Dog sweatersA hand-knitted cable sweater for Chihuahuas and small dogs
A dog sweater keeps a small or short-coated dog warm on cold, windy walks without the bulk of a coat. The Cable Sweater is knitted by hand after you order, with a thick cable down the back and a fold-over turtleneck, in 13 colours and sizes for dogs from 0.3 to 5 kg, from €26.00.
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Which dogs need a sweater?
Small, short-coated and thin-framed dogs, and dogs that are very young, old, underweight or unwell. These are the dogs vets name as feeling the cold quickly, because they have less body mass and less fur to hold heat.
- Toy breeds: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Papillon, Miniature Pinscher.
- Thin or short coats: Italian Greyhound, Whippet, French Bulldog, Pug.
- Short legs: Miniature Dachshunds and other low dogs, whose bellies sit close to cold ground and snow.
- Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness, whatever the breed.
Watch your own dog too. Shivering, slowing down, holding up a paw or refusing to walk on are the usual signs a dog is cold. More in how to keep your dog warm.
How a dog sweater should fit
- Neck: two fingers fit under it. Our turtleneck folds down when it is not needed.
- Behind the front legs: no rubbing in the armpits. The ribbed cuffs hold the sweater without squeezing.
- Length: it ends before the base of the tail and leaves room to go to the toilet.
- Movement: your dog walks, runs, sits and lies down as normal.
Small dogs are the hardest to fit: many off-the-shelf “XS” sweaters are cut for a much bigger dog. Ours start at XXXS, and Custom is knitted to your dog’s own measurements — more on fit for small dogs.
Measure three things before you order: the neck where the collar sits, the back from the neck to the base of the tail, and the chest at its widest point behind the front legs.
Sizes by weight
| Size | Weight | Chest | Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 0.3–0.5 kg | 18–24 cm | 14–16 cm |
| XXS | 0.5–1 kg | 21–26 cm | 15–18 cm |
| XS | 1–1.5 kg | 25–30 cm | 20–22 cm |
| S | 1.5–2.2 kg | 28–33 cm | 25–27 cm |
| M | 2.2–3.8 kg | 30–35 cm | 29–32 cm |
| L | 3.8–5 kg | 32–38 cm | 34–37 cm |
Long-bodied dogs, like Dachshunds, usually need Custom: send the back length and chest and the sweater is knitted to those numbers. Neck sizes and prices are in the size guide.
Looking after a knitted sweater
Hand wash cool, press the water out in a towel without wringing, and dry flat. Wool blend keeps its warmth when slightly damp, so a sweater that comes home with snow on it only needs to dry. Pair it with a hat in the same colour: two items get 25% off.
Questions
Do dogs really need sweaters?
Many don't. Small, short-coated, thin-framed, very young, old or underweight dogs feel the cold quickly and are the ones vets say benefit from a sweater or coat outdoors. Dogs with thick double coats, like Huskies and Malamutes, usually don't need one.
Should my dog wear a sweater indoors?
Usually not. Vets warn that dogs can overheat in centrally heated homes. Put the sweater on for the walk and take it off when you come back in.
How do I know the sweater fits?
Your dog can walk, run, sit and go to the toilet normally, you can slide two fingers under the neck, and nothing rubs behind the front legs. Biting, scratching or rubbing at it means it doesn't fit right.
Sweater or coat?
A knitted sweater is warm, soft and flexible: right for dry cold and wind. A waterproof coat is better for long walks in rain or wet snow. Many owners of small dogs use a sweater, with a light raincoat over it on wet days.
Which size does a Chihuahua need?
Sweaters are sized by weight. Most adult Chihuahuas weigh 1.5–3 kg, which is size S or M on our chart. Long-bodied or between-size dogs can order Custom with their own neck, back and chest measurements.
Sources
- PDSA — Vet Q&A: does my dog need to wear a coat? — which dogs need one, overheating indoors, how to measure, signs of a bad fit
- PetMD — Do some breeds actually need dog coats? — toy and short-coated breeds; signs a dog is cold; fit around neck and armpits
- AKC — Hypothermia in dogs: how cold is too cold? — small, senior, young and short-coated dogs lose heat faster
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. If your dog seems unwell or you are unsure, call your vet.
Read next
- ShopDog hatsThe two Caperro hats compared: hood with ear pockets vs beanie with ear holes, sizes and fit.
- ShopSmall dog clothes that fitWhy most dog clothes don't fit tiny dogs, and how sizes from XXXS and made-to-measure solve it.
- ShopChihuahua clothesWhy Chihuahuas feel the cold, which sizes fit them, and hats and sweaters made for tiny dogs.
- GuideHow to keep your dog warmSigns a dog is cold, what to do on walks and at home, and hypothermia first aid.
- GuideHow cold is too cold for a Chihuahua?Temperature bands for small dogs, what wind and wet change, and how long to stay out.
- GuideHow to put a hat on a dogGetting a dog used to a hat in five short steps, fitting the ears, and safe tying.
- SizingSize guideHow to measure head, neck, back and chest, with both size charts.