The Secret Origin of the Dog Shaming Collar Unveiled!

What's in a name? The Elizabethan collar, a seemingly grandiose accessory, is also affectionately known as the "shame collar" in some circles. While this name might sound a bit tongueincheek, it's not just a local moniker; around the world, it's known by many other names, such as the radar cover, pet lampshade, nemesis collar, and pet cone collar, among others.

It seems that the complex name "Elizabethan" is not quite as popular across the globe. So, who invented the Elizabethan collar, and was it really named after Queen Elizabeth I?

Origin Story

500 years ago, Queen Elizabeth I of England was not only the monarch but also the trendsetter of her time. People from all walks of life emulated her style, particularly her clothing collars. The fashion icon Queen Elizabeth was not one to stick to the status quo, so her collars grew larger and more ornate over time. The wealthy used iron or gold wires to secure these expansive collars, and both men and women sought out the trendiest, widest collars they could find.

Those who couldn't afford fine linen had to endure the stiffness and allergic reactions that came with it, but for the sake of staying in vogue, who cared?

In essence, during that era in England, the wider the collar, the cooler the person—or in this case, the outfit.

Jumping forward to 1930, a veterinarian named Edward J. Schilling created the first Elizabethan collar for a postsurgery dog. Guess what? It was an inflatable collar, ingeniously made from a tire. Schilling even called it the "Elizabethan Era Style Collar."

In 1959, an American named Frank Johnson registered a patent for the Elizabethan collar, meaning that every collar produced had to pay a royalty to this clever inventor.

On May 29, 1979, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announced the expiration of the Elizabethan collar patent, marking the day it truly became a household item.

In summary, while the Elizabethan collar's image hasn't changed much in the past 100 years, this seemingly simple device has been a lifesaver for cats and dogs during recovery or illness. And, in many cases, you can even DIY one as a temporary solution.

It's quite amusing to think that the very thing people in the Elizabethan era were obsessed with has ended up benefiting dogs and cats. After all, the thing that was once a status symbol for humans is now a helpful tool for our furry friends.

And here's an interesting study to add to the mix: a 2000 study found that dogs and cats wearing Elizabethan collars may be more prone to fleas. This is due to their inability to groom their fur or ward off fleas with their mouths.

Therefore, if your pet is wearing an Elizabethan collar for an extended period, it's essential to check for fleas regularly!