„Where Canine Comfort and Couture Collide“
This advertising slogan invites people to buy one of the most current products that have beeninvented during the last few years: dog clothes. The choice of products on the market is large
and is growing day by day. One can purchase almost all kind of clothes for dogs that humans wear –and they often cost the same price despite their smaller size. There are several kinds of
dog coats for every weather and season as winter coats, rain coats, reflective lab coats and sunsuits. Then there is a large number of clothes for everyday wear such as hoodies,
tracksuits, tank-tops, sweaters, pyjamas and playsuits. Moreover, the customer can buy dog’s hats, dog boots, dog’s bags and a lot of accessories. What advantages do dog clothes have for the animals? Do they function as a useful invention for them or is it rather one which serves the owner’s needs? According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary an invention is “a thing or an idea that has been invented”2. Furthermore, “useful” means something “that can help you to do or achieve what you want”3. This essay will deal with the question for whose needs the invention of dog clothes really is useful: for the pet or for the owner? Additionally,it will try to state reasons why so many dog owners find the products so attractive.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Do Dogs Need Clothes?
- Dogs as Natural Beings
- Exceptions: Dogs Who Need Clothes
- The Appeal of Dog Clothes for Owners
- Companionship and Affection
- Humanisation and Fashion
- Ethical Considerations
- The Five Freedoms
- Exploitation and Human-Centred Behaviour
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the question of whether dog clothes are a truly useful invention for dogs or if they primarily serve the needs of their owners. The essay examines the arguments for and against the necessity of dog clothes, considering both the physiological needs of dogs and the human-animal relationship.
- The natural adaptability of dogs to weather conditions
- Exceptions where dogs may require clothing due to human intervention (e.g., breeding, environment)
- The role of dog clothes in satisfying human needs for companionship, entertainment, and fashion
- The ethical implications of dressing dogs for purely human purposes
- The importance of respecting dogs' natural behaviors and providing species-appropriate care
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction presents the topic of dog clothes, highlighting their growing popularity and the question of their true utility. It defines "invention" and "useful" in the context of dog clothing.
The first section examines whether dogs inherently need clothes. It argues that dogs, like other animals, have evolved natural adaptations to cope with various weather conditions. The section cites research indicating that dog fur provides adequate protection and that dogs have instinctual behaviors to regulate their body temperature.
The second section discusses exceptions to the general argument, acknowledging that certain dogs, especially those with physiological disadvantages or living in unnatural environments, might benefit from clothing. The section provides examples of dog breeds and situations where clothing could be deemed necessary.
The third section explores the reasons why many dog owners find dog clothes appealing. It suggests that dog clothes can enhance the sense of companionship and affection between owner and dog, and can also serve as a form of entertainment or fashion statement.
The fourth section delves into the ethical implications of dressing dogs. It argues that while dressing dogs for purely human purposes may exploit the animal, there are situations where clothing could be justified, such as protecting the dog from the harsh realities of human-influenced environments.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores the topics of dog clothes, human-animal relationships, animal welfare, species-appropriate care, ethical considerations, and the human desire to control and modify nature.
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- Christina Gieseler (Autor), 2007, Where Canine Comfort and Couture Collide (Argumentative Essay), Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148731
