Big Dogs

Infobox Company
company_name =Big Dogs
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foundation =1983
location = Santa Barbara, California
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products =t-shirts, sportswear
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Big Dogs, based in Santa Barbara, California, is a chain of stores in the United States which features clothing and apparel holding the "Big Dogs" brand name.

The Company

Established in 1983, Big Dogs, aka Big Dog Sportswear, owns around 140 stores, found mainly in outlet shopping centers, across the country. The bulk of their business is based on their graphic tee-shirts. The company is known for its “tee walls” (large displays showing all the current t-shirt graphics). Many of the shirts parody contemporary pop culture themes (i.e. "Dog Wars", a parody of Star Wars, featuring dogs playing roles like Bark Vader or Mace Windog and “SpiderDog” featuring Peter Barker as SpiderDog).

In addition to their popular t-shirt line they make shorts, rayon shirts, polos, boxers (known as underdogs), hooded sweatshirts, jackets and more. Big Dogs Underdogs use the same brand of play on words and graphics that are featured on their t-shirts. They also feature a series of themes not meant for children that are often humorous while narrowly avoiding the offensive.

They also have an accessory line that includes things like socks, hats, sunglasses, pens, tote bags, dog leashes, collars, toys (for both dogs and humans), key chains, license plate frames, footballs, etc. Big Dogs makes clothing in all sizes from infants' up to size 5x.

While they accept overseas orders, via their website, non-US purchasers are required to fax a copy of their credit card statement before the order will be processed.

Parade

On the first Saturday in June the company hosts the annual "Big Dog Parade and Canine Festival" as their corporate charity fundraiser. People from all over bring their dogs to participate in and to watch the parade that takes place in downtown Santa Barbara, California (near the corporate headquarters and the flagship store) beginning at the intersection of State and De la Guerra Streets. The parade makes its way down State St., toward the West Beach, ending at the Canine Festival at Old Chase Palm Park.

Participants (and occasionally spectators) dress themselves and their canine pals in costumes. Prizes are given for Best in Parade, Best Costume, and Most Humorous Costume, among others. The parade's proceeds go towards the Big Dog Foundation, which "benefits dogs, children, and dogs that help people."

The Walking Company

In early 2004, Big Dog Holdings, Inc. acquired The Walking Company, a retailer of footwear.

External links

* [http://www.bigdogs.com Big Dogs Official Website]
* [http://www.bigdogs.com/parade/parade2006home.html Big Dog Parade 2006 website]
* [http://www.bigdogs.com/parade/parade2007home.html Big Dog Parade 2007 website]
* [http://www.thewalkingco.com The Walking Company Official Website]