What Makes Hendricks and Maple Dog Accessories Unique? A Blue Mountains Design Story

Clover here is one of Hendricks and Maple's ultimate creations - one of their puppies - a cream mini-medium labradoodle born here and now living his best life in regional NSW, here wearing the Tweed Herringbone Step In Style Harness in the colour Nougat and 230cms handsfree cotton rope leash in the colour natural.

What Makes Hendricks and Maple Dog Accessories Unique?

Search "designer dog accessories Australia" and you'll find plenty of options so what makes Hendricks and Maple unique? Here's what actually sets us apart — not marketing claims, just how we design.

Why Hendricks and Maple exists

I had three puppies, all the same age, at the same time. I was buying accessories for all three, in every size they'd need as they grew — and I kept running into the same problem. The quality was poor. Things seemed designed to fail, or made to only last a short while before you had to buy the whole thing again. I was already paying three times over for everything, in every size, and on top of that, I couldn't find the styles, designs and colours I actually liked.

Eventually, out of pure frustration, I decided I could do better myself. So I designed it better, made it better, and fixed the problems I kept running into as a customer. That's the whole reason Hendricks and Maple exists — it started as solving my own problem, and also everyone elses. It made sense for me to name my business after two of my own dogs - Hendricks and Maple. Hendricks is a blue merle medium labradoodle with a wool coat and Maple is a golden straight coat mini labradoodle. I also have Olive, Maple's sister from the same litter, a chocolate curly coat mini labradoodle and some years later I kept one of Hendricks and Maple's puppies - Hazelnut - a chocolate merle mini-medium straight coat labradoodle. Thus "Hendricks and Maple" got its name and was born.

Hendricks and Maple is based in the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia — named after two of my four Labradoodles, and run by me, Rachelle, online with local pop-up events throughout the year.

A one-person business, involved in every step

Hendricks and Maple is a one-woman operation. I own it, photograph it, run the social media, build the website, design the pieces, and pack and wrap every single order myself. How each piece comes together varies: some items are partly constructed elsewhere and finished in-house — our ponchos, for example, are machine-knitted with a high quality wool blend yarn, then I hand-finish every one with tassel detailing myself.

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Hand finishing the tassels on the fringe of our knitted poncho personally.

Other products are made entirely by me, start to finish — TIS THE SEASON and our Seasonal Bandanas (sized XXS–L to fit most dogs) are 100% made by me, including any personalisation and customisation such as your dogs name added to them as well as our Houndmade Martingale Collars. Other products I design myself but have them professionally manufactured such as our harness ranges, many of our knitted sweater styles, luxury polar fleece snugs and tankies and accessories.

Some items are handmade by me, some are handmade by others, most are designed by myself and exclusive to Hendricks and Maple and some items are curated finds I decided I wanted in our store.

And some pieces are sourced as curated finds I genuinely think are gorgeous and want to include in our store — if one of those arrives and doesn't meet my own standard for the store, I don't sell it. I usually gift it to a local shelter instead rather than let it go out under the Hendricks and Maple name.

Some curated pieces are essential. A customer in her own jacket walked past at one of our markets and I had to signal to her to come over and asked if she had a dog? To my delight and hers - she did - and I had the matching jacket in a size to fit her Beagle. Moments like this are perfect!

Product quality and safety matter to me, its why I started my business and that shapes what I will and won't make by hand and what I accept made by others too. Harnesses, car restraints and anything else where safety is genuinely on the line are never handmade by me — they're professionally manufactured to meet proper quality standards, because that's simply the right way to make something a dog's safety depends on.

Rachelle and her pack — Hendricks, Maple, Olive and Hazelnut — at home in the Blue Mountains, where every Hendricks and Maple order is designed, packed and sent out personally by Rachelle herself."

Built to last, on purpose

I've been told more than once that my quality is "too high" — that if something lasts, a customer will never need to buy another one, and that I'd sell more if I made things "a little less durable". That advice is the exact reason I started this business. There's enough poorly made, disposable rubbish in the world already, and I refuse to add to it deliberately. Nothing is indestructible, but I genuinely care about the quality of what I make and sell, and I want to be proud enough of every piece to stand behind it.

That care carries through to the small things too. I check every item personally when I'm packing an order. Sometimes I'll add a small free gift into a package that just looks a bit too small and lonely on its own, or into international orders where shipping costs are high — not because I have to, but because I want the person on the other end to be genuinely happy with what arrives.

Before moving to the Blue Mountains and renovating our home, Rachelle had 16 years experience breeding Blue English Staffordshire Terriers - her dogs are always first and foremost family and well loved and looked after. This is us moving into our home in Mount Victoria NSW.

