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Australian Dog Lover
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No More "Shrink-to-Fit": The Melbourne Label Redesigning the Small Breed AestheticLet’s be honest: the pet industry has a bit of a "small dog" problem. For years, if you owned a petite breed, your options were usually limited to "shrunken-down" versions of big-dog gear or flimsy, brightly coloured nylon that felt more like a toy than a tool.
We’ve all seen it—a tiny Poodle or Dachshund weighed down by a clunky harness that looks like they’re prepping for a joust in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms just to go get a puppuccino!
Melbourne-born brand MIA COOSH is officially changing the narrative. They’ve realised that our dogs aren’t just pets; they’re our walking partners and coffee-date companions. And frankly, the old "park basics" just aren't cutting it anymore.
Enter MIA COOSH, the Melbourne-born brand proving that the most stylish matte gold hardware this season belongs to our four-legged friends.
Engineering, Not Just Aesthetics

The team behind MIA COOSH spent over a year redesigning walkwear from the ground up, using their own toy Poodle, Mia, as the ultimate real-world tester. They didn't just make things smaller; they re-engineered them for a different centre of gravity.
- The Weight Factor: By using narrower straps and lightweight matte gold hardware, they’ve ensured that extra-small to medium dogs can move freely without feeling like they’re dragging an anchor.
- The Ergonomic Y-Frame: Designed to sit properly on smaller ribcages, this harness eliminates the common rubbing and restricted shoulder movement that many "scaled-down" brands ignore.
- The "Winter Coat" Fix: One of the smartest features is a reversible back plate. It allows you to move the D-ring closer to the neck—a total game-changer for a perfect fit when your dog is wearing a knitted sweater or a raincoat.
Whether you're navigating the morning rush past Parliament Station or catching a tram to your favourite dog-friendly cafe, this gear is built for the urban reality of an Australian city walk.
While the "quiet luxury" palette (think Emerald Green, Dark Chocolate, and Vanilla Cream) looks high-end, the materials are surprisingly rugged. Every piece is crafted from premium vegan microfibre leather.
Unlike traditional leather or cheap plastic alternatives, this material is non-porous. It won't absorb that dreaded "wet dog" smell, and it’s virtually indestructible—you can simply wipe it clean after a muddy trip to the park and it looks brand new.
Unlike traditional leather or cheap plastic alternatives, this material is non-porous. It won't absorb that dreaded "wet dog" smell, and it’s virtually indestructible—you can simply wipe it clean after a muddy trip to the park and it looks brand new.
The "New Luxe" is Cruelty-Free
One of the most striking things about MIA COOSH is their unapologetic philosophy:
It’s a micro-matrix material that mimics the buttery texture of luxury hide but is built for the reality of a dog's life. It won't absorb that dreaded "wet dog" smell, and it’s virtually indestructible—you can simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth after a muddy trip to the park, and it looks brand new.
Walking with Heart
It’s not just about the materials, though. MIA COOSH has built a "giving back" model into their DNA. A portion of every single order goes directly to registered Australian animal rescues to help fund the care, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs in need. Knowing that your dog's new walk set is helping another pup find their forever home makes the investment feel like a contribution, not just a purchase.
The Verdict: If you’re looking for gear that works as hard as it looks—and actually fits a smaller frame without the "Ashford Meadow tournament" vibes—MIA COOSH is the local discovery we've been waiting for.
The MIA COOSH Highlights:
One of the most striking things about MIA COOSH is their unapologetic philosophy:
"Animals shouldn't wear animals."For a generation of owners who have embraced "Slow Fashion" in their own closets, the disconnect in the pet industry has been glaring. MIA COOSH uses a premium vegan microfibre leather that is a world away from the "plastic-y" PU leathers of the past.
It’s a micro-matrix material that mimics the buttery texture of luxury hide but is built for the reality of a dog's life. It won't absorb that dreaded "wet dog" smell, and it’s virtually indestructible—you can simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth after a muddy trip to the park, and it looks brand new.
Walking with Heart
It’s not just about the materials, though. MIA COOSH has built a "giving back" model into their DNA. A portion of every single order goes directly to registered Australian animal rescues to help fund the care, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs in need. Knowing that your dog's new walk set is helping another pup find their forever home makes the investment feel like a contribution, not just a purchase.
The Verdict: If you’re looking for gear that works as hard as it looks—and actually fits a smaller frame without the "Ashford Meadow tournament" vibes—MIA COOSH is the local discovery we've been waiting for.
The MIA COOSH Highlights:
- Best For: Extra-small to medium breeds (Toy Poodles, Frenchies, Dachshunds, etc.)
- Key Features: Lightweight matte gold hardware, Y-frame ergonomics, and reversible back straps.
- Sustainability: Reusable cotton packaging + support for Aussie rescues.
- The Palette: 7 shades including Emerald Green, Dark Chocolate, Caramel Brown, Navy Blue, Rouge Red, Vanilla Cream and Blush Pink.
Price & Where to Buy
RRP: $319.00 for Signature Walk Sets (4-piece); Individual items from $69.00.
RRP: $319.00 for Signature Walk Sets (4-piece); Individual items from $69.00.
Discover the collection at miacoosh.com and stay updated on their latest rescue initiatives via Facebook and Instagram @miacoosh .




