You asked for a bigger dog drying towel kit... so we made one

When I first created the Bark & Beau Dog Drying Kit, I wasn’t trying to reinvent the humble dog towel. I simply wanted to make drying Darcy after our wet and muddy adventures easier.

Anyone who has tried to dry a dog who has absolutely no intention of standing still will probably understand where the idea came from! Trying to keep hold of a towel while simultaneously drying paws, legs, bellies and ears can quickly turn into a bit of a wrestling match, especially if your puppy treats everything like a game.

That’s why our Original Dog Drying Kits were designed with built-in hand pockets. They give you somewhere to put your hands, help you keep control of the towel and make it easier to actually get on with the job of drying your dog.

The Lilac Bark and Beau dog drying towel being used on Darcy

Then I added the matching microfibre drawstring bag. Not only does it keep the towel neatly stored between adventures, but it can also be slipped over your hand and used as a smaller drying mitt for paws, faces and soggy ears.

Bark and Beau Drying Kit Bag being used to dry paws

Every feature had a purpose.

And our customers loved them.

But then you started asking me one question…

As more Bark & Beau towels headed off to homes around the country, I started receiving the same request:

“Do you make a bigger one?”

Our Original towel measures 60cm x 100cm, and its compact size is actually one of the things I love about it. It’s easy to handle, easy to keep in the car and gives you plenty of towel without lots of unnecessary bulk.

For many dogs, it’s exactly what’s needed.

But I also completely understood why some customers wanted more.

Perhaps you have a bigger dog. Maybe yours has a longer or thicker coat. Perhaps they’re an enthusiastic swimmer who emerges absolutely saturated rather than merely damp.

Or maybe your dog has an extraordinary ability to find the muddiest part of every walk.

Sometimes, you simply want more towel to work with.

So I listened.

Meet our new XL Dog Drying Kit

Our new XL Dog Drying Kit measures 80cm x 130cm, compared with 60cm x 100cm for our Original towel kits available in three colours.

The Bark and Beau XL Drying kit being used to dry Darcy

That might not sound dramatically different written down, but when you calculate the total surface area, the XL gives you approximately 73% more drying space.

That means more towel to get around a larger dog, more coverage after particularly wet adventures and more material to work with when drying.

I’ve also made the built-in hand pockets slightly larger, while keeping the simple, practical design that made our Original collection so popular.

And, of course, it still comes with its matching microfibre drawstring bag, which doubles as that very useful little drying mitt.

XL Drying Kit bag being used to dry Darcy

The same Bark & Beau thinking, just more of it

I didn't want to make a bigger towel and compromise on the things that mattered.

The XL is made from carefully selected absorbent, quick-drying microfibre, just like our Original collection, and is machine washable at 40°C — because anything designed for muddy dogs needs to be easy to wash and quick to dry!

Darcy being dried by the Bark and Beau XL Towel Drying Kit

Aside from the practicalities, I also wanted the new towel to feel a little special.

The black microfibre is finished with contrasting purple binding and silver Bark & Beau embroidery, creating something that looks beautiful while still being designed for the realities of wet walks, muddy paws and soggy dogs.

Because practicality doesn't have to mean boring. It can also mean beautiful.

Close Up of the XL kit black microfibre fabric and purple binding

Does the XL replace our Original Dog Drying Kit?

Absolutely not.

This was really important to me when developing the new size.

Our Original collection — Midnight Oak, Wild Lilac and Stone Path — isn't disappearing. The XL isn't a “better” version of the Original.

It's another option.

Darcy with the Bark and Beau XL towel draped over her back

If you want something compact for everyday walks, keeping in the car or taking away with you, the Original could be exactly what you need.

If you have a larger dog, a longer or thicker coat, a particularly enthusiastic swimmer, or simply prefer having more towel to work with, the XL may suit you better.

Its not as simple as 'I have a spaniel, what size do I need?'

It's about choosing the drying kit that works for you, your dog and your adventures.

A product created because you asked for it

There’s something particularly special about launching this one.

Bark & Beau started because I had a problem of my own that I wanted to solve. Now, our customers are helping shape what comes next.

The XL exists because people bought our Original drying kits, used them on their own dogs, loved the practical design — and then told me what they wanted next.

You asked for more towel. I listened.

And seeing the first orders coming through from existing Bark & Beau customers has probably been the biggest compliment I could have received.

The new XL Dog Drying Kit is available now, alongside our Original collection.

Leanne and Darcy sitting on their garden bench surrounded by the Bark and Beau Drying Kit in all sizes

So whether your dog comes home slightly damp or looking like they've taken half the woodland home with them, there's a Bark & Beau drying kit ready for the clean-up.

Not sure which size to go for? Send us a message by email, or on socials and we can find the right towel size for you and your dog!

You enjoy the adventure. I’ll help with the soggy bit afterwards.

Leanne & Darcy 🐾