Colorado is teeming with dog boutiques fit for even the choosiest canine clientele.
But if you’re shopping for a Birkin for your barker, a fur for Fido or an Hermes for your Airedale, think again.
Upscale dog boutiques tend toward the frou-frou with a wonderful array of upscale pet items and services. But you’re unlikely to find a Gucci for your drooling baby. Instead, these establishments distinguish themselves from standard pet stores with charm, ambience, service or selection. So if you’re a dog lover, and have the means and desire to pamper your pooch, consider the following shops. Your fuzzy friends will be furr-ever grateful.
1. Wagz of Colorado
This hip, attractive store and pet bakery is on one of Fort Collins’ premier shopping blocks and has the boutique-y feel to prove it. Check out its selection of Halloween costumes for pets — stocked for the upcoming second annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Festival. One-of-a-kind pet (and human) jewelry along with clothing and outdoorsy dog accoutrements adorn the walls and racks. Bins of fresh-baked dog biscuits line the main aisle. Unique items include life-size dog-shaped topiaries, small-breed Murphy beds, float-coat water gear, bicycle dog trailers and original artwork. 132 N. College Ave., Fort Collins; 970-482-9249;
2. Doggie Dips & Chips
This somewhat hidden store is a warm and three-in-one dog (and cat) boutique with a comprehensive and colorful selection of healthful food, grooming supplies, toys, pet furniture, pet art, animal-care books and tempting knickknacks for pet lovers. The shop’s do-it-yourself dog-washing area is made of redwood, and the elevated tubs are spacious porcelain flanked by carpeted stairs. Great-smelling shampoos, easy-access ramps, dryers and employees who clean up afterward make it easy. And the back of the store houses an all-natural gourmet pet bakery. 265C E. 29th St., Loveland (in the Orchards Shopping Center); 970-461-1109;
3. Bark Avenue
Pull up to this tiny white and purple Victorian in Old Town Lafayette, and your pooch will be in pampered-pup heaven. The walkway is adorned with inlaid tile pawprints and prepares customers for the store’s charm. On entry, turn right for a floor-to-ceiling selection of grooming products and healthful pet food. Turn left for adorable pet-themed gifts and goods, including jewelry, nightlights and Graco-brand dog-strollers. If, while browsing, you lose track of time, just look up, and their paper-mache’d golden lab clock will get you back on track. 101 E. Chester St., Lafayette; 303-664-WOOF (9663);
4. Mouthfuls
In Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, this boutique and bakery has the feel of a country store. Its bakery case full of seasonal and holiday-themed pet treats is front and center. Along with standard pet items, this shop houses an array of unusual toys and pet-themed finds, such as pet breath mints, memorial items, garden sculptures, “poochie bells” (so your dog can tell you when he needs to go out), stylish dog bowls, and pet art. In addition to its own pet food brand (“Mouthfuls,” manufactured in Golden), the store sells treats, savories and a multitiered “Body Part Bar,” which includes dog faves such as buffalo tripe, shark spine, lamb trachea, stingray tail, and cow cheekrolls. 4224 Tennyson St.; 720-855-7505;
5. Zen Dog Pet Boutique Your dog (or cat) will be “om” on the range in this shop near Confluence Park. The entryway is decorated with circular patches of grass and a huge bone, leaving no doubt about who the store caters to. Beyond the natural food selection and grooming supplies, Zen distinguishes itself from the competition with such trendy items as dog-food place mats, lighted dog collars, “Sniffany & Co.” dog beds, chic small-dog travel bags and the like. Before you leave, pick up a bottle of “Sauvignon Bark fine wine for the canine,” a gravy au jus any discriminating dog would appreciate. 2401 15th St.; 303-744-7067. Read the store blog at zendogpetboutique.word .
6. Pet OutfittersInside and out, this shop’s cozy ambience is reminiscent of a cheery children’s bookstore. From the white window muntins to the themed front-window displays (CU vs. CSU dog sweaters, anyone?), this boutique emanates style. In addition to the healthy pet foods and sundries, you’ll find colorful dog bandannas, dish towels, eco-friendly dog bowls, fun dog-food jars, leashes and collars, luggage tags, pet-shaped cookie cutters, pet seat belts and more. 5942 S. Holly St., Greenwood Village (in The Orchards shopping center); 303-290-0430; .
7. For Paws Bakery & Pet Spa
Electric pink, green and yellow walls and white indoor picket-fences combine here to create a fairy-tale-like pet bakery and spa experience. What began as a health-inspired dog bakery in 1994 has expanded to include retail, behavioral services and a spa. For Paws’ (not Four Paws — they don’t discriminate against those rare three-legged pups) bakery aromas and nutritional criteria are inviting enough for humans, and its pet-spa taxi offers door to door service. Mentioned on ., this shop simply puts on the dog. 19565 E. Mainstreet, Parker; 303-840-5999; .
