There was a time when having a dog meant accepting that some plans simply weren’t going to include them. Dinner at a restaurant? Sorry, they’re staying home. Weekend away? Better find a pet sitter.
These days, however, I’m increasingly finding that my dog isn’t just a pet — she’s my plus-one. And I’m clearly not alone.
More of us than ever are choosing dog-friendly cafés, restaurants and holiday spots. And with the rise of smaller, more portable breeds, it means taking your dog everywhere has never been easier.
Just look at Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc and his wife Alexandra Saint Mleux, whose miniature dachshund Leo has become something of a celebrity himself, regularly spotted alongside them at race weekends.
As someone who has fully embraced the idea that my dog should be included in as much of my life as possible, I’ve also started thinking a little more carefully about what she’s wearing while we’re out and about.
Now, my family dog is a medium-sized breed, but when chatting to friends about their smaller dogs, they often tell me that it feels like small breeds have simply been given miniature versions of accessories designed for much bigger dogs.
And while my family pooch is large and in charge, I’m firmly of the belief that little dogs need accessories designed around their proportions, movement and comfort — particularly when it comes to something as important as a harness.
That’s what caught my attention about MIA COOSH. The Melbourne-born brand began after its founder struggled to find a harness for her own toy poodle, Mia, that combined comfort, safety and good design. The result is a collection specifically considered for smaller and medium-sized dogs, with lightweight hardware and a tailored fit designed to avoid rubbing or gaping.
Even if your pet is a larger breed, MIA COOSH can still work for you. Its collars, leads and other accessories — including the very chic poop bags — are available in the same fun colourways and aren’t specific to smaller dogs.
But, honestly, there’s another reason I’ve become slightly obsessed with good dog accessories: they’re fun. If my dog is going to accompany me everywhere, I want her little wardrobe to have some personality, too. A harness or collar is a small way to show off who she is, while making sure she’s comfortable and secure along the way.
Because if our pets are going to be coming everywhere with us, they deserve to look cute while doing it.
So, needless to say, here are some of the MIA COOSH accessories that are perfect for your pooch, regardless of their size. Available in a range of colours, from cream and caramel to blush pink and emerald green, it’s the kind of gear that gives your four-legged friend a little more personality — although, let’s be honest, they probably have plenty already!



