- The Best Dog Sweater
- 1. Gooby Dog Sweater
- 2. Chilly Dog Boyfriend Dog Sweater
- 3. Baja Ponchos Handmade Dog Sweater
- 4. Blueberry Pet Wool Blend Dog Sweater
- 5. Blueberry Pet Dog Sweater
- 6. Stinky G Dog Sweater with Rolled Neckline
- 7. Fitwarm Knitted Sweater for Dog
- 8. Blueberry Pet Winter Dog Sweater
- 9. kyeese Dog Sweater
Despite their apparently cozy coats, many dogs feel the cold - just like us. If you live in a cold climate, or your dog has only a light layer of fur, they may find low temperatures extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution at hand - dog sweaters. Not only do these sweaters look cute, but they also protect your canine companion against the worst of cold weather.
With so many dog clothes out there, it can be hard to find a sweater that actually does its job. Many items of canine clothing are made for aesthetic rather than practical reasons, and won’t provide your pooch with much insulation in the real world. That’s where we come in - we’ve put together a list of the best dog sweaters on the market right now, guaranteed to provide canine coziness. To help you work out if and when your dog needs a sweater, we’ve also taken the time to answer some common questions about canine clothing below.
The Best Dog Sweater
1. Gooby Dog Sweater
Key Features
Fleece vest, available in 5 sizes and 17 colors
Made from soft but durable polyester
Keeps dogs cozy in cold weather
Easy to slip on in a matter of seconds
Large arm holes for unrestricted movement
Open back allows dogs to use the bathroom in the sweater
O-loop for leash attachment
Machine washable and dryer safe
Kicking off our list is this simple but cute fleece vest by Gooby. Available in five different sizes, and a whopping 17 colors, it’s the perfect fit for any chilly dog. Made from soft but strong polyester, the handy jacket keeps the cold at bay, along with rain, hail, and snow. Thanks to its pullover design, the vest is easy to slip onto your dog in a matter of seconds, so they don’t become too impatient for their walk.
Thanks to its large arm holes, and open back, dogs will find it easy to walk, run, jump, and go to the bathroom while wearing the vest. It also features a handy O-ring on the back, allowing owners to attach a leash if need be. For easy maintenance, the vest is machine washable, too, for the quick removal of wintery debris such as salt and slush. Once clean, it can also go into the dryer without shrinking. Thanks to its wide array of sizes, the garment works well as a puppy sweater too.
2. Chilly Dog Boyfriend Dog Sweater
Key Features
100% wool dog jumpers
Available in 8 sizes for a perfect fit
Hand-knitted
Made with natural plant-based dyes
Stylish design, made to Fair Trade Guidelines
Easy to put on and take off your dog
Wash by hand at a low temperature
If you prefer to buy natural fibers, this wooly sweater by Chilly Dog could be the perfect option. Available in eight different sizes, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your pooch, no matter their age or breed. Made from 100% wool, these cozy pet sweaters provide your dog with a great insulating layer, protecting them against the worst of winter weather.
The hand-knitted jumper is stylish too, featuring a preppy design with a distinct collar. Chilly Dog promise that each of their products is made using Fair Trade guidelines, combining excellent quality with ethical production. Along with natural wool, their jumpers also depend on natural plant based dyes. It’s easy to pull on thanks to its accommodating stretch, and dogs find it comfortable to wear. Bear in mind that wool should be kept dry when possible, and hand washed at a low temperature to avoid shrinking.
3. Baja Ponchos Handmade Dog Sweater
Key Features
Handmade dog poncho created from genuine Mexican blanket
Available in 7 sizes and 2 colors
Each coat is one of a kind
Easy to put on thanks to a set of velcro straps
Features a built-in harness loop for leashes
Wraps snugly enough to double as a thunder jacket
Lined with waterproof polyester
100% money back guarantee included
Beja Ponchos have also earned themselves a spot on our list, with this unique dog coat. The poncho-style design, made from an authentic Mexican blanket, offers dogs a coat that’s genuinely one of a kind. Each hand made coat is made from a serape blanket, created in Tlaxcala, Mexico. Thanks to a simple set of velcro straps, they’re easy to put on and take off your pooch in a hurry. Thanks to a built-in harness loop, it’s simple to attach your dog’s leash, even if their collar is covered up.
