New Line Inspires an Active Lifestyle and Outfits Canines in Style with New Boots, Leashes, Collars and Packs for Every Day Adventures

Bend, Ore. (February 11, 2008) - Ruff Wear, the leading producer of high performance dog gear, unveils a new line of leashes, collars, packs, harnesses and dog boots. The expansion of their gear For Dogs on the Go® continues to inspire an interactive lifestyle between humans and their four legged friends. The new products address the needs of both working dogs that perform demanding jobs and spend much of their time outdoors as well as family dogs. The spring gear includes everything from dog boots designed for everyday paw protection to leashes intended for comfort and control. The new line will be available in retail stores April 2008. 

Ruff Wear's spring line encourages everyone to embrace an active lifestyle with dogs through innovative, quality products and apparel.  The benefits and performance of the new packs, boots, harnesses, leashes and collars are appreciated by all, from the canines that perform difficult tasks like Guide Dogs for the Blind and Search and Rescue to the family dog out for a daily walk.  It is the commitment and attention to detail that makes Ruff Wear products the ultimate performance dog gear.
 
According to the 2007 American Pet Product Manufacturers Association’s (APPMA) National Pet Owners Survey, the emotional connection between a dog and their human guardian is stronger than ever. The number of households living with a dog is at an all time high of 44.8 million. Getting outdoors with a dog is a daily ritual for most.   Ruff Wear’s product development is inclusive of all dogs, from four legged friends in the back country to urban dwellers.   
 
“Ruff Wear’s product development process begins with recognizing a need and developing creative, functional, performance-based solutions with both human and canine comfort in mind. Once we have a working concept we put the product through the paces by first testing on our dogs here in Bend, Oregon. After a few refinements we send our prototypes to fit and wear testers who put our gear through rigorous testing in diverse real world environments. We want to know firsthand that our products will perform as we intend. This spring season’s product offering continues in the tradition of offering unique solutions for everyday needs,” said Patrick Kruse, Ruff Wear’s owner and founder.


Ruff Wear’s 2008 Spring and Summer Buyer’s Guide – New Product Highlights

Activity: According to the Outdoor Industry Association, one of the most popular spring and summer outdoor activities is camping – which is just one of the reasons the popularity of Ruff Wear’s dog packs continues to be in high demand.
Ruff Wear Solution: Let’s face it, there are no better companions on the trail then our four legged friends, they never complain and are always up for any adventure. Our totally redesigned Approach and Palisades Packs offer a plethora of conveniences that are normally reserved for human packs. We have the solution for day hikes to multi-day backcountry trips. 
The Approach Pack™ is Ruff Wear’s everyday dog pack with excellent performance, fit and functionality built right in. It’s the perfect entry level pack for those dogs venturing out for short outings to three-day hikes. The Approach Pack excels for daily training by giving dogs purpose with a load to carry and a job to do. The comfort-fit five adjustment points of the Web Master™ Harness frame ensures stability, and load dispersion. And with five different sizes, there is a pack for every dog. MSRP is (XXS, XS, S) $59.95, (M, L) $69.95.

The Palisades Pack™ is our multi-day backcountry dog pack. This pack should be the first choice for extended trips or when extra carrying capacity is needed. Built on our highly refined Web Master Harness frame, the Palisades pack offers several key features providing conveniences often found in high end human packs.  The strategically placed pockets accommodate leads, treats, pick-up bags, and other accessories.  The compression straps keep loads high and tight for snag-free navigation. The pack is built for use in rugged conditions and the hydration bladders, V-ring leash attachment point and tow eye are some of the innovative features that make this the perfect pack for multi-day adventures. The removable saddlebags allow for ease of fitting and convenience during rest stops and water crossings. MSRP is $99.95.
Activity:  For everyday adventures—walking, running or simply exploring.
Ruff Wear Solution: Designed for everyday paw protection, the Bark’n Boots™ Skyliner™ dog boots keep dogs active by protecting paws from a wide range of temperatures, abrasive surfaces, chemical snow melt and unseen hazards. While originally designed for outdoor use, the Skyliners provide traction and improve mobility for older dogs adjusting to slick walking surfaces. MSRP is $49.95 (set of 4 boots).
Activity: When surveyed, four out of five dogs wanted a collar and leash that meet the needs of their on-the-go lifestyle.
Ruff Wear Solution:
The DoubleBack™ Collar was created to address those big pullers and boasts an infinitely adjustable buckle, no need to punch any holes in your brand new collar. This unique lace back buckle made of forged anodized aluminum employs the same lacing configuration found on climbing harnesses making it strong with no moving parts to fail. The hardware, V-ring leash attachment point and separate ID attachment are all set on beautiful jacquard woven strength rated webbing. 
The DoubleBack™ Leash is designed for comfort and control.  After all, when your dog is on a leash, you are on a leash, so we made the experience more comfortable for all. With features like a padded handle, adjustable leash length, strength rated locking carabineer, quick grab traffic handle, forged anodized aluminum hardware and strong yet easy on the hands tubular webbing, the DoubleBack Leash is brute strength and beauty in one.

Doubleback Collar
Colors: green, raspberry, blue
Size: M/L (fits medium and large)
MSRP: $19.95

The Doubleback Leash
Colors: green, raspberry, blue
MSRP: $29.95

About Ruff Wear
Ruff Wear's mission is to enhance the interactive bond between canines and their human guardians. Ruff Wear encourages an active lifestyle for everyone with a four-legged friend - stay fit, healthy and happy - whether it's 15 minutes of playtime, a long walk, or a day hike. Our gear For Dogs On the Go® combines performance, quality, fit, function and safety to meet the needs of active and adventurous canines and their companions.

Ruff Wear is committed to preserving wild lands and waterways, providing important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities. Ruff Wear partners with The Conservation Alliance to give back to the special places so important to canines and humans. Additionally, Ruff Wear works with regional grass roots organizations, giving back to the community while further enhancing the bond between humans and canines.

Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells their line through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as through www.ruffwear.com.