teacups" exist. The media tells them it does. People will buy in to the craze because it's the "IT" thing to do. They'll get the dog and care for it but when times get tough (pee-pee training, sickness) and the Vet bills are hiked up, what will happen to the dog then? The media doesn't educate everyone about how much patience and time it takes to take care of a puppy, and especially since they're raving about "the smallest dog" possible, we all know that it means the potential for more health problems. There are some very naive people out there, teenagers and women alike, that do not know a thing about dogs in general but will get one just because it's trendy and considered a "fashion accessory".
I am all for everyone owning a dog because it's the best feeling ever, but I don't think the media should have approached it the way they did, without telling the audience about all the problems and health dangers that can come with a smaller dog!
"And with the increased demand for little dogs has come an increased demand for stylish totes to carry them in, among other goodies." That honestly sounds like a sales pitch for the puppy millers. Hopefully, they don't take advantage of it like Kristy said.

Boy, that news article has problems written all over it.

ssguzzy828 · 05-16-2005, 11:19 AM

I think as long as the dog is taken care of and loved i think it is ok. Unfortunately yes there will be breeders who capitilize on the trend and will think money before health. There is a big responsibility in owning any pet but I think dogs require more attention because they do need socialization and attention. (cats to

). I guess you can compare this rend to the 101 dalmations trend. After the movie came so many people bought them for thier kids not knowing that a dalmation is a very active dog. Due that trend many dalmations were turned into shelters or destroyed. It was so sad. So I guess if breeders are selling the small breeds for so much money at least you know its to someone who hopefully has the means financially to keep them healthy. Also small breeds who end up in shelters seem to be adopted in a fairly decent amt of time I know there was a waiting list at the shelter by me for smaller breeds. Hopefully though the word will get out that small dogs are not toys and they do require a lot of time and enegry just as any pet would be it big or small. okay im done rambling now lol
sue

bkessler · 05-16-2005, 06:05 PM

I have such mixed opinions about celebs and their little dogs... I wondering if these stars really care about these animals or if they just are using them for fashion.. Also. the stars that have more than one pet, its great but how much love and time can they put into both (all) of their animals.. I am a normal 24 year old with a job and 1 dog and I struggle to give her all the time she needs.. I could never imagine being a star who travels alot and film movies or writes songs... I am sorry if this a just jabber, its kind of late and its been a long day!!

amyhinmn · 05-17-2005, 03:52 PM

That is an EXCELLENT example of poor use of the media. The media is often so hurtful to the cause of animals. If they really cared about anything other than celebs, they would add a line in the article about not supporting pet stores or puppy mills. Nonetheless, it amazes me how ignorant humans are, to even buy from a puppy mill in the first place, without any prior warning. I do not believe in reincarnation, but if I did, I would NOT want to come back as any kind of animal. Well, maybe a dinosaur to kill all the stupid people. Animal vigilante justice!!

05-16-2005, 08:50 AM	#1
StewiesMom Stewie Rox the Sox Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,306	Pocket Pooches: The Must-Have Accessory What do you think? Is it wrong to think of a dog as an accessory? Is the media making it worse? Are they helping the demand grow and in turn helping puppy mills survive and stay in business? Should they be spending their time educating the public about the dangers of puppy mills and unreputable breeders instead? Pocket Pooches: The Must-Have Accessory By Jennifer D'Angelo Fox News There's only one thing more fashionable than a Louis Vuitton purse — and that's a Louis Vuitton purse with an itty-bitty dog sticking out of it. Inspired by Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell and Reese Witherspoon's well-dressed Chihuahua, Bruiser, in the "Legally Blonde" movies, trend-setters like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson are scampering to the pet store to buy teensy-weensy teacup and toy dogs — and fashionable carriers to tote them in. "Everyboy has them now," said Susan Bing, co-owner of Trixie and Peanut, a popular New York City pet boutique frequented by celebs like P. Diddy (search) and Milla Jovavich (search). "It's a trend that kind of got started and was encouraged by the 'Legally Blonde' movies. And of course it helps having celebs like Paris doing it." Besides Hilton, described as the "patron saint of doggy boutiques" by one Beverly Hills store owner, other celeb-teeny dog pairings include Adrien Brody (search) and his Chihuahua, Tori Spelling and her pug, Jessica Simpson and her new malti-poo (a Maltese poodle), Britney and her Maltese and P. Diddy and his Maltese. Bing says the really "in" dogs are Maltese, Chihuahuas and Yorkies. "The trend is the smaller the better. Everybody wants the teeny, teeny teacup dogs, 3-4 pounds and under," she said. Bing added that the mini mutts start at about $1,500, the smaller the pricier. And with the increased demand for little dogs has come an increased demand for stylish totes to carry them in, among other goodies. "The dog is viewed as an accessory, and carrying the dog is an opportunity to dress the dog and make the dog look fashionable," said Mike Campbell, owner of the just-opened Doggie Style boutique in Beverly Hills. While Paris and Reese have made it cool to dress pooches in sweaters and designer collars — a pastime Bing said was once reserved for "kooky old ladies" — the really hot items among fashionistas are dog carriers that look like handbags. "We have so many people now who want carriers that look like purses, we've been special-ordering them," Campbell said. Indeed, Bing said high-end designers like Ralph Lauren and Donald Pliner (search) are now making pooch purses, along with Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade and others. But why little dogs? Experts say they're easily transportable for people on the go, fun to dress up and loving companions that fill a void for adults who don't have kids. "They're not ready for children yet, so it's like having a baby — there's a sense of great responsibility," said Wendy Diamond, editorial director of Animal Fair magazine, which features Paris and her equally famous Chihuahua on their latest cover. "More people in the U.S. are single and living older. Dogs are their children." L.A. fashion expert Elycia Rubin said dog as man's or woman's best friend is the "ultimate accessory." "It's comforting, this little creature that loves and adores you. You get constant security, love and companionship. And guess what? Dogs get you a lot of attention." Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a California veterinarian who specializes in small animal medicine, said the tote-your-dog trend is totally healthy, as long as certain rules are obeyed. "The bonding is marvelous — small dogs [allow for] tighter bonding. But they still need to be well-behaved — come, sit, stay and the rest of it. Doggy handbags are fine, but some [doggy] attire could obstruct them, or they could rip it off and swallow the fabric. And daily exercise is very important — little dogs tend to get very fat." Bing also warns against breeders who specialize in small dogs, as malnutrition could be a concern. But is it normal to treat your dog like a baby? Cruz says it can be. "As long as you realize that this is an animal, a pet, then yes, you may treat it like a child." __________________ Kristy & Stewie