Because the poncho can we wrapped so snugly around your pooch, it also doubles up as a thunder jacket, helping to ease anxiety. This makes it a great option for stormy nights, fireworks, or any situation that might put your dog on edge. Lined with waterproof polyester, it also helps to protect your dog from the discomfort of rain and snow. Take a look at our review of dog anxiety vests for more options.
4. Blueberry Pet Wool Blend Dog Sweater
Key Features
Cable knit acrylic dog sweater
Available in 5 sizes and 15 colors
Attractive but subtle nit design
Soft, durable, and waterproof
Simple to put on and take off, with a pull-over design
Machine washable and dryer safe
Offers a cozy layer of cold protection
For a more traditional design, look no further than these adorable small dog sweaters by Blueberry Pet. Available in five different sizes and 15 different colors, it’s the perfect fit for any dog, and any occasion. Featuring an attractive knit design, the sweater is subtle, yet detailed.
Each sweater is carefully made from durable acrylic yarn, known for its ideal balance of softness and durability. It’s waterproof too, making it the ideal choice for wet or snowy walks in the wintertime. The sweater is simple to put on your dog – simply pull it over their head and place their front legs through the sleeves. Thanks to the jumper’s open back design, it’s easy for dogs to move around and use the bathroom without having to take it off. The handy sweater is machine washable and dryer safe, making it easy to care for when not in use.
5. Blueberry Pet Dog Sweater
Key Features
Vintage, Fair Isle patterned dog sweater
Available in 5 sizes and 3 colors
Made from 100% acrylic fabric, for durability and easy care
Soft, waterproof, and machine washable
Classic turtleneck design looks great, and keeps dogs cozy
Dogs can walk, run, and use the bathroom without removing the sweater
Leash/harness hole allows you to lead your dog with the sweater on
If you and your dog are sucker for vintage designs, this Fair Isle jumper could be the perfect fit. Available in three different patterns, discerning pooches are sure to find a version they love. The cozy sweater is available in five different sizes, too, for a great fit no matter the breed or age. Each sweater is made using 100% acrylic fabric, for simple care, and great durability.
Acrylic fabric is soft, waterproof, and safe for the washing machine and dryer. All this adds up to a long-lasting and versatile sweater for your four-legged friend. Meanwhile, its classic turtleneck design not only looks great, it also helps to maximise coziness, by covering more of your dog. Thanks to flexible arm holes and an open backed design, dogs can easily walk, run, jump, and use the bathroom – all without removing the sweater. Featuring a leash or harness hole, the jumper is easily compatible with whatever collar or harness you usually place on your dog; just pop it on underneath the sweater.
6. Stinky G Dog Sweater with Rolled Neckline
Key Features
Sweater for small dogs and puppies
Available in 5 sizes and 2 colors
Made from soft and machine washable polyester
Provides a cozy extra layer for dogs
Pull over design is easy to take on and off
Leash hole makes for easy walks
Long sleeves and thick collar improve warmth retention
Their band name might not inspire confidence, but these cute dog sweaters by Stinky G are anything but stinky. Available in five petite sizes, each sweater is a great choice for puppies and smaller breeds. The adorable sweater can be had in two fun shades – pink, and aqua – lending a splash of color to any small dog.
Made from cozy and machine washable polyester, the handy sweater can stand up to everyday wear and tear with ease, protecting your pooch from the worst of the winter elements. Thanks to a simple pull over design, the sweater is simple to take on and off. This makes going for walks much easier, since there’s no need to fumble with complicated straps as your dog impatiently waits for their exercise. For easier walks, the sweater also features a leash hole on its back, allowing your pooch to wear their regular collar or harness underneath.
7. Fitwarm Knitted Sweater for Dog
Key Features
Cozy dog hoodie, available in 6 different sizes
Soft gray color looks good on almost any dog
Thick fabric provides great protection against the elements
Short sleeves allow your dog their usual range of motion
Open back means dogs can use the bathroom without taking off the sweater
Pull over design is easy to put on and take off
The next dog sweater to earn a spot on our list is this cute hoodie by Fitwarm. Made from soft knitted fabric, the cozy sweater is perfect for chilly days. The soft gray color looks great on all dogs, wile a cozy hood provides additional protection against the elements.
