The Best Dog Sweaters for Small Breeds
Little dogs in sweaters are almost a cliché at this point - but for good reason! Small breed dogs are some of the most vulnerable dogs during the cold season, and often need more than a little help to stay toasty. So how can you, as their owner, find the perfect sweater to keep your pup warm and comfortable in the colder months?
Key Takeaway
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Small dogs come in a variety of shapes, so you need to find the right sweater for each dog.
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Choosing the best sweater for a small dog means balancing warmth, fit, comfort, and freedom of movement based on their coat type and activity level.
Small Dogs and Body Heat
Little dogs and sweaters are not just about looking cute. Small-breed dogs’ small body size, surface area, and low weight mean they lose body heat faster and more easily than larger dogs.[1] They’re also closer to the ground, which puts them in close contact with cold surfaces, snow, mud, and other things that can sap heat.
However, not all small dogs are created equal, and several factors can influence what they need in a sweater.
Breed and Body Shape
Teacup and micro-breeds, e.g., a Yorkshire Terrier, are going to feel the cold easily compared to slightly larger breeds, e.g a beagle. However, these tiny dogs may also struggle to move around if their sweater or coat is too thick and heavy.
Dogs like Frenchies and Pugs, as well as other flat-faced breeds, struggle to pant properly, which puts them at risk of overheating if their coats are too thick and warm.
Coat Type
Some small breeds have longer fur and may not get cold as easily. For example, compare the curly coat of a poodle to a short-haired chihuahua. Short-coated breeds may need extra warmth in the padding of their coats, or a warm, fleece lining.
Longer coats can also make sizing difficult, and too many underlayers or long-term use of sweaters could cause matting or other issues.
Activity Level
Active dogs that like to run around will build up more body heat and may tire more easily if they feel overencumbered by their sweaters. On the other hand, a more relaxed lap dog may get cold more easily, or appreciate a softer and snugglier sweater to cuddle up in.
Weather
The weather will also play a role in the type of jumpers you want to buy. Cold, wet or windy winters might need dog coats as well as sweaters to protect your dog from the snow and wet. In cold weather, your dog may only need a light sweater that's easy to relax and move around in.
Remember, in every case, the warmest sweater may not always be the best sweater.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Cold Weather
Dog sweaters come in a variety of fabrics and materials to keep your dog warm. Choosing the right one can be tricky for some dog owners, so here's the rundown.
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Wool - One of the warmest fabrics; wool is a classic for dog sweaters. It is soft, comfortable, and remains both breathable and cozy. However, wool doesn’t have a lot of stretch, can be quite expensive if 100% genuine, and can be heavy and uncomfortable if it gets wet.
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Cotton Blends - Cotton blends are more flexible, cheaper, and offer a lot of style options. However, they are much thinner, so unless they have a lining, they might not offer as much benefit in colder weather.
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Stretch Fabrics - Stretchy fabric blends often offer a better fit without restricting movement, and can be a good option for unusual body types (Wide chests, tapering waists, etc.) However, cheap versions can damage easily or be dangerous when ingested.
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Blended Fabrics - Blended fabrics offer you the benefits of both natural fibers and stretch fabrics. They are usually your best bet, but be careful of very cheap, fake options that can hold odors or get damaged easily.
If you want more waterproof or warmer options for outdoor wear, you may need to add dog jackets or raincoats to your pet’s wardrobe. Remember, layering is always an option.
Velvet Dog Hoodie - Berry Lemonade
Sizing Dog Sweaters for Small Breeds
The most difficult part about shopping for small breeds is finding the right size - quality dog clothes should never inhibit your dog’s ability to move, cause chafing and hair loss, or restrict their ability to be able to go to the bathroom.
A dog sweater should cover a fair amount of skin - going from the base of the dog’s neck to the base of their tail. Some options may also come with small sleeves or hoods.
When it comes to small dogs, finding a sweater with good tummy coverage can be especially important. The sweater should never prevent them from peeing, but covering their chest over their ribs can help prevent unnecessary heat loss. On the other hand, you don’t want too much loose fabric dangling down either.
There are three measurements that are very important to get before buying a sweater-
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Neck Girth - This is the circumference around your dog’s neck where their collar would normally sit. This is especially important for dogs with big heads, as most sweaters are pull-on and need to be able to slide over the head and neck.
