I feel your pain...about the bows.
But, I would suggest bands....not clips. Clips are heavier and more noticeable to the dog when on their head, and, because they are heavier, they are also more likely to pull the hair a bit. They are also easier to rub, grab, or shake out...they are an easier target for paws and claws...and are great chew toys once they are out. They are great 'tug' toys for a second dog while still in the hair of the first dog, too, and Mia was easily able to grab the bands, clips, and bows with her teeth and slide them out of the silky hair in Brody's top knot...after which, the game was on!
Not all bands are equal, however. Brody's hair is very fine and thin and silky, and he could easily get out the bands, clips, etc. I used to use. Mia's hair was very, very short...and silky, too...and she was easily able to get bands out of her own tiny top knot...and forget clips...one head shake, and...
Clips seemed better at first because they seemed faster and easier to put in...especially with a wiggly puppy who doesn't want the top knot at all. But, I like the clear laytex bands I get from
Dog Bows custom made for the Pet & Top Show Dogs best...they have them in lots of sizes...even to Tiny and 1/8" Micro. They hold better than the first bands I found at the pet store, and they are stretchier and don't break as easily...meaning I have yet to have one break. They pretty much stay in all day...until I cut them out, especially since I just don't put bows in their hair if I am not with them. I use the 5/16" Medium size...and sometimes two...one for the top knot, and one for the bow...wrapped above and below the first band. They cost $5 for 500 and $8 for 1,000...and band scissors are $5.
The point to the band is to keep their hair out of their eyes, and when longer, out of their mouths, food, water, etc., and no matter how much I love the bows, I care more about my babies.
I found that the smaller and lighter...and less noticeable...I could make bows, the longer the wear time. So, I started making tiny, lightweight hair bows for my babies. You can easily and quickly make your own tiny little bows, too, with very narrow and/or lightweight ribbon, a band, and two 'string beads' none of which will be terribly harmful...and should pass straight through...should they get swallowed, even though you don't want that to happen There is even a groomer video on YouTube that shows how...she makes similar bows for dogs she grooms...I will look for the link...
Here it is....and how to apply with hemostats (second link):
- Cat