My family is a soccer family. As my family watched the U.S.-Argentina game, Match 38 of the 2010 World Cup, my brother’s dog pranced around in a USA neck-scarf for good luck and good looks. My mom was amazed — he knows how to walk properly, not dragging the end on the ground or stepping on the fringe, just like a true dog supermodel. If you have any interest in fashion for your pooch, check out the latest trends in the canine world.

Wigs:

Wigs are a hot new trend for dogs. Transform your dog’s looks and accentuate his natural features with a cute wig or hair accessory. From wild colors like bright blue or apricot to braids and bows, dog wigs are on the rise. Check out www. Wigglesdogwigs.com to view and purchase a large variety of dog wigs. My favorite? The Sarah Palin presidential candidate dog wig.

Dog wallets:

For the fashionista concerned with utility, look into a wallet for your dog. Many wallets can be attached to your dog’s collar to hold both your personal items and their own. Stuff your dog wallet with treats, your credit card/ID and your house keys, and take your pet for a walk downtown. You can still get coffee or lunch and not be bogged down by a heavy purse or pack.

Canine clothing trends:

For a skinny pooch in a chilly, inside, air-conditioned environment, pick up a hoody; on the other hand, if your dog seems comfortable with the temperature inside, consider a simple T-shirt. Although many have discovered that shirts made for everyday folks do fit their hounds, a shirt designed especially for dogs will have the best proportion and fit. One long-lasting and popular shirt trend in the fashion realm for dogs and their owners are graphic T-shirts with skulls and other rock motifs.

Green pets:

For environmentally conscious dog owners, new lines of green dog products and accessories are available. Not only are vegetarian and vegan pet food items and shampoos readily available, so are clothes and collars. Look for hemp, ribbon and bamboo collars, leashes, and harnesses that are eco-friendly at www.earthdoggy.com. They also sell dog spa and aromatherapy items that are organic, all-natural and cruelty-free. Other slogans, such as “only vegetarians will go to heaven” and “soy to the world,” are printed on shirts purchasable on www.zazzle.com/veggieshirts. On their site, you can even customize your own dog shirts for weddings and other special occasions!

Above all, please have fun with these trendy dog fashions. Just keep in mind the No. 1 rule — if the shoes aren’t comfortable, you’re never going to wear them. If you do, you’ll look like a fool hobbling around, no matter how cute they are. Thus if an item or accessory is uncomfortable for your pup, pretty please — decline. For people and pets alike, comfort is key.