I'm a clothes fanatic. There! I admit it!

My name is Adrienne Owen, and I'm a clothes fanatic.  There!  I admit it!

I also am a professional dog handler and it's my job to make the dogs look good and stand out in a crowd.  With that being said what I wear to show these dogs does matter because I am the backdrop or background of the picture the judge sees when looking at the dogs.  This blog was started to help and encourage your inner fashionista to come out and shine!  I want as much feedback, tips, stories, successes, and ideas as possible!  So please share and comment!  

Starting with the basics:
Every profession has a "uniform" or dress code. Dog shows are no different. While football players wear pads and helmets and race car drivers are covered in advertising, dog handlers have a uniform of a suit or "Sunday best." Proper body coverage will gain respect and impressed attention by judges, fellow exhibitors, clients and potential clients and the public. Dog shows have an old tradition of being a classy event, they are not a sporting event where spectators use body paint to show their support!

Professionally Dressed 

Due to this being a handlers job, they really should be the best dressed at the shows.  Shoes should be shined and hair should be tidy and everything in between should read I'm a professional. Different seasons and shows will call for a more relaxed attire while other shows call for everyone to dress up more than usual. 

Proper Menswear

If you want to play is safe, wear a suit. Sport coats and slacks will work as well, so long as they go together enough to not look sloppy. Tailored, pressed shirts will add to the overall look. Men can show flair with interesting ties or bow ties and colorful socks. Oh yes, check out the socks! Spice things up with different tie knots such as the Elder or Trinity (tie knot link). 

Winter months it may be necessary to wear a sweater under a jacket, or a nice, warm coat. Casual looks for summer months may be slacks and a polo or Hawaiian-type shirt. Some men will also wear short sleeve button up shirts with a tie that also keep them looking professional and cool during hot summer months. 

Proper Womenswear

Women have a much wider array of proper attire than men from dresses to tailored suits. The key to looking professional in the show ring is keeping it simple. Suits can make that job easy because they are already a complete ensemble.  Some do not like to see women in pants or pant suits at shows, I however think a pant suit is perfectly acceptable IF it is properly fitted like anything else.  You can spice it up with separates or sweaters with skirts or over dresses during winter months.  Summer generally means showing more skin to stay cool, so bring out the dresses and short sleeve tops.  However, summer does not mean mini skirts at dog shows!  

Have fun with your clothes and think about what dog(s) you show.  If you show large, fast moving dogs make sure you can move appropriately.  If you need to bend over to pick up to stack your dog make sure skirt, dress, or pants allow you to do so - and you top!  Then finally think about shapes and cuts and colors of your clothes and make sure they're not hindering or distracting from your dog.

If your clothes are the same color of the dog you're showing more often than not you'll make your dog invisible if not very hard to see.  

If your clothes are too flamboyant it may be hard to watch your dog instead of you.

Finding that middle ground of standing out, but not being a distraction to your dog is the key and we will look into that as we go along.



Up next: Does it make the cut?  Tips for buying the appropriate fitting suit