A dog-first standard, from 20+ years of breeding experience

Long before Hendricks and Maple, I was a dog breeder for over 20+ years. My dogs were always my family first and foremost — their health and wellbeing came before anything else. That is still the case for my own dogs. That standard hasn't changed just because I now design accessories instead of breeding dogs.

It means there are things I simply won't sell, no matter how popular or trendy they become, if they're not genuinely good for the dog. A good example: harness styles with a straight strap running across the front of the chest. That design that cuts straight across the shoulders, restricts a dog's natural movement, gets in the way of walking properly, and affects gait — which can lead to real health problems over time. These get marketed heavily as "no pull" harnesses (because they add a metal D ring to this front strap), and often novelised by adding your pet's name on an embroidered patch to make them feel special, and suddenly they're "the" harness everyone wants. The dog literally stops pulling because it cant walk properly anymore. But popularity doesn't make a design good for your dog, and I won't stock something I don't believe is right just because it's trending. Another harness example is reversible harnesses - two looks with one purchase - yes love it intrinsically absolutely! However when I started designing harnesses I learnt they can not make this reverisble design to have any adjustment at the neck, its not possible. So I refused to make them and do not sell them either, because it is so important to have a harness that is fully adjustable at both the chest and the neck points. Fashion shouldn't come first.

Quickly after moving here our search for dog gear began, I would buy childrens clothes and modify them to keep my dogs warm! If only I had created Hendricks and Maple already at that time! LOL

Fit comes from the dog in front of you, not the breed on paper

Two dogs of the same breed can vary a lot in chest and neck measurement. Rather than assigning one fixed size per breed, every Hendricks and Maple size chart is built so you measure your own dog and match to the chart — because fit should follow the individual dog, not an assumption about their breed. With so many mixed breeds now too - we have more shapes and sizes than ever in the dog world. Whilst I can tell you what fit someone elses dog that is the same breed as yours, its only ever a guess, male and females within the same breed are different sizes and so are the same breeds with larger and smaller variants too.

Most of our sweater styles — including the Dachshund-proportioned WOOLLY WEENS range — are handmade wool blends, knitted by hand from artisans that make sweaters for both human fashion brands and pet brands alike sold worldwide and plenty of dogs beyond the breed named in a range's title fit them too, and these fit Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Cavoodles, West Highland Terriers, Labradoodles and more which is exactly why we point everyone back to their own dog's measurements rather than a breed list. These jumpers may be handmade but they are of stunning quality and materials by professional skilled artisans.

My two Labradoodles — sisters from the same litter — Maple (L) and Olive (R), modelling the WOOLLY WEENS Dachshund Sweaters in size S/M for Standard Dachshunds. Even litter sisters aren't the same size, which is exactly why we say measure your own dog rather than relying on breed alone — and it shows these sweaters fit breeds well beyond Dachshunds too.

Pet sizing isn't standardised across the industry. It's fine to use breed as a general guide, but it's not a rule — the reliable way to end up with something that actually fits is knowing your own dog's measurements and how to measure them correctly. [See our How to Measure Your Dog guide]

Another thing that makes Hendricks and Maple unique is that we aren't just an online store, we do in person pop-up events in our local area throughout the year. We meet our customers, we often size them, measure and fit them at this time. We ask our customers about issues they are having with products and we get to know what things people are looking for with this contact - and we can often recommend a solution for them on site - such as our 2-in-1 Leash Extenders which help someone who is struggling to walk two dogs together and dealing with leash tangles or transporting multiple dogs safely in the car with combinations of our extenders and adjustable car restraints.

2-in-1 Leash Extenders allow you to walk two dogs with one leash and they are adjustable so you can walk dogs of different sizes together as well, without gettting tangled. Clips onto a standard leash and splits into two which can be attached to a harness or collar.

Or our 2-in-1 Treat and Walkies Bags which are water repellant and easily wipe down to clean, adjustable straps for both over the shoulder and cross-body wear, perfectly sized to hold all your doggie essentials for a day out or a quick walk, water bottle, treats, toys with separate little treat pouch holder that clips to the strap, or anywhere else, and internal pockets to hold your phone, wallet and keys. If you prefer theres a matching adjustable waist strap with quick release buckle for handsfree walking too. On the side is our discreetly located bag dispenser in the Hendricks and Maple logo - tuck in a roll of bags inside in the specifically designed pouch and easily use them from the side dispenser, to pick up your dogs' mess, add a Dog Doo Holder, a collapsible silicone travel bowl or waterproof canvas bowl and you're all set for adventures.

Our 2-in-1 Treat and Walkies Bag Set in the colour Latte. This close-up shows the side bag dispenser, the same design used on every Hendricks and Maple Walkies Bag and disposable poop bag holder — with the roll of bags tucked inside its own internal pouch inside the bag.

