Once upon a time...

At Rugged Hound, we are a family-run business inspired by our hyper German Shepherd who always manages to get dirty during playtime and her mischievous 3-month-old mix puppy sidekick. With three children adding to the fun chaos, we understand the need for durable, waterproof, and odor-proof dog gear that can keep up with our adventurous furry companions. Our mission is to provide high-quality products that are as tough and resilient as our pets, ensuring they can enjoy every outdoor adventure to the fullest. Join us on this journey as we strive to create innovative solutions for pet owners who value quality and durability in their pet gear.

Rugged Hound

Our Story


I am a mom of three children aged 14 to 6, who are the joy of my life. Our family also includes two playful dogs, Sage and Maverick, and five loving cats: Luna, Lucky, Olive, Penny, and Onyxia. Tired of constantly replacing collars and leashes due to wear and tear from big chain store brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I started crafting our pet accessories from Biothane, a durable, waterproof, and odor-proof material. This choice not only provided longevity and easy maintenance but also ensured that our furry friends could freely explore and get into mischief without worry. Balancing a bustling household, I found solace in creating pet gear that could withstand our active lifestyle, making everyday adventures a little easier for all of us.

the future

What Next?

My goal with The Rugged Hound is to educate on the importance of upgrading your dog's gear and switching to a solution that avoids constantly breaking collars, preventing stinky and odor-filled collars that can harbor bacteria and mold, while also being waterproof.Our future hope is to open a small local shop in Old Town St. Charles near the river, where both locals and out-of-towners can come to shop our wide range of products. This physical space would provide us with a solid place to manufacture our gear and create a clear boundary between work and home life.

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