I'm Christine Smith, the maker behind Elite Dog Gear. I handcraft every collar in my home studio in Willow, Alaska, where life is filled with muddy paws, snowy trails, and dogs who are always ready for adventure.

The idea for Elite Dog Gear was born from life with sled dogs. My husband has a background in mushing, and together we have raised and cared for a team of high-energy, hardworking dogs. Through them, I learn what it takes to build gear that stands up to snow, ice, pulling, rough play, and unpredictable weather. The collars I make today are designed through that lens. They need to be strong enough for the trail, comfortable enough for daily wear, and built to last.

While that foundation was built through our sled dogs, another layer of purpose came from a personal experience. In 2018, I lost my first dog, Owen, a brindle rescue with a bold, wild spirit, after he chased something into the woods near our home and never returned. That moment leaves a lasting impact and deepens my commitment to building gear that prioritizes both safety and reliability.

When we adopted Nigel, our rambunctious miniature schnauzer, in 2020, I began using a Fi GPS collar to help keep him safe. It gave me peace of mind, but I quickly realized that most collar options were not made for the realities of life in Alaska. That realization leads me to design collars that integrate GPS tracking while still meeting my performance standards.

In September 2021, I became an official partner with Fi, a GPS tracking system for dogs. This collaboration allows me to integrate advanced safety technology into my handcrafted collars while maintaining the same rugged, Alaska-tested design my customers trust.

What starts with one sewing machine grows into a small business that now serves more than 1,000 customers. My collars ship to all 50 states, Washington D.C., British Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each collar is made using rugged polyester webbing, stainless steel hardware, and eco-friendly neoprene padding. I cut, sew, and assemble every piece myself to ensure high-quality workmanship in every stitch.

I grow Elite Dog Gear with the support of my customers, community, and the dogs who inspire my work. Every collar is thoughtfully made one at a time. I do not mass produce, which allows me to focus on consistency, quality, and personalized service. I especially enjoy working directly with dog owners to design custom pieces or suggest collar options that reflect each dog’s personality and lifestyle.

Elite Dog Gear is a woman-owned business and a proud member of the Made in Alaska program. My goal is to provide dependable, high-quality gear for dogs who live active, adventurous lives. Whether your dog is pulling through snow, running trails, swimming in a lake, or relaxing at home, I believe they deserve gear that is made to keep up.