Instyle Handbag
Designer Handbags 101

Dog Purses

As hard as it is to fathom - Paris Hilton has forever inspired the future of designer handbags. It's true, the hotel heiress and her tiny pooch, Tinkerbell, have motivated purse designers to market pooch purses, dog totes and the like, as the latest celebrity fashion accessory.

Dog purses are catching on with celebrities faster than Fido would jump on a T-bone. Readers of fashion magazines are hard-pressed to open its pages without seeing the likes of celebs such as Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears or Hillary Duff toting their prized pooches around in a leather, Louis Vuitton or Prada dog purse. And, as trivial as it sounds, a Louis Vuitton dog tote doesn't come cheap at almost $1,500.

As with most celebrity fashion trends - we know many will probably run to the nearest pet store for a mini-woof to tuck in their purse. The good news is that dog purses, pooch purses and dog totes don't necessarily need to bear the Louis Vuitton moniker. Cute canines are being placed in specially designed dog purses or in regular purses that are large enough to accommodate your precious pooch for a mere $40.

Not surprisingly, the recent trend of dog-in-a-bag has sparked animal rights activists to accuse Hilton and other fashion savvy dog owners of animal cruelty. And frankly even though I'm providing the information I can't say I blame them. Using a living, breathing animal as a wardrobe accessory is downright nauseating as far as I'm concerned. And tiny breeds like Mexican Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Yorkshire terriers and Papillon are being equated to must-have fashion items - rather then must-loved pets.

Before purchasing a tiny dog for your purse please keep the following in mind:

  • A responsible dog breeder puts each potential dog owner through a rigorous screening process. So, if you're looking for something to compliment your wardrobe please consider a new pair of shoes rather then a dog.

  • Teacup dogs are just like other canines - they're living, breathing, feeling creatures that can live between nine and 15 years therefore they aren't style accessories.

  • Health problems occurring from weak immune systems and lower body heat are more apparent in tiny breeds and mixes.

  • Tiny dogs are more susceptible to injuries, simply because they're so small. For example, everything from breaking bones, being crushed or even being killed by a larger dog.

  • People often mistake small dogs for a good family pet. However, their fragility makes small breeds more prone to injury if played with roughly or may bite a child in self-defense.
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I walk my little Yorkie on a leash, and when traveling, put him safely in a sturdy travel crate. Any one who would carry a pet in a "purse" is looking for attention, not taking good care of their dog or cat.
Posted on 4/8/2008 8:14:00 PM by Anonymous
cool
Posted on 10/26/2007 9:20:00 PM by Anonymous
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