The Sharper Barker

The Sharper Barker is a small family-run Canadian label that has been designing dog clothing since 2017, and this collection brings together its bamboo hoodies and waterproof rain jackets in one place. The line began with Dash, a dachshund who got cold easily and refused to walk in the rain, so the patterns were drafted for dogs with deeper chests and longer bodies rather than a generic tube shape.

Nine sizes span dogs from roughly 2 to 90 pounds, which makes the range workable for chihuahuas, dachshunds, French bulldogs and larger breeds alike. Pieces in this collection run $42.86 to $67.86 CAD.

Hoodie or rain jacket: which Sharper Barker piece do you need?

Start with the weather you actually walk in. Rain jackets are the layer for wet Toronto springs and slushy shoulder seasons, while the bamboo hoodies are everyday layers for cool mornings and indoor comfort.

• Wet walks: the Shadow waterproof rain jacket or the Hunter colourway for dogs who balk at stepping out in a downpour.
• Cold weather layering: the Skye bamboo fleece hoodie, the warmest option in the group.
• Mild days and indoor wear: the bamboo lightweight hoodie, or the Emma French terry hoodie for something in between.

How do the bamboo fabrics differ?

Three weights appear across the hoodie line. Lightweight bamboo is the thinnest and suits early autumn, air-conditioned homes and dogs that overheat in fleece. French terry sits in the middle, with a looped interior that holds a little more warmth without bulk. Bamboo fleece is the heaviest and the one to reach for in January.

Getting the fit right on long or barrel-chested dogs

Measure chest girth at the widest point behind the front legs, then measure back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Because the patterns were originally cut for bigger chests and longer bodies, dachshunds, corgis and bully breeds often fit better here than in standard-cut clothing. If your dog falls between two sizes, the longer body measurement is usually the one to follow.

Where can you buy The Sharper Barker in Canada?

Ashario Pets stocks the collection at its North York store in Toronto, with same-day pickup available for GTA shoppers, and ships Canada-wide for everyone else. Bringing your dog in for a fitting is the easiest way to settle a between-sizes decision.