Sometimes the fit process teaches us something the size chart didn't. For example our Fleece Tankies range for Dachshunds, Whippets and Greyhounds originally used a manufacturer's size chart specific for those breeds which we used to create our size chart for that range — but in the real world, Greyhounds weren't as flexible as expected, and many refused to lift a leg to get into the tankie the way it was designed. So the design got changed, the scissors and the sewing machine came out and I remade them myself: the side seams now open up so the tankie goes over the hound's head instead and does up with snap buttons at the sides. If something isn't working for real dogs, we fix it rather than leave it as-is.

Our Luxe Polar Fleece Tankies used a manufacturers size chart, but in practice we found the Greyhounds for sizes XL couldn't actually lift their arms to physically get into them. So I redesigned them and opened them up at the sides so they now pop over the hounds heads and do up with snap buttons at the sides.

Redesigned to open at the sides our size XL Luxe Fleece Tankies now fit the bigger hounds.

I also had a customer with a Great Dane, here in the mountains which gets very cold, and they couldn't find anything for him but loved our Luxury Polar Fleece Snugs - so I created a larger size 4XL than what I had had made with my next order, based on his measurements so we had something for him. Large chain store brands can not and will not do that.

A Great Dane in our red PIZZA Luxe Polar Fleece Snug in size 4XL and his brother a Cane Corso cross Great Dane in our Rust Maple Leaf Polar Fleece Snug in size 3XL.

Small-batch, boutique design — not mass manufacturing

Hendricks and Maple is a small design studio based in Mount Victoria, in the Blue Mountains of NSW. With close to 300 products across the range, pieces are designed and brought to market in considered batches rather than churned out as fast-fashion pet accessories — real attention goes into construction detail, whether that's professionally made to Rachelle's own design, handmade by her personally, or sourced as a curated find. It's genuinely run from home, and honestly, the stock is starting to burst at the seams — the range has outgrown the space faster than expected, which is as much a sign of how much this store has grown as anything else.

Hand dyeing small batches of cotton rope leashes with salted dye baths in the kitchen.

Drying small batch cotton rope leash colours in the shade.

The reality of living in a home based business that has stock!

Designed for how dogs actually live — and how owners actually ask

Rather than designing purely for a photo, ranges are built around real problems and real requests. The DAPPER DOGS COLLECTION — vintage-vibe tweed caps in sizes XS-XL to fit most breeds, matching collars, bow ties and poop bag holders in three classic vintage colourways - walnut, claret and granite - especially popular for weddings, photoshoots and special occasions — including matching cotton rope leashes that Rachelle small-batch dyes herself in the Blue Mountains, using salted dye baths. They are rustic, hand dyed and very limited availability. Rachelle was asked about lighter colourways specifically for weddings so she introduced two new colours for the Vintage-vibe tweed caps in the same sizes XS-XL to fit most and matching Herringbone Tweed Collars in Nougat and Nutmeg. These Herringbone Tweed Collars are also very popular she had them made in 4 other shades as well - Tickled Pink, Chambray, Mulberry and Sage. Rachelle also had a special size XXS made for toy and teacup breeds, kittens, cats and puppies too in these same 6 colours (tickled pink, chambray, mulberry, sage, nougat and nutmeg) making them available in sizes XXS-L.

The LUXE POLAR FLEECE SNUGS range, one of the most popular in the store, now runs to 9 sizes covering Chihuahuas through to Great Danes — including a size 4XL added specifically because a customer with a Great Dane asked if anything was available for his dog. There wasn't so Rachelle had a larger size to fit the dog made. These are all Rachelles own designs, including the embroidered motifs on the backs of them and the sizing chart.

The DOG PEOPLE SOCKS range Rachelle built the same deliberate way, covering 16 dog breed designs so far with the goal of representing the world's top 10 most popular breeds. Her newest project is a matching set for owner and dog: Magnetic PonyTail Caps for humans alongside matching embroidered courduroy caps and cotton twill caps designs for dogs, releasing across spring-summer with several designs already in store and more on the way — because sometimes the "unique" thing is simply making sure you and your dog can match.

DOG PEOPLE SOCKS are exclusive to Hendricks and Maple, designed by Rachelle and cover the 10 most popular breeds of dog worldwide, making 16 different breed designs to cover the top 10 worldwide. They are 85% cotton socks, 10% polyester and 5% spandex in a one size fits most. Perfect for gifting, puppy packs, doglovers and any fans of novelty socks. Check out all 16 designs on our website.

Winter brings its own priorities: warm jackets, cosy knitted sweaters and LUXE POLAR FLEECE options to keep dogs warm, paired with DOG UGGs and POD Boots to protect their paws from the extremes.

Then there are the finishing touches — collar flowers, Sailor Bows, Bow Ties and macramé bandanas — literally too many designs to list here so make sure to check out our accessories to see them all we even designed a beautiful Lunar New Year Dragon Brocade Sailor Bow for Chinese New Year celebrations. These smaller, beautiful accessories that turn a simple collar into an outfit are beautiful little high end touches Hendricks and Maple loves. Personalised options, Rachelle does herself with your pets name on their bandana.