05-16-2005, 08:56 AM	#2
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	This article by Fox news is probably turning the heads too of many breeders. Some of which are seeing $$$$ and other's looking at it more responsibility with concerns as you mentioned. __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

05-16-2005, 08:57 AM	#3
Biddy's Mom and Tucker's too! Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,134	I have mixed feelings. I think that when you see these celebrities with dogs - most of them genuinely love thier animals & I don't think they are mistreated (they actually are treated better than most humans in some cases!). However, I think it is misleading to some people who see this on TV & think that they can get a dog just as an accessory & put it in the closet when they don't need it (or if it doesn't match their outfit!). Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and I think if it's done right it's ok to dress them up & carry them in a cute carrier, etc... __________________ Jessica, Biddy, Tucker & Gertie

05-16-2005, 06:05 PM	#7
bkessler Mommy's Little Angel Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 1,496	I have such mixed opinions about celebs and their little dogs... I wondering if these stars really care about these animals or if they just are using them for fashion.. Also. the stars that have more than one pet, its great but how much love and time can they put into both (all) of their animals.. I am a normal 24 year old with a job and 1 dog and I struggle to give her all the time she needs.. I could never imagine being a star who travels alot and film movies or writes songs... I am sorry if this a just jabber, its kind of late and its been a long day!! __________________ Brooke & Lily Mae (Maltipoo) Mocha (12/23/04-6/25/05)

05-16-2005, 10:59 AM	#5
natalie Owned by Fred Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,352	I have mixed feelings about this one! No wonder why people think "teacups" exist. The media tells them it does. People will buy in to the craze because it's the "IT" thing to do. They'll get the dog and care for it but when times get tough (pee-pee training, sickness) and the Vet bills are hiked up, what will happen to the dog then? The media doesn't educate everyone about how much patience and time it takes to take care of a puppy, and especially since they're raving about "the smallest dog" possible, we all know that it means the potential for more health problems. There are some very naive people out there, teenagers and women alike, that do not know a thing about dogs in general but will get one just because it's trendy and considered a "fashion accessory". I am all for everyone owning a dog because it's the best feeling ever, but I don't think the media should have approached it the way they did, without telling the audience about all the problems and health dangers that can come with a smaller dog! "And with the increased demand for little dogs has come an increased demand for stylish totes to carry them in, among other goodies." That honestly sounds like a sales pitch for the puppy millers. Hopefully, they don't take advantage of it like Kristy said. Boy, that news article has problems written all over it.

05-16-2005, 11:19 AM	#6
ssguzzy828 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: south suburbs of illinois Posts: 734	I think as long as the dog is taken care of and loved i think it is ok. Unfortunately yes there will be breeders who capitilize on the trend and will think money before health. There is a big responsibility in owning any pet but I think dogs require more attention because they do need socialization and attention. (cats to ). I guess you can compare this rend to the 101 dalmations trend. After the movie came so many people bought them for thier kids not knowing that a dalmation is a very active dog. Due that trend many dalmations were turned into shelters or destroyed. It was so sad. So I guess if breeders are selling the small breeds for so much money at least you know its to someone who hopefully has the means financially to keep them healthy. Also small breeds who end up in shelters seem to be adopted in a fairly decent amt of time I know there was a waiting list at the shelter by me for smaller breeds. Hopefully though the word will get out that small dogs are not toys and they do require a lot of time and enegry just as any pet would be it big or small. okay im done rambling now lol sue

05-17-2005, 03:52 PM	#8
amyhinmn Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 41	That is an EXCELLENT example of poor use of the media. The media is often so hurtful to the cause of animals. If they really cared about anything other than celebs, they would add a line in the article about not supporting pet stores or puppy mills. Nonetheless, it amazes me how ignorant humans are, to even buy from a puppy mill in the first place, without any prior warning. I do not believe in reincarnation, but if I did, I would NOT want to come back as any kind of animal. Well, maybe a dinosaur to kill all the stupid people. Animal vigilante justice!!