Pooches! I think of myself as a down to earth dog. Most of the time, I prefer subtle neck wear. But today when I was cleaning up for the New Year, I noticed my closet looks like it belongs to a drag queen – sequins, tulle, costumes, pink and silver sunglasses, and even a Carmen Miranda headpiece and skirt. Wow and woof!
Poodles and Haute dogs…It really is all about the pouf. Our bouffant fur-do is one of the hallmarks of a stylish, eye-catching poodle. Yesterday, I found a new way to check if my pouf is up to snuff. I call it the “Shadow Check.” Sit in your favorite sunny spot, and have your human check your shadow. If the pouf looks fluffy and full, you’re good to go! Now get out there and look great, poodles.
Next up from Poodle Day are “The Sophisticates.” Boas, bow ties, and bling…these dogs portray classic old world charm with their elegant and dapper style.
I would love to go to an after party with these poodles. I can see it now…fine dining from crystal dog bowls, dancing, and romance with style.
But not all poodles are of the posh set…tomorrow we feature the Poodle Day counterculture! Stay tuned.
Move over, Technicolor Poodles…today we check out the Poodle Day Haute Dogues. The poodle supermodels were out in full force this week in Carmel, hitting the runway and strutting their stuff. 
Yes, the Poodle Day Runway was all glitz and glam. These dogs strut and pose with the best of them! And as you can see, the puparazzi went wild.
Thank you, Poodle Supermodels. Tomorrow I’ll be featuring the Poodle Day “Sophisticates.”
Haute Dogues! The East Bay Humane Society’s Bark Around the Block event was a great success. The party was lively, and many canines and felines found forever homes.
While I was at the celebration, I picked up a new pair of Doggles.
Yes, yes, yes.
Which brings me to my latest style tip…Sometimes a well chosen pair of frames can really convey a message and enhance a dog’s look. Below are some of my favorites!
Remember, not all dogs like wearing shades, so it’s important not to push this fashion trend on an unwilling participant. We all know the saying, a happy dog = a happy life. But for the right canine, a well placed pair of frames can really make a statement. Woof!
photo by Jim Hammack
Small-Poodle-at-Large’s Haute Dogue columnist and supermodel, Chloe, just turned two! Of course, she celebrated her birthday in style and looked simply radiant.
And Chloe is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Not only is she a Certified Advanced Ball Meditator, but she loves to share. When we play chase in the field, she brings the ball halfway home, then drops it so I can have a turn. Woof!
Chloe threw a fabulous birthday party, complete with a carob oat cake for dogs. If this is what her birthday parties are like, I can’t wait until she has a wedding. I put in a request for a petting zoo next year.
Happy Birthday, Chloe.
Photo by Jim Hammack
Haute Dogues! Not all style is about fashion. It’s also about making the most of a natural attribute. As dogs, we not only show our feelings on our faces, we also have an attention-getting, expressive, furry flag on the back side! Wild or tame, our tails are a most attractive feature. So don’t hold back. The modern pooch knows how to flaunt it, swish it, and wag it! Wave that tail in the air like you just don’t care and you’ll definitely make an impression.
Photo 1 by Bernard Ceguerra
Photo 2 by Jim Hammack
In response to the March 6th Haute Dogue column, Ginger sent in this picture. Unfortunately, homophones can be a bit tricky for us dogs.
But this brings me to my next style tip, Haute Dogues! If you don an outfit, you have to carry it. And even though I don’t necessarily recommend running around in a bun, I think we can all agree Ginger’s workin’ it! I mean, look at that tail…that confidence…wow and woof! That’s the way it’s done small dog fashionistas~
