The Best Dog Sweaters
Cold weather has arrived, which means it's time to bundle up. Although our dogs have lots of fur to keep them warm, when temperatures dip, they get cold just like we do. This is especially true for light-bodied, small, hairless, and short-haired breeds, as well as puppies and older dogs that may need an extra layer of protection to help them tolerate the chill. The solution? Dog sweaters, which can give your pup the extra insulation they need to stay warm throughout the colder months.
What to Look For
Considering the need for a dog sweater, we set out to find the best options to keep your pooch feeling toasty all season long. The best dog sweaters are comfortable, don’t restrict your dog’s movements, and look stylish at the same time. Our top pick was the Jecikelon sweater, which is made from woolen material that keeps your dog warm in the coldest weather. If you have a big dog, however, we recommend the Chilly Dog sweater, which is roomy enough to fit larger breeds. Keep reading for in-depth reviews of the best dog sweaters on the market.
Jecikelon Dog Sweater
Warm all the time
Made from rugged wool on the outside and a fleecy layer underneath, this classic dog sweater will keep your pup warm and protect it from the harsh winter elements all season long. Its soft, high-quality fabric is comfortable and durable, making it great for sports or everyday walks around the neighborhood. Plus, it’s dirt-resistant, making it easy to keep clean. Your dog can wear it indoors or outdoors whenever it needs an extra layer to stay warm.
Pros:
- We loved how the sweater fits dogs snuggly while giving them room to move around without feeling constricted.
- Although the sweater is advertised as being for small dogs, we found it was an excellent fit for dogs as large as 15 pounds.
Cons:
- Sleeves may be a little long for some smaller dog breeds.
Tangpan Turtleneck Dog Sweater
Bundled up
If your dog needs extra warmth around its neck, consider purchasing a turtleneck dog sweater. This sweater not only keeps your dog warm but also comes with leg straps to keep the sweater in place, making it a great choice for active dogs. It’s stylish and soft, featuring a ribbed turn-down collar. Made from a wool and cotton blend, your dog will look good while wearing it. Thanks to its easy off-and-on design, you won’t have to struggle to put it on and take it off of your dog.
Pros:
- We found it was made of high-quality, durable material, making it an excellent choice for fidgeting dogs that are always on the go.
- The turtleneck sweater is so comfortable that dogs don’t want to take it off and sometimes sleep in it.
Cons:
- It runs small, so order a size up to ensure it fits properly.
Kyeese Bowtie Dog Sweater Dress
Warm and stylish
Your dog will be the cutest pup on the block when it wears this sweater dress. It features a gingham patchwork design with a bowtie in the back, ensuring your dog makes a fashion statement every time it leave the house. In addition to being cute, this acrylic pullover sweater will keep your dog toasty in cold weather. The sweater’s material is stretchable and comfy, so your dog can move about freely.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how soft and stretchy the sweater’s material was, allowing you to pull it over your dog’s head easily.
- The sweater is an excellent fit for even small and lanky dogs with atypical shapes.
Cons:
- The skirt is a bit stiff.
Kuoser Waterproof Dog Vest
Toasty and dry
If you live in a cold and wet climate, this waterproof dog vest is an excellent choice for keeping your pooch warm and dry. The vest features a water-resistant outer layer and a soft and warm inner layer with a fleece lining covering the belly area. It fits small, medium, and large dogs and has an easy hook and loop closure, making it easy to bundle your dog up quickly. It’s lightweight and windproof, keeping your dog protected from the elements. Its attractive vintage design is perfect for any occasion.
Pros:
- We loved the notch on top of the vest that allows you to easily attach a leash through to your dog’s harness.
- The velcro attachment on the vest’s underbelly allows you to adjust the vest to get the perfect fit for your dog.
Cons:
- The leash hole is small.
Chilly Dog Dog Sweater
Whatever the weather
The Chilly Dog dog sweater solves the challenge of finding a sweater that fits large dog breeds. Its made of wool and hand-knit by Quechuan Indians, fitting dogs up to 85 pounds. The sweater’s V-neck style gives your big dog enough room to move its neck freely, and the sweater’s stretchy material is comfortable and easy to wear. This sweater will keep your dog warm while protecting it from the winter elements.
Pros:
- We found the sweater was flattering to large dogs and fit them perfectly, and the V-neck allows you to add a bowtie to complete the look.
- The sweater is large and covers enough of your dog’s body to ensure it is warm at home or during outings in cold weather.
Cons:
- The underbelly could have more material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need to wear clothes in winter?
Your dog’s breed and what type of coat it has are important points to consider when deciding whether to buy a winter sweater for your dog. Dogs with fine or no hair often get cold when the temperatures drop, making a sweater a necessity if you’re taking them outside. On the other hand, huskies and malamutes are built for freezing temperatures, making a sweater unnecessary for these breeds. Small dogs often need an extra layer of protection in cold climates, too. If you have a dog with low body fat and a thin coat, you’ll want to purchase a sweater to keep them warm. Older dogs may also need the extra insulation a dog sweater can provide to retain body heat.
Do sweaters relax dogs?
Besides keeping your furry friend warm in cold weather, wearing a sweater may also help calm your anxious or nervous dog. You can even buy clothing designed especially for relaxing nervous dogs. Dog sweaters help calm dogs because they apply mild pressure to your pet’s torso, creating a calming effect.
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