When it comes to presenting gifts to friends and loved ones, clothes can be one of the most difficult.

When shopping clothes for someone else, there are so many things that may go wrong, and it goes far beyond size, style, or colour. Consider my hubby and his plain polo shirt. To help them stay tucked, most Polos are constructed longer in the rear than in the front. But spouse always wears his shirt untucked. He dismisses any polo with a longer back hem, which 99 percent of them have! I gave up a long time ago…

But, if you must present clothes this season, there is one recipient on your list who will look great in any outfit you get for him. He’ll proudly display your present, head held high and tail wagging.

That’s right, your canine. Or the dog of a friend. It’s so simple that you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner.

Dogs adore any type of attention they can receive. So Spike will put on his outfit – charming or absurd – as soon as he senses how pleased it makes his owner. Fido will devour any additional attention he receives from strangers. And if her dress has enough sparkle, Fifi would even Vogue for the camera.

Shopping for clothes for dogs is similar to shopping for clothes for babies. Unless you’re going for functionality, attractiveness reigns supreme. So it’s difficult to go wrong, given that any dog dressed up looks pretty darn gorgeous.

Dog clothing options include everything from winter jumpers to football jerseys and summer shirts. You can receive a set of flannel PJs for bedtime or a terry robe to wear after a bath. There’s even a Harley-Davidson clothing line for dogs, complete with a leather hat and studded collar. And dog costumes for parties and holidays are simply too adorable to describe.

Accessorize if you truly want your present to be a hit with admirers. Try a designer dog collar and even a nice pair of sunglasses made specifically for canines. In reality, “doggles” are more than just an accessory. They shield your dog’s eyes from UV radiation and particles carried by the wind. Oh, and I just found out that leg warmers are making a comeback.

Do you have a wicked sense of humour? When it comes to dressing up a dog, silly outfits are good clean fun. There are some extremely inventive doggie costumes out there that are sure to make you laugh.

When shopping for dog apparel, there are simply a few simple rules to remember:
One is that if the dog in issue is an ardent chewer, you should avoid getting him anything tempting. Shiny buttons, fringe, and feathers are a few examples. A choking hazard that can be readily chewed off and ingested is an object that can become lodged in the dog’s digestive tract.

The other guideline is that any dog, no matter how tolerant, will feel more at ease in clothes that fit. For a proper fit, length should be measured from the dog’s collar to the base of her tail. The girth of most garments may be altered with velcro tabs, however this may still be an issue with a barrel-chested breed like a bulldog. In most cases, measurements are given in inches.

Remember that a dog will never “diet down” into a too-small outfit or, unless you’re purchasing for a puppy or a pregnant female, “grow into” a too-large one.

Oh, and if you’re adept with a sewing machine, you can manufacture your own dog outfits as well. Just remember to leave an opening for the dog to relieve himself. Don’t laugh; it occurs all the time!

You’re all set now if you’re looking for your own puppy. But if you’re buying clothes for someone else’s dog, I have a few more suggestions.

According to surveys on men’s and women’s gift preferences, men choose gifts that are more playful or practical. If the dog’s owner is a man, this could mean a doggy Harley jacket, a comical costume, or a reflective hunting vest (or a pair of doggles).

Women, on the other hand, prefer gifts that are lovely, memorable, and personalised. It shouldn’t be difficult to locate attire for a woman’s dog that is either beautiful, memorable, or both, and it should be individualised!