Shirlington Dog Culture? (Arlington, Alexandria: condos, townhouses, live in)

[cogrep]

I was in Shirlington this weekend and I noticed that there seemed to be a greater number of dogs than in other town centers in the area, and the variety / uniqueness of the dogs seemed a bit more exaggerated as well. I saw a small white dog that had it's tail (and possibly paws) dyed legally blonde pink. Did I just hit it on a weird day or is the dog culture extreme there?

[CAVA1990]

If you're talking about restaurant row I think people from elsewhere bring their dogs because they're allowed to keep them tied up outside the outdoor dining areas. You'll see similar in Old Town too. Both Alexandria and Arlington are pretty dog crazy but it's probably because most people live in townhouses or condos and don't have big yards for them. They therefore take them to public places more often to give them some exercise and get them out of the house.

[CaliTerp07]

Shirlington's dog culture is fantastic

There's a great dog park (the best in the area, imo) across the street, so it's popular to go to the park and then walk over for dinner or drinks after you have a pretty tired doggie. There's also a great dog bakery (Dogma) in there.

Truly though, I think so few restaurants/areas are really "dog friendly" (as in, welcome dogs, not just put up with them) that when a good one is discovered dog lovers flock to it. Go to any of the Old Town restaurants that are known for being dog friendly and you'll see more people with dogs than without.

[persnicketygal]

Well, the pink-pawed pup might have been extreme! But the park across the street is a big draw.