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2017’s Newest Trends for Chic Dog Boutiques

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Dog Owner Mania is Pushing the Envelope for Cutesy and Extravagant Retail Options for Dogs

The world of glamor has invaded the welcoming pet industry and has been building huge momentum in 2017. Dog obsession is in! A chic dog boutique presents a real opportunity to push the boundaries of retail options for pet owners who love to spoil their dogs. From diamond encrusted tiaras to strollers, lavishness is a popular trend emerging alongside American-made and eco-friendly products.

In 2017, a dog can have its own armoire. We’ve seen these trends in the celebrity community. Kendall Jenner is a huge fan of showing off her dogs and their doggie costumes and jewelry. Lady Gaga, the queen of accessorizing, also frequents chic dog boutiques to dress her French Bull dog, Koji, in sailor uniforms. Or even Liam Hemsworth’s Labradoodle named Dora, and his Brown Pit Bull, Tara, see plenty of the time in the spotlight with hip doggie apparel.

What this means for pet retailers is taking a look at the inventory list. Having a balanced inventory that supplies the demands of your consumer is important as different trends emerge in the marketplace. A chic dog boutique aims to have a unique assortment of products that pet owners can’t find at the big-box pet stores.

This article explores five of the freshest trends to shake up the pet industry.

1. High-End Designer Dog Clothing

This is mostly for the toy breeds—Yorkies, Frenchies, Poms etc. Owners dressing their dogs up is more popular than ever. Many pet owners want to match their dog with the occasion. Representing sports teams, celebrating Halloween with costumes, or even adorning a classic CoCo Mohair Sweater to look decadent when it’s cold out are a few reasons to dress the dog up.

Recognized Dog Clothing Brands:

  • Chi WOW WOW
  • RUFF RUFF Couture
  • M. Isacc Mizrahi
  • Susan Lanci
  • Oscar Newman
  • Wooflink
  • Dogs of Glamour
  • Paul Frank
  • Jax & Bones

Even designers outside of the pet novelty realm are unveiling dog lines for chic dog boutiques. Women’s wear designer and pet couturier, Anthony Rubio, has designed dog wear that goes beyond cute and enters the exorbitant realm. Anthony Rubio’s hat designs have the same flair that human hats have at the Kentucky Derby. Gucci, G.G, Frida Firenze, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Barneys have all hopped on the dog clothing bandwagon.

2.  Fancy Strollers & Carriers

There are tons of options in this department. Dog stroller customization mirrors the market for human babies. Many of these dog strollers have removable carrier sections and are collapsible for easy traveling. Double dog strollers are available for families with more than one furr-baby. The designs are endless from geometric, stripes, and animal print. Designer strollers are priced even higher. Various features make a dog’s life even easier with a smooth ride like paw rests and plush bolster pads. Prices range from $100 to $700.

Popular small dog strollers include Pet Gear Happy Trails No Zip Stroller, Vivo 3 Wheel Pet Stroller, and Pet Gear No Zip NV Pet Stroller. The trendy large dog strollers are Pet Gear Expedition Pet Stroller and DoggRide Novel Dog Stroller which are both equipped to carry dogs up to 150 pounds.

Carriers are becoming just as prominent as purses. Carrier pattern options are even more diverse. If you’ve seen a pattern on a purse, chances are it’s replicated on a dog carrier. Carriers come in a few different styles. There are both front and back ‘backpacks,’ sling-style, pouch-style, bag-style, and the classic dog carriers. Part of the customizable-direction carriers is taking are the insertable pads that come in different color fabric swatches. Cooling pads which can be refrigerated to keep dogs from overheating on hot summer days are also available.

3. Aromatherapy & Supplements

If you haven’t already heard the news, Millenials are now the primary pet owners in the U.S. and are drastically affecting the market. As far as pet spending goes, Millenials are more experimental and attuned to holistic choices. Grain-free foods, organic ingredient lists, and artisan preparation are becoming normative.

One of the biggest products to emerge from this is—aromatherapy for dogs. The idea behind aromatherapy is conditioning. Many pet owners look for natural herbal supplements to help calm their dogs down or induce a desired mood enhancement. Botanicals and herbs are concentrated into an essential oil which is diluted to a safe ratio used in shampoos, conditioners, and spritzers. When a dog associates the aromas with calm feelings, using aromatherapy can help soothe your dog down.

Doggie vitamins and supplements are also getting more and more popular, especially in 2017. Once-a-day probiotics, fatty acids, flora supplements, joint health, antioxidants, and liver support are a few of the choices in the supplement aisle of pet stores and chic dog boutiques.  

4. Doggie Furniture

With all the clothes dog owners are buying for their dogs they’re going to need a place to hang the outfits up. What pampered pooch ensemble is complete without an armoire and steps to reach it. Dog-sized armoires used to be something you would need to commission a specialty artist. Now, many chic dog boutiques sell them for the sophisticated and demanding customer.

Dog steps and ramps have also been around for a while but now the designs are getting really creative. Steps are used for small or arthritic dogs to get onto the bed or into the car. Following eye-pleasing designs, animal prints, granite, and even candy compositions are showing up on steps.

High tech and elegant feeders are also gaining popularity. Dog feeders that have automated timers or involved problem-solving on the dog’s part are hot sellers.

5. Jewelry

Dog accessorizing has had bandanas and even satin bow ties before but now pearls and diamond encrusted tiaras are entering the game. Many chic pet boutiques have been selling out  charms attached to a locket that can be placed on a dog’s collar. The charms are made with semi-precious and faux gemstones.

Human jewelry that declares a pet owner’s pride for their dog is also a hot item in pet boutiques. Engraved with sayings like “I Heart my dog,” or “My little angel,” human charms are also popular alongside different breed emblems.

6. Other Noteworthy Items & The Miscellaneous

  • Wilderdog Climbing Rope and Carabiner Leashes
  • Bad Tags! Glow in the Dark Dog Tags
  • Beast + Babe’s Tropical Summertime Leash Collection
  • Puppy Riot Handmade Dog Bandanas
  • Prunkhund’s “Marble and Concrete” Accessories Collection
  • Planet Dog’s Link Interactive Toy
  • Bright Flowers Cushion
  • Peach Pet Provisions Hammock Pet Loungers

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