Dogs Sweaters- Cable-Knit Wool and Designer Sweaters for Dogs

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By Anesidora

Odd as the concept of dressing a dog may be to some people, dog sweaters are one of the more useful types of dog clothing. Obviously they keep a dog warmer on cold winter days, and for native warm weather dogs living in colder climates, dog sweaters are really almost a necessity.

Two factors generally determine whether or not a dog needs a bit of extra warmth in the form of a sweater during the cold season- the size of the dog and the type of fur coat the dog has. Dogs with an undercoat -such as Siberian Huskies- are generally better at retaining heat, as are larger sized dogs. So typically speaking these dogs don't often suffer from the cold.

However, thinner-coated dogs and smaller dogs do not retain their own heat so well. For these types of dogs, winter-time walks and outside times can be downright unbearable. Some dogs simply aren't built for withstanding cold weather, and the resulting reluctance to go outside during freezing winter months can lead to doggy accidents inside the house, making the hibernation season unpleasant for everybody.

Dog Sweaters to Keep Your Dog Warm

Dog sweaters can solve this disagreement between pooch and mother nature. Providing an extra layer of protection from the cold around your dog's torso helps to better lock in his own heat and stave off the bite of the frigid winter winds.

Depending on your location and the dog, a dog coat or jacket on your dog may also be a good idea for outside time. Dog booties to protect paws from snow and frozen surfaces may also be required.

Additionally, some dogs finding themselves living in colder climes might appreciate a sweater on even when inside. An additional benefit of this is that with a dog sweater on indoors, shedding accumulates in the sweater instead of on your floors.

How to tell if your dog needs a sweater? Besides the size of the pooch and the undercoat factor, you can generally literally see when your dog is too cold. They will shiver, show reluctance to going outdoors or run quickly back inside after doing their business, or even arch their backs in an attempt to hunch themselves up against the cold.

If you see any of these signs, your dog would probably appreciate the warming help of dog sweaters, and in fact may even direly need it.

Risotto Collection Spearmint Aspen Dog Sweater
Risotto Collection Spearmint Aspen Dog Sweater

Buy Dog Sweaters Online

The good news is that finding dog clothing is now easier than it has ever been before, and there is a broad range of dog clothing designers and styles to choose from. Every decent pet supply store will stock a few basic dog sweaters each winter. For a broader and more stylish selection of dog sweaters and other dog clothing, you can even find doggy boutiques.

But you can also buy dog clothes online very easily these days. Amazon has a large collection of dog clothes and accessories for sale, which also come with Amazon's buyer protection and frequently discounted prices. Amazon also offers free shipping options on most items, and a plethora of brands and qualified vendors to shop from. Nothing beats the convenience of shopping online right there from home, and you can even bring your dog!

When shopping for dog sweaters, it's best to know the exact length of your dog from the base of the back of his neck down his spine to his tail. Most dog clothing is sized based on that measurement. (Chart below) However, if your dog is built huskily with a broader chest or shoulders than is average for his length,then you'll want to choose a size larger than the length measurement suggests.

Dog Clothing Sizing Chart

Dog Length Measurement 
Size for Normal Girth Dogs
Up to 8" 
Extra-Small 
8" to 12" 
Small 
12" to 16"
Medium
16" to 20"
Large
20" to 24"
Extra-Large
Keep in mind that huskier dogs with a larger torso may need to go up a size.

Diva Dog Sweaters

Some dogs just love the extra attention wearing doggy clothing gets them, and can seem to turn into absolute divas about their wardrobes. Luckily fashion designers have heeded their call -er, bark- for higher quality and trendier styles, and doggy divas today can get all the glamour they want.

Buy Girl Dog Sweaters on Amazon

Dog Sweater - Puttin' on the Glitz - Pink - Small
Amazon Price: $19.95
Foliage Dog Sweater by Risotto Collection (Small)
Amazon Price: $251.99

Dapper Dog Sweaters

But the love and attention isn't just for the girls. Boy dogs get cold too! From stylish, sophisticated choices in dog sweaters to sportier looks and casually conservative options, there are plenty of great dog sweaters to choose from for boy dogs as well.

Buy Boy Dog Sweaters on Amazon

SMALL - Nordic Dog Sweater & Scarf [Misc.] [Misc.]
Amazon Price: $10.99
Blue & White Knit Sweater for Dog - XS
Amazon Price: $17.99
Casual Canine Acrylic Twinkling Star Dog Sweater, Small, 9-Inch
Amazon Price: $13.99
List Price: $19.99
Large Jacquard Design Dog Pullover Sweater Red
Amazon Price: $10.19
Dog Toy-Fisher Cat
Amazon Price: $12.95
List Price: $20.95

Dog Christmas Sweaters

A Christmas dog sweater is always fun! There's something quite delightful about a dog wearing a bright, cheerful Christmas sweater, and your little pooch will spread smiles and Christmas joy everywhere he goes wearing one of these.

The first choice shown here features LED lights to brighten up night walks with a twinkling Christmas tree.

The jaquard reindeer is a bit more of a classis style. In hunter green or red, either looks casually sophisticated.

The Snowman dog sweater is just pure Christmas cheer!

On Amazon

Animal Planet Halloween Dog Pet Costume Raptor Medium
Amazon Price: $18.35
List Price: $21.99

Halloween Dog Sweaters

But you don't have to wait for Christmas to enjoy the seasonal fun! You can start with Halloween themed or colored dog sweaters if the weather begins to chill earlier in the year where you live.

Yellows, oranges, browns and blacks are perfect early fall colors for a dog's wardrobe. Don't forget your canine's Halloween costume! Most dogs want to have just as much fun as the children do!

Other Cold Weather Dog Clothing

Again depending on the dog's level of vulnerability and your location, dog coats, dog jackets, ponchos or parkas, as well as dog shoes to protect their paws may also be a good idea. And there are, fortunately, some really outstanding options in dog coats and shoes online at Amazon.

Buy Dog Boots on Amazon

Guardian Gear Dog Boots 4/Set Xxxsm
Amazon Price: $7.99

Buy Dog Coats on Amazon

Risotto Ice Blue Hampton Dog Coat (Small)
Amazon Price: $186.99

Don't Forget to Check the Sizes!

There are tons of other dog sweaters, dog coats and other dog clothing options for sale on Amazon, including thermal dog pajamas, scarfs and caps. Do a little winter shopping for your dog and be confident that this winter your four-legged pal will be safe and warm.

Just be sure to find the right size! Some options have all the sizes available to choose from under one listing, while other options list each size separately. A quick search for the specific item will show all the sizes available, so be sure to confirm the right size for your pet. Refer to the sizing chart shown above if you're not sure of the right size for your dog.

Article Copyright 2010 Anesidora and not to be copied or reprinted without author permission.

Additional photo courtesy of individual manufacturer under the Fair Use law.

Opinions expressed herein are based on personal experience and thorough research. Author is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers mentioned herein.

 

Thank you for reading my HubPage! If you enjoyed this webpage, or found it useful, please be sure to Rate It Up! 

viking305 profile image

viking305 Level 6 Commenter 20 months ago

Ahh these Dog Sweaters look so cute on the dogs. And as you say the sweaters do keep the dogs warm in the winter. A great Christmas gift for any dog owner

LeanMan profile image

LeanMan Level 4 Commenter 20 months ago

I don't see anything to fit my old Great Dane, but my little Yorkie will look great!

Jane@CM profile image

Jane@CM 20 months ago

Adorable! Great gift ideas!

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