The Big Dog logo reflects an active, fun approach to life, and the brand itself has become a favorite thanks to bright T-shirts with humorous, easily recognizable, and uplifting prints. The products are comfortable, practical, and suitable for the whole family, creating a feeling of lightness and freedom.
Big Dogs Sportswear began in 1983 after a rafting trip near Santa Barbara, California. One participant made oversized nylon shorts for the group, and a joke about their size gave the brand its name: “Big Dogs.” The label grew inside Sierra West, an outdoor equipment company founded in 1971 by Richard Kelty and Rick Scott. Sierra West later struggled after problems with an early Gore-Tex jacket order for L.L. Bean and eventually entered bankruptcy.
In 1992, Andrew Feshbach and Fred Kayne bought Big Dogs and related assets for $10 million. The business had five stores and $11.4 million in sales. By 1997, it operated 134 stores across the United States, plus one in Britain, while revenue reached $68.7 million. The range expanded from shorts and T-shirts to fleece tops, pajamas, swimwear, underwear, jackets, Little Big Dogs children’s clothing, and Big Big Dogs sizes up to 6XL.
Big Dog Holdings joined NASDAQ in 1997 under the ticker BDOG, raising $39.2 million. By 2000, revenue had passed $115 million, and the company employed about 1,300 people. The company sold products through its stores and retailers, including Dillard’s and Nordstrom. Licensing agreements followed with Golden West Specialty Foods and PETsMART in 1999, while the Saint Bernard mascot and humorous slogans separated the brand from Life is Good and Looney Tunes Apparel.
In 2004, Big Dog Holdings acquired The Walking Company, then operating 72 footwear stores in 28 states. The footwear chain entered bankruptcy in 2009 and emerged in 2010, when both businesses became subsidiaries of The Walking Company Holdings. The holding company completed another bankruptcy restructuring in 2018.
Meaning and History
What is Big Dog?
This is comfortable clothing for those who appreciate an active lifestyle and everyday comfort. The assortment includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, trousers, jackets, and hats decorated with the famous bulldog image. High-quality materials, durability, and a choice of sizes for people with different body types distinguish the products.
1983 – today
The Big Dog logo is bright and positive, simple and friendly. The American brand emerged in the 1980s and became known for its funny prints and comfortable clothing. The brand’s T-shirts often featured humorous slogans, jokes, and images of Saint Bernards, so this dog breed was chosen as the brand’s symbol.
At the center of the visual emblem is the face of a good-natured Saint Bernard, rendered in a minimalist style with no unnecessary details. The dog is drawn simply but recognizably: black markings on its ears and around its eyes make the breed easy to identify, while the red tongue adds liveliness and a bit of humor to the image. The dog looks content and friendly.
The background is bright yellow, a cheerful and energetic color. Even the minimalist black-and-white drawing stands out against it. The color choice conveys vibrancy and energy, reflecting the brand’s lighthearted, humorous, and sporty spirit. The Saint Bernard appears natural and fun.
The company was founded in the United States, and its clothing has always been known for comfort and humor. In 1983, the brand gained popularity, specifically for its T-shirts and apparel featuring playful dog illustrations and witty captions. The logo contains no text, as the friendly dog face and bright background already recognize the brand.
All the lines in the emblem are smooth, with no sharp angles. The black ears, eyes, and nose contrast against the white face, while the red tongue is a striking accent. The result is a simple, warm image that fits the brand’s casual style. The Saint Bernard is a dog valued for its gentle, calm nature, as reflected in its depiction in the logo.
The name “Big Dog” was chosen for a straightforward reason: large dog breeds are often associated with calmness and confidence. These qualities were translated into the brand’s clothing, which is comfortable and perfect for everyday life. The logo and name together tell a cohesive story about a relaxed yet confident lifestyle, always with room for a smile and a good mood.
Big Dog Sale Furniture Logo