Made with thick, durable fabric, the hoodie has been carefully crafted to trap a warm layer of air between your dog’s skin and the outside world. Available in six different sizes, it’s the perfect solution for chilly pooches both great and small. Thanks to short sleeves and an open back, dogs will find it easy to run, play, and use the bathroom without the hoodie being removed. Featuring a pull over design, it’s also quick and simple to put on and take off your dog.
8. Blueberry Pet Winter Dog Sweater
Key Features
Knitted dog hoodie, available in a 2 tone or polka dot design
Available in 4 sizes
Made from soft and durable acrylic
Ideal for rain and snow
Machine washable for easy cleaning
Pull over design is simple to get on and off
Dogs can enjoy a full range of motion and use the bathroom while wearing the sweater
Leash hole makes it easy to walk your dog while they wear the sweater
Earning their third and final spot on our list is Blueberry Pet, with this fun two-tone sweater for dogs. It can also be had in a polka dot design, for more adventurous pups to flaunt their fashion sense. The cozy sweater can fit a wide array of dogs, being available in four different sizes.
Made from 100% acrylic material, the sweater is soft, cozy, and durable. Since acrylic is waterproof, this coat is perfect for use in rainy and snowy conditions – simply pull up the hood, and your dog can enjoy the same weather protection as you. Acrylic is easy to care for too; machine washable and resistant to tears. The simple pull over design is easy to get on and off your pooch, and once in place they’ll still be able to run around and use the bathroom, thanks to a stretchy, open back design. Finally, a handy leash hole makes walking your dog in their sweater a simple affair – simply feed the leash through the hole and attach it to their collar or harness as usual.
9. kyeese Dog Sweater
Key Features
Vintage style cable knit sweater for dogs
Available in a variety of sizes, ranging from XS – L
Comfortable, soft, and cozy
Sleeveless design allows dogs a full range of motion
Open back ensures dogs can use the bathroom while wearing the sweater
Round neck collar is comfortable to wear
Handy leash hole for walking your dog in the sweater
Last, but not least, is this dog sweater by Kyeese. With an affordable price point of under $10, this budget friendly coat proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality when you save money on pet accessories. The sweater’s quirky vintage design is cable knit, giving it a preppy ‘old school’ finish. The sleeveless design is perfect for dogs on the go, allowing them a full range of movement as they walk, run and play. Meanwhile, the open back design ensures that pooches can use the bathroom hassle-free while wearing their new coat. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on dog winter coats.
Thanks to its round neck collar, the coat is comfortable and easy to wear. Its stretchy knitted fabric fits dogs to a tee, trapping a warm layer of air between their skin and the outside world. For ease of use, the sweater also features a handy leash hole, making it simple to walk your dog on the leash, even if the jumper covers up their collar or harness.
Best Dog Sweaters Buying Guide & FAQ
Whatever your dog’s shape, size, taste, or breed, we’re confident there’s something on our list to keep them cozy. With so many options to choose from, though, selecting the perfect jumper for your dog can be a surprisingly complex affair. To help you find the best option for fido, and get the most out of it, we’ve put together this handy guide.
Features to Look for in a Dog Sweater
When it’s time to choose a sweater for your canine companion, there are a few important features to watch out for:
- Warmth
The main purpose of your dog’s new sweater is to keep them warm and cozy in wintery weather. For this reason, it’s important to choose your dog a sweater that’s cozy and traps in warmth. Look out for an insulative fabric, such as wool, acrylic, or polyester. It’s also a good idea to choose a sweater that covers most of your dog’s back. For extra warmth, consider a hood, or longer sleeves.
Take a look at our reviews of Dog Hoodies and Dog Pajamas for more options.
- Sizing
A sweater isn’t much use if it won’t fit, and this is equally true of canine sweaters. To ensure a good fit, measure your dog around their chest and neck before making your purchase. Use these measurements to work out which size is best for them, bearing in mind that size specifications will vary by manufacturer.