Porsche a sliver toy poodle wearing our Lunar New Year Dragon Brocade Sailor Bow perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year 2027 next year. One size only with velcro strap that attaches to any collar.

With close to 300 products across the store, the rest of the design details are worth exploring range by range on their own product pages rather than trying to summarise all of them here.

Not just an online store

We do pop up stalls regularly at our local Blackheath Growers Market (2nd sunday of the month) and some other in-person events for charity organisations such as Pound Paws Dogs Day and special events such as the Norman Lindsay Gallery's Dogs Day Out, Faulconbridge. Here we are at the Springwood Twilight Market.

Hendricks and Maple also runs a regular pop-up stall at the local growers market, once a month. It's hard, physical work setting up outdoors for a couple of hours — but it means meeting customers and their dogs of all shapes and sizes face to face, hearing directly what problems owners are having with their specific breed and sizing or styles, and showing them solutions to these issues, or measuring their dog correctly for them or considering working on real solutions in response. It's a slow way to learn, since I don't personally own every breed myself, but it's genuinely invaluable — I'm gradually building out coverage for more breeds based on what real owners tell me they need, not guesswork from a desk. I literally can not have everything for everyone but I am definitely aiming to have something for the majority. I do get help from my husband and friends for some of these market events which I must mention.

My husband helping me setup at the Blackheath Growers Market where you will find Hendricks and Maple every second sunday of the month (except January) from 8am -12noon, CNR Gardiners Crescent and the Great Western Highway, Blackheath NSW 2785 (in the Blackheath Gardens).

A pop-up event with help from my friend Trish and Luna (one of Hendricks and Maple's puppies) at their Leichhardt Dog Training Club End of Year Event we were invited too.

We've even been asked to come and talk on the local Blue Mountains Radio station too about our love of dogs! Nerve wracking but loads of fun!

Invited to come and talk about all things dogs and upcoming dog events in the Blue Mountains on the local not for profit radio station - Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM with the wonderful Robyn "Catchy" Catchlove.

Shipping and availability

Hendricks and Maple ships worldwide from Australia, with free shipping thresholds available Australia-Wide with a $150 (AUD) spend — so being a small Blue Mountains studio doesn't mean being a local-only brand. Wherever you are, you can have our beautiful products sent to you directly and you can shop from the comfort of your own home.

We also have eGIFT CARDs available so you can send anyone, anywhere a gift card for any amount, with no expiry. They can choose their products online, add extra to the amount if they wish, and have it delivered directly to them, wrapped as all our orders are - personally and beautifully - like a lovely gift. We even added Gift Postcards to our store so you can add one to your order, include your personal message on the back which we will print on them for you and have that included in the packaging and we can send your gift directly to the recipient, wrapped as a present, on your behalf but exactly as if it came directly from you with that personal touch.

This option is perfect for when you do not know someones preferences, or their dogs specific size, or even late notice gifting where you have left it too late for an item to arrive in the mail. An email is sent to the person, on your chosen date, to be redeemed at checkout by them, so an eGIFT CARD can be emailed the day of and still not be late.

We also have AFTERPAY options available as well and accept PayPal, Stripe and credit card payments online through the website.

2026 Christmas Gift Wrapping for our Christmas Gift purchases sent directly to put straight under the tree.

What this all adds up to

None of this is how a larger chain store operates. A chain doesn't redesign a product because Greyhounds at a local market stall couldn't lift their legs into it. It doesn't gift a piece to a shelter because it didn't personally meet someone's high standard. It doesn't have one person checking every single order before it's packed or making conscious choices to not sell a popular trending product to make money that is harmful to the dogs. That's the actual difference between Hendricks and Maple and a bigger brand — not a slogan, just how the business genuinely runs, day to day.

Trish and Luna one of Hendricks and Maple's mini-medium labradoodle puppies, are great supporters of Hendricks and Maple and you may just see them at our events wearing our gear. Make sure you say HI.

Shop the ranges

Whether you're after an adjustable harness, a hand-knit sweater for a longer-bodied dog, or a full matching set for everyday or a more luxe look for a special occasion, every product page includes its specific size chart — always check your own dog's measurements and their sizing against it rather than relying on breed alone and you will usually always get it right. And of course - I'm here! You can always reach out and ask for any help and with your dogs measurements we can work through it together.

Ready to see it for yourself? Browse the full range at hendricksandmaple.com and see why so many of our customers love us.

Hendricks and Maple at the tartan exhibit for the lauch of the WEE BIT TARTAN Harness Range at The Grounds of Alexandria. Left to right (front) - Hazelnut and Maple and (back) Olive, Rachelle and Hendricks.