Being carried around isn't anything new to these breeds. Shih tzus were often carried in Kimono sleeves in China.
Bows are often use to keep the dog's fur out of its face and eyes.
A Royal Proclamation was issued that King Charles commanded that all Toy Spaniels be granted entry everywhere in the British Empire - shops, cafes, pubs, offices, etc.
I doubt it people complained much back then. They had dogs that went for THEIR needs. They didn't relly care what others used their dogs for.
They wanted dogs compnion for hunting? They made hunting dogs.
They wanted dogs to kill rats? They made ratter dogs.
They wanted dogs for guarding? They made guard dogs.
They wanted dogs for herding? They made herd dogs.
They wanted dogs for working? They made working dogs.
So when people wanted a constant companionship dog, they bred these little ones. Who often suffer from separation anxiety, because of THEIR constant need of human companionship.
Not all dogs were bred for good intentions, like bull-fighting/dog-fighting dogs.
But simply spoiling a dog isn't going to harm them. Unless you're putting them in small bird cages to prevent growth like they did back in the dys, but those are inhumne cses. There's a difference spoiling and inhumne.
Not all small dog breeds were bred for long hikes, ect. If someone wanted dog to go on long hikes, ect they would get a large breed dog. I don't complain that my little dog can't go jump in a river and fetch me a duck. I know what I was getting when I got a small dog, including that I can take them to most places where otherwise larger dogs aren't allowed. Is it fair? No, but if you wanted a dog to take anywhere with you, then you should of gotten a smaller dog.
If I wanted a bird fetching dog I would of gotten a retriever. But I don't mind pictures of large dog breeds fetching ducks or herding. I think its pretty neat that large dog breed owners can do those kind of things with their dogs. But I'm not going to tell them they shouldn't do that, because I can't do so with my little dog.
Some places over here don't allow the dogs to be on the floor [due to pooping/peeing/chewing/whatever the case], but if they're carried or in a carrier then its ok. Hey if you want to carry your 100lb dog around, by all means, go for it.
I rather see a small dog in a carrier in a store than a large dog outside a store in a car on a hot day, because the owners couldn't take them in the store with them. This happens all too often, but people rather argue with people who actually take care of their dogs and care about their dogs needs [maybe even if its 'over the top'.] IMO that is simply ludacris.
People have different definitions for dog ownership and it being 'over the top'. Some think simply think having a dog INDOORS is 'over the top'. So whats wrong with a good dog owner doing the right thing as a dog owner, and possibly even more?
You want a dog to be treated like a dog? Then take your dogs outside and make them a dog house, play fetch a couple times, and have food and water for them. That to most people is what it is to have a dog 'be treated like a dog'.
I also see the use of these devices for cats, cat carriers and strollers. Cats seem to get a kick out of them, why can't dogs? Maybe the cat doesn't get walked everyday like a dog, but they get plenty of indoor/backyard exercise, like some smaller dog breeds do.