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Chest Girth - This is the circumference of your dog’s chest, around the thickest point of their ribs. If you are between sizes, then it's better to size up a little here.
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Back Length - This is the length of your dog’s back from the base of their neck to the tip of their tail.
Between these three measurements, it should be easy to find your dog’s size. Try to avoid making a purchase based purely on breed estimates, as sweaters typically don’t stretch much and it could be easy to make a mistake.
Cable Knit Dog Sweater - Pine Green
Other Factors to Consider Before Buying
Aside from making sure the sweater is warm and comfortable, there’s one or two other things to double-check before you buy.
The Sweater is Compatible With Your Harness
For safety and comfort reasons, many dog owners choose to walk their small breed dogs with harnesses. Since sweaters sit close to the body, many of them fit under the harness, but a loose, poorly fitted sweater can move around and make the harness unsafe.
The Sweater is Easy to Wash
Since sweaters are part of your dog’s everyday wear, they can get dirty and smelly easily. Make sure your sweater is easy to wash and quick-drying so you can put it back on your dog as soon as possible.
Check the material requirements before you buy so your sweater stays fashionable and durable.
The Sweater is Easy to Put On and Take Off
Small dogs can be sensitive to having clothing pulled over their heads or having their legs guided through tight openings. So the sweater should be easy to put on without causing unnecessary stress.
Look for sweaters that offer stretchy neck openings, flexible armholes, or ways of fastening (e.g., Velcro, zips, etc.) that make dressing quicker while still keeping the sweater secure once it is on. A good sweater should also be easy to remove if you're moving from outdoors to indoors a lot throughout the day.
Other Ways to Keep Your Pup Warm
While sweaters are the most convenient way to keep small dogs warm, not every dog likes clothing or can wear a sweater for long periods of time. These are some other ways to stay toasty.
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Alternatives to Sweaters - Sweaters are great for wearing inside the house, but a jacket or coat might be a better plan when going outdoors. On top of that, doggy pajamas are a nice alternative for longer indoor snuggling.
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Keep walks short - You might need to cut your walk time down a bit in winter. Small dogs often need less exercise than larger dogs, and their small size means that it's easier to supplement with some indoor games or enrichment instead of a long, cold walk.
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Booties - Dog boots are a good way to keep tiny paws warm when running around in the garden or going on walks. It also protects your dog from antifreeze, salt, mold and other fall and winter contaminants.
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Avoid going out in wet or windy conditions - Being wet or subjected to blowing winds will cool a small dog down very quickly. Rather, try to keep them sheltered or find alternatives when the weather is very bad.
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Raise beds off the floor - Cold floors can leach the warmth out of your dog’s bed. Raising the bed on another mat or block can help fight off the cold.
Broken Teddy Bear Knit Dog Sweater - Black
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog sweater for a small breed can be tricky. It mostly comes down to finding the right balance of warmth, fit, comfort, and freedom of movement.
Consider your dog’s body shape, coat type, activity level, and the weather they'll wear the sweater in, and use accurate measurements rather than breed or weight alone before committing.
Explore Spark Paws’ Dog Sweaters Collection to find a comfortable, well-fitting option that can help keep your small dog cozy when temperatures drop.
FAQ
Do small dogs really need sweaters?
Yes, most small dogs will struggle to maintain their body temperature in cold environments compared to larger dogs, and a sweater can help keep them comfortable in temperatures that are fine for bigger dogs. However, they may not need a sweater all the time.
Can My Dog Wear a Sweater Under a Coat?
Yes, layering is a common practice and a good idea for harsh or very cold weather. However, be on the lookout for signs of overheating.
How should a dog sweater fit?
A dog sweater should cover your dog from the base of their neck to the base of their tail, with extra coverage for their underside so that they can stay warm and dry.
How do I know if my small dog is cold?
Small dogs will likely start shivering, curl up into a tight ball, or try to seek out heat sources like blankets or people when they’re feeling cold.[2] Their paws and ears may also feel cold to the touch. Watch out for signs of hypothermia, which can include confusion, stiffness, or unusual weakness and fatigue.
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