Paw-tastic Accessories: Is That Angora? No, Labrador!
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- Inquiring about potential Angora rabbit sighting?
Svenja Suhr wraps a self-knitted triangular shawl with a leaf pattern around her shoulders. Its softness and fluffiness might lead one to think it's made from angora wool. But surprise! "When I tell customers it's actually dog hair, some show a bit of shock," says the owner of a weaving mill based in Oranienburg, just north of Berlin. This crafty woman has been turning man's best friend's fur into yarn for years, knitting scarves, wrist warmers, and other accessories.
Only long-haired breeds can score fluffy scarves
As it turns out, Leonbergers, Golden Retrievers, or Samoyeds make the best wool providers. They sport lush fur and a stunning undercoat, explains Suhr. This undercoat is approximately 80 percent warmer than sheep's wool, an advantage she's highlighted in previous interviews. Alas, short-haired dachshund owners are left scrambling for comfort on chilly nights, as their pets' hair is just far too short.
Pet-keeping memories reign supreme
What most owners yearn for, however, is something truly unique, explains Suhr. As it happens, gathering the wool is a breeze. It's just that some always sheds while being combed. Dog hair now comes to Suhr from all across Germany and even Switzerland.
Before manufacturing, Suhr ensures the wool is fresh by giving it a good wash with dog shampoo. "Of course, people won't pick up a funny odor, but other dogs with their super sniffers still might notice," says Suhr.
Since 2016, Suhr has been spinning dog hair. It all started with donated fur, yet she's quick to point out that spinning dog hair isn't an entirely new concept. Archaeologists have even discovered prehistoric textiles containing wolf hair in Scandinavia and North America. During wartime, dog hair was used as a substitute for other rare materials. In fact, the Freedom Museum in the Dutch town of Groesbeek displays a sweater knitted from a wolfspitz named Sten's fur.
Dog hair transformations across Germany
Suhr isn't the only weaver in Germany who repurposes canine hair into wool. Claudia Zeller-Kettler, based in Bremen, proudly speaks of sustainability on her site, diespinnt.de. "Dogs aren't farmed for their fur, so everything they consume for food, care, and maintenance is already being used. The fur is essentially a 'waste product' that's reused," she explains.
For 15 years, the Naturfasermühle in Leukersdorf, Saxony, has been producing wool from dog hair, reveals its owner, Conny Böhme. "People simply want something lasting from their dog, and some really light up when they wear a hat crafted from their pet's fur while walking their furry friend," she shares.
Pet Accessories: The Green Way
Times are changing, and with them, the pet industry. An increasing number of consumers are seeking eco-friendly pet products that tread lightly on the Earth. The main aim? To reduce environmental impact by opting for sustainable materials and methods.
Innovative Ideas
Brands worldwide are taking note and incorporating hemp in pet toys due to its durability and eco-friendly cultivation. Additionally, companies are focusing on creating eco-friendly dog brushes with bamboo handles. The Green K9, based in the US, is one such company offering a range of eco-friendly pet supplies and services. Their commitment to sustainable pet care is resonating with consumers, and similar initiatives are springing up in Germany.
Organic Approach to Pet Grooming
Sustainable efforts stretch beyond pet products and supplies. The market for natural pet shampoos, for instance, is burgeoning. USDA certified organic shampoos by brands like 4-Legger are gaining popularity as consumers show a growing interest in natural ingredients for pet grooming.
In summary, while historical data on dog hair product production in Oranienburg, Berlin, or Germany might not be abundant, there is a groundswell of interest in sustainability within the broader pet care industry. This shift follows broader European environmental policies and emerging consumer preferences for eco-friendly pet products.
- Svenja Suhr from Leukersdorf, Saxony, produces wool from dog hair, like Claudia Zeller-Kettler in Bremen, and has been doing so since 2016, joining a historical tradition of using dog hair in textiles that dates back to prehistoric times.
- Vocational training programs focused on sustainable practices could benefit from understanding the process of repurposing dog hair into wool, as it is a unique, eco-friendly, and relatively untapped resource in the pet industry.
- In line with the increasing demand for eco-friendly pet products, a vocational training center in Leukersdorf could offer courses on spinning and weaving dog hair into yarn, producing accessories such as scarves and shawls, thereby promoting both sustainability and community development.
