Meet the model chihuahua who wears designer outfits

By Hannah Van De Peer via SWNS

Meet the pampered pooch with an elaborate self-care regime, a wardrobe of custom designer outfits worth £2,000 ($2,509) and who is a full-time model.

Leone Galler, 56, bought 1-year-old long-haired chihuahua Willow in July 2022 and loves to spoil the dog.

Her wardrobe consists of luxury dresses worth hundreds of pounds, as well as fancy handbags and collar bangles.

She has a custom self-care regime consisting of puppy perfume and designer conditioner.

Willow has quickly become famous in the dog modeling world and does photoshoots part-time during the week.

Leone, who manages Willow full-time, from Kent, said: “Willow has become the little fashionista of the family - I enjoy being her full-time manager and it’s not about the money.

"Any money we do make goes to Battersea Dogs Home.

“She’s tiny compared to her brothers but has managed to take over both of their modeling gigs - she currently models for the luxury dog brand Furdrobe - and she’s used to being spoilt with clothes and accessories.”

Leone and her husband Steve, 45, a plasterer, previously managed her two older chihuahuas - Romeo, six, and Reggie, seven, who went on to become award-winning models.

Romeo was awarded Best Handsome Chihuahua and Chihuahua of the Day at Windsor Racecourse in August 2019 - while Reggie won third place in Fabulous Family.

The pups are now semi-retired - despite still wanting to have their photos taken "twice a week".

The couple welcomed Willow in July 2022 and the pup already has brand deals with independent dog fashion brands like Specs of Sass and Ream Leads.

Neither Willow or Leone get paid for the modelling gigs - but Leone admits "it's not about the money."

Leone said: “She’s done really well for herself.

"Our photos even got her featured in a front-page photoshoot for Dogue Magazine in Los Angeles.

“She’s so good at having her photo taken - she has her special photoshoot stool and she’ll pose on it for about 10 photos.

“When she’s tired - or not interested anymore - she’ll bow her head and we’ll take a break.

“One of my favorite photoshoots we did was dressing Willow up like Bridget Jones - from the scene in 'Bridget Jones’ Diary' where she’s riding in Daniel Cleaver’s convertible.

“She was gifted a headscarf, sunglasses and purse from Specs of Sass.

"Except in the photoshoot, she didn't look as messy and windswept as Renee Zellweger!"

Leone estimates Willow's wardrobe to be worth over £2,000 ($2,509) - but says a lot of her outfits are gifted by brands.

She'd describe Willow's dresses as "all very pink and luxurious" - and loves buying "pretty" dresses for her after raising "two sons and two boy dogs."

Leone says Willow doesn’t work on the weekends, and likes to spend time playing with Romeo and Reggie at the beach.

She said: “Willow needs her downtime too, so we take her for walks every day and spend full days out on the weekends as a family.

“They like to run around the beach, and I’ll buy the dogs a Mr. Whippy to share between them.

“Don’t be fooled by her modeling photos - Willow is definitely not a lady! She likes to dig around in the dirt, mud and sand just like any typical dog.”

In the evenings, Willow has a two-step self-care regime Leone swears by.

She said: “We don’t take Willow to the groomers because, as a long-haired chihuahua, we’re worried they’ll trim around her ears.

“But she does have a beauty regime which involves us bathing her in the sink. She’s far too small to sit in the bath!

“We use the Lauren Stone conditioner on her fur - and spray her with the same brand of perfume afterward. She’s so good, and she absolutely loves it!”