Meet the Designers & Makers

Built in Ranfurly - Trusted by Real Dogs

Welcome to Real Dog – Gear Made by Real People, for Real Dogs

Family owned & proudly handcrafted since 2001

We’re Nigel and Rose, the team behind Real Dog, based in the heart of the Maniototo, Central Otago, New Zealand. Every piece of gear is handmade by us in our workshop nestled between Naseby and Ranfurly.

With backgrounds in law enforcement and healthcare, and a busy household of four kids and one grandchild (so far!), we know what it means to work hard and play hard. Nigel is a triathlete, and Rose hits the trails and competes in Western Performance Events.

Our roots run deep in the sled dog world—over 30 years of passion, including a time when we lived with 25 Alaskan Malamutes and ran the much-loved Real Dog Adventures. These days, our canine crew includes Maple the Canadian Eskimo Dog, Muster the Kelpie/Collie cross, and June the Doberman.

We don’t just make dog gear—we live it. Every collar, harness, and lead is designed, made, and tested by us on our own dogs, in real outdoor conditions.

We specialise in harnesses of all kinds—for all breeds, sports, and sizes—and we love working with fellow dog people to create new, custom solutions. Got an idea? Let’s talk.

If you're passing through the South, stop in and say hi. We'd love to meet you.

 

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