- Comfort
When it comes to dog sweaters, comfort is key - especially if your pooch is likely to wear it for long periods of time. To ensure your pooch is comfy in their new clothes, look out for soft fabric, large or stretchy arm holes, and an open back so they can easily go to the bathroom.
- Durability
Durability is another important property to look out for when choosing a sweater for your dog. To ensure a sweater is made to last, look out for a long-lasting fabric, such as wool, polyester, or acrylic. Many of the sweaters on our list are machine washable, which is another great sign of durability, as well as being very convenient.
- Style
Last, but not least, style is an important consideration to bear in mind when choosing a sweater. Luckily, manufacturers understand that different dogs and owners have different tastes, and you should be able to find a color and pattern that works for you.
Why Do Dogs Need Sweaters?
Not every dog will need a sweater, but it’s worth keeping one around if:
- You live in a cold climate, or experience cold winters
- Your dog has a short or thin coat
- You live with a senior dog
- Your dog struggles with arthritis
- You live with a toy breed
- Your dog has short-cropped hair - eg. poodles
These dogs could benefit from a sweater when the weather is chilly, or when the heating is switched off in your home. Just like us humans, dogs can get cold, and they find it uncomfortable too.
Check out our guides on Dog Boots and Raincoat for Dogs.
FAQ
Q: How do I tell if my dog is cold?
If your dog is cold, one of these sweaters could be a great way to make them more comfortable. However, unlike us humans, dogs can’t tell us that they’re cold, so we need to watch out for physical and behavioral signs.
If you notice one of the following signs, your dog is probably cold:
Shivering or trembling
Sleeping more than usual
Appearing lethargic
Curling up into a ball, or hunching over with head and tail tucked
Having cold ears - especially round the edges
Having a cold belly
Seeking out shelter
Whimpering, whining, or even barking
Appearing restless
Having dry skin, especially around the nose
Keeping your dog cozy isn’t just vital for their comfort - it could also prevent some pretty serious health conditions. If a dog is too cold for too long, their body temperature can drop, leading to hypothermia. The average dog should have a body temperature ranging from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If this temperature drops to 99 degrees or below, the animal is considered to have hypothermia.
Hypothermia can trigger problems in the central nervous system, and affect heart rate, blood flow, breathing, and even the immune system. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from hypothermia, it’s important to place them somewhere warm, and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Q: Do small dogs get cold more easily than large dogs?
Yes - small breeds tend to feel the cold more than their larger counterparts. This is because their small bodies just don’t produce as much heat, so maintaining a consistently warm temperature is more difficult.
Q: How do I get my dog to wear a sweater?
Some dogs will take to clothes easily, while others might put up some resistance. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all, it’s important to introduce them to the sweater gradually, using the following steps:
Introduce the Sweater Gradually
Like any new thing, dogs will take to a sweater more easily if they’re introduced to it gradually. Before you even try to put the sweater on them, allow them to touch and sniff it. Provide some treats during this introduction to begin some positive associations.
Bribe them through the Neck Hole
Next, it’s time to get your dog’s head through the neck hole. Bunch up the sweater so that only this portion is visible, and hold a treat at the opposite side to ease their head through. Once in position, give your dog the treat, and take the sweater off. Do this a few times - ideally over a day or two.
Gently insert their Legs
Once your dog is comfortable having their head in the sweater, you can begin to use the ‘sleeves’. Distract them with a treat as you pull one leg, then the other, into the sweater. You may wish to employ a helper to dispense treats while you do the maneuvering.
Gradually build Wear Time
Once the sweater is fully in place, praise your dog, offer another treat, and gently take it off again. Repeat the process a few times over the next week, leaving the sweater on for gradually longer stretches of time.
Forge Positive Associations
If your dog knows that good things are coming when their sweater goes on, they’re much more likely to wear it. Give your dog plenty of affection, playtime, treats, and walks whenever they wear the sweater.
Sources
- Clothes for Our Four-Legged Friends - PETA Prime
- Dog Sweaters: Fashion vs. Function - Animal Rescue League of Boston