Hi,

I have a new puppy chihuahua called tinkerbell (honestly, did not realise Paris Hiltons chi was called that, until too late). Anyway, on researching chihuahua's and through taking her out, she gets very very cold. I feel slightly cruel putting jumpers on her, but it seems to ease her shaking, although I think some of it is nerves as well, she really doesn't like going out.
Thing is she is only 4 months and is very very small, she has got a 5" neck still!! and no harnesses seem to fit her properly, I think her neck is too fragile for a collar. Even the smallest fabric puppia harnesses do not fit.

Is there any shops that cater to such small dogs?
Do you know of any in London (apart from harrods, I refuse to shop there).
Also, where do you guys shop for clothes?
Do you just buy little coats and jumpers or booties and stuff as well?
What do I do when the snow hits?
Also, I was thinking of actually setting up a little pet boutique myself, obviously, I will have to become more knowledgeable in regards to this kind of thing, but, just wanted to see if there actually is a market for it at all before I even start really looking into it.

Thanks!!

Kay x

Hello

I go to PetLondon you can drop into their office and try/buy clothes there. The staff are really really friendly and dogs are allowed to drop in.

It's a bit of a weird place as it's in an office building near Oxford street but I wouldn't shop anywhere else.

Some of the things are a bit pricey but the quality is great and the staff will go out of their way to advise and find you things. They also have an online store if you can't get in.

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personally i`d just buy a waterproof jacket with a nice fleece lining that`ll keep her warm and dry. i wouldn`t touch anything with a hood as they can cause all sorts of problems. as for boots i`d only really bother with these if your dog walks somewhere her paws could be injured easily. being a chi i`d say a nice warm jumper and waterproof jacket were adequate enough but then i don`t like seeing dogs dressed up like dolls (not saying you would do this just that i`ve seen so many and they always look miserable)

Masta Deluxe Waterproof Dog Coats i really like these coats, they come in tiny sizes too and various colours

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owned by:

jake - chocolate labrador
sydney - liver/white english springer
twix - dlh cat
lacey - dsh cat

never forgetting my baby banjo running free at the bridge, RIP baby xx

Id recommend there too, great service tho not open weekends and have odd opening hours so always ring and check 1st.

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My cousin walk her chi with a cat harness

All she will need is a nice waterproof jacket, not shoes or anything

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I'm going to get Rupert a lightweight, water proof jacket and a bit of a heavier one for winter I think, although he's quite hardy, its just to keep him a little bit drier.

I did see a hoody the other day with "Asbo" on the back...might get it him for christmas!!!!

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Hey I could do with one of them for Sammy Boy

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Holly has a waterproof coat and fleece. We got her lil boots last xmas, as she was only 10 weeks old when the snow hit, and she was getting lost in the snow, and her lil feet were getting cold, but we've binned them since lol

I don't really agree with dressing dogs up for unnecessary reasons.

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The only thing about cat and kitten harnesses is that, even though they are very small, they often don't have a chest strap to attach the neck and chest bands. Like this....



That means that if there is any pulling the pressure is stronger on the neck than it would be if the harness supports the chest area and distributes it a bit better over the body. I have always found ones like these better

I used a kitten harness with mine when they were younger. Also Ive found doggystylestore online is good esp so you arent spending a fortune on things they will grow out of!
Last winter my short haired Chi often went out in t shirt, jumper and coat and even then only managed about 20-30mins on the ground before I had to pop her back in her bag coz she was too cold! I would just make sure any clothing you buy doesnt have unecessary bits on, so no hoods or sleeves.

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SUMMER...JUST SAY NO!

I love my furkids.
dogs-Adam, Hannah, Heidi.
cats-Banjo, Bess, Eric, Tootsie, Blossom, Gracie.
Syrian Hamster-Inigo Montoya.
Rats-Ezri, Audrid, Emony.
Corn Snake- Kiora.
Kenyan Sand Boa- Kushti.

RIP- Winter, Autumn, Leela, Spring, Gandalf, Summer,Jet, Pip, Moo, Lilac, Wild Thing, Patrick, Frisbee, Echo.