Dog Hair Bows

Dog hair bows are the small finishing touch that makes a fresh groom look complete. A single bow on a topknot keeps hair out of your dog's eyes, and a pair of ear bows turns an ordinary walk into something photo-worthy. This collection brings together bows for dogs in a range of colors, sizes, and styles, suited to everyday wear, holidays, birthdays, and the end of a grooming appointment. Browse the bows below, then use the short guide that follows to choose the right size and attachment for your dog's coat.

Dog Hair Bows for Everyday Wear and Special Occasions

For many owners, a bow is part of the daily routine. On long-coated dogs, a topknot bow gathers the hair above the eyes, which keeps the face clear between trims. On other dogs, it's simply a bit of color that goes with a favorite collar or outfit.

Bows also come out for occasions: holiday photos, birthdays, weddings, gotcha days, and the drive home from the groomer. Seasonal colors make it easy to match a bow to the moment. For a coordinated look in photos, pair one with a piece from our dog clothes collection.

How to Choose the Right Dog Hair Bow

Three things decide whether a bow looks right and stays put: its size, how it attaches, and how comfortable it is for your dog.

Match the Bow Size to Your Dog

Scale matters. A bow that looks balanced on a Shih Tzu can overwhelm a tiny puppy and drag down fine hair, while a small bow can disappear into a fuller coat. As a rough guide, the bow should sit within the width of your dog's head or ear and never hang over the eyes. Check the dimensions in each product listing before you choose.

Pick an Attachment That Suits the Coat

Dog bows attach in a few common ways, and hair length decides which works best. Small elastic or latex bands grip a gathered section of longer hair, such as a topknot. Dog hair clips hold best on medium to long hair with enough length to grasp. For very short coats, a bow worn on the collar or harness avoids pulling on the hair altogether. Check each listing to see how that bow attaches.

Keep Comfort in Mind

A bow should never pull on the skin or hold hair so tight that your dog paws at it. Gather the hair loosely and check the spot after a few hours. Small decorations and bands can be chewed or swallowed, so bows are best worn while someone is around, especially with puppies.

Bows for Puppies, Small Dogs, and Different Coats

Puppy Hair Bows

Puppy hair bows work best when they're small and light. Young puppies often have soft, fine hair that won't hold a heavy bow, and they tend to chew whatever they can reach. Start with short sessions so your puppy gets used to the feel, and take the bow off before unsupervised play. It's an easy way to make early grooming feel routine.

Long-Haired Dogs

Dogs with long hair on the head and ears, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, are the classic bow wearers because their topknots and ear feathering give a bow plenty to hold. Brush the section smooth with one of our dog brushes before gathering it. Tangles make a bow sit unevenly and can pull when you take it out.

Short-Haired Dogs

Short-coated dogs can wear bows too; the attachment just changes. If there isn't enough hair to gather, skip bands and clips and add the bow to your dog's collar instead. A well-fitted collar from our dog collars range makes a comfortable base, and the bow stays on without touching the coat.

Dog Hair Accessories and Grooming Essentials

A bow looks its best on a clean, tidy coat. Keeping the face and ears neat between groomer visits with dog grooming scissors or a quiet dog hair trimmer gives a topknot a cleaner shape to sit on. Our full range of dog grooming tools covers brushing, bathing, and trimming, and for other finishing touches you can browse our dog accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Hair Bows

How do you put a bow in a dog's hair?

Brush the hair smooth, then gather a small section at the top of the head or just above the ear. Secure it loosely with a small band, keeping it clear of the skin, and attach or slide the bow over the band. For clip-on bows, clip onto the gathered hair rather than close to the scalp.

Can dogs with short hair wear bows?

Yes, though hair bands and clips usually won't hold on a very short coat, and clips can pinch. The simplest option is to attach the bow to your dog's collar or harness. It gives the same finished look without pulling on hair that's too short to gather.

How do you keep a bow from falling out of a dog's hair?

Gather enough hair to support the bow's weight, brush out any tangles first, and choose a lighter bow for fine coats. Securing the hair with a small band before adding the bow gives it a better grip. Avoid tightening the band harder to compensate, as that can pull uncomfortably.

Do hair bows hurt dogs?

A bow put in loosely shouldn't bother most dogs. Watch for pawing, head shaking, or scratching at the spot, and remove the bow if you see any of these or notice redness underneath. Never pull hair tight against the skin, and keep bows away from the eyes.

How long can my dog wear a hair bow?

Most dogs can wear a bow through the day, as long as you check it occasionally. Take it out at night and brush through the hair before putting a new one in. Leaving the same band in for days can cause the hair underneath to tangle or mat.

Where do bows go on a dog?

The most common spots are a topknot on the crown of the head and the base of each ear, where the hair is longest on many small breeds. Dog bows for ears are usually worn in pairs for a balanced look. On short coats, the collar is the easiest and most secure spot.