Will a pooch-pack for a German shepherd fit a French poodle?

Employees at the Bend-based manufacturer of gear for pets on the go may soon know that answer. The company signed a distribution contract with Canine Spirit, which will sell its products throughout the U.K., Italy, France, Spain and Ireland.

Ruff Wear, a company that began with the simple idea of making a collapsible water bowl for dogs on hikes, had already pushed sales into Scandinavia and Germany last year through Original Doggear, a Danish company.

”We are looking forward to working with Canine Spirit and continuing our international expansion into specialty outdoor and pet markets while still maintaining our strong brand image,” Geoff Peddicord, Ruff Wear sales manager, said in a statement.

Ruff Wear started with the practical collapsible dog bowl, but its doggie comforts now include boots, portable dog shelters, flotation jackets and thermal beds, among other things. Its major distribution relationships in the U.S. include REI, Orvis and L.L. Bean.

Ruff Wear Chief Operating Officer Will Blount said under the agreement with Canine Spirit, the U.K.-based company will handle marketing and sales.

”We had been working with a couple European dealers over the past couple of years, but they have not been distributing for us,” Blount said. ”Canine Spirit can do the marketing and sales necessary to extend our brand across Europe.”

Right now Ruff Wear has 10 employees but is moving to a larger facility in Northwest Crossing in August. Blount said the space is about twice as large and should allow the company to meet its warehousing needs as well as hire more people in line with expanding demand.

Kevin Max can be reached at 541-617-7822 or kmax@bendbulletin.com.