Sometimes your dog's fur coat just isn't enough. Maybe he gets cold more easily than other dogs, or maybe the winter chill is too much for him. No matter why your pet needs one of the best dog sweaters, you'll have to select one that will keep him warm and comfortable.
The first thing you need to consider is whether or not your dog really needs a sweater. Yes, they are adorable and there is no doubt your canine companion will be the envy of the dog park, but does he really need the extra layer? You can easily cause your pet to overheat if you make him wear one of the best dog sweaters when the weather is warm or if he already has a thick, warm coat of fur.
If you decide that your dog does indeed need a sweater, you'll have all shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. Some are made with contouring holes for your dog's legs, while others are more of a one-size-fits all option.
You need to be sure that the dog sweater you choose is comfortable for your pet to wear for long periods of time. If the openings for his legs are too tight, or they don't fit correctly, it may chafe his armpits causing him a lot of pain.
The best option is to purchase a sweater from a dog-friendly establishment. This way you can bring Fido with you and have him try on the best dog sweaters in the store. You'll be able to tell if a sweater fits him correctly and make a wise purchase. If you find a better deal online, no worries! Just make sure the company you buy it from has a good return policy.
Top 5 Best Dog Sweaters
1Chilly Dog Boyfriend Dog Sweater
This Boyfriend Dog Sweater from Chilly Dog will surely make female pooches swoon over their male friends. It’s handmade and in strict conformity with the existing fair trade guidelines. This dog sweater comes in a variety of sizes from XX-Small to XXX-Large and can fit dogs weighing 2-120 pounds.
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Chilly Dog’s products are guaranteed 100% made of wool with organic plant and fruit dyes. This is definitely one of the best dog sweaters around. Buyers who have bought this item agree that it is an even better option than keeping pooches warm by wrapping them in woolen blankets. Dogs simply adore this heavy and warm sweater because it allows ease of movement along with keeping them warm.
In this handsome cardigan, fun-loving mutts could still tear through foliage, slide, run, jump and dig without restraint, especially after being cooped up during the harsh winter months. It’s a perfect fit for most dogs. There are no issues putting the Chilly Dog Boyfriend Dog Sweater on and taking it off, even for the larger sized breeds. It is comfortable around the neck, legs and shoulders as well.
The only complaints were from a few buyers who misjudged their dogs’ size. It is always important to select the correct size when ordering. Aside from those cases of imperfect fit, most pooches enjoyed and looked very cool and handsome in their winter garb. Now get your money’s worth with this well-made and stylish dog sweater. It’s hardly ever seen at local pet stores, so snag one now.
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Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review + PHOTOS): “I got this for our 90 lb blue rescue doberman, who has sensitive skin and patchy fur on his lower back. He loves wool blankets, so I'm glad I could find him the same in a sweater, although I have to remember not to throw it in the dryer…”
2Stinky G Blue Stripe Dog Hoodie Sweater
Here’s an awesome blue and white stripped dog sweater that’s highly recommended for those weighing between 6 and 27 pounds – with neck and chest girths that measure 10-18 inches and 13-28 inches, respectively, and with a back length of about 10-18 inches. This soft knit and ribbed trim hooded sweater from Stinky G is adorned with a lovely pom-pom that will make your little pup stand out among the pack.
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Another reason this makes our list of the best dog sweaters is that the product is machine washable – tumble dry in medium heat – for easy cleaning. Generally, customers were very happy that this Hoodie Sweater fit their dogs to a tee on the very first try! A dog owner who bought one of the blue-and-white combination sweaters enthuses that her miniature poodle is the picture of perfection.
When other sweaters were either too tight or too loose, this snugly wool proved to be the best dog sweater she ever bought for her pooch. A medium size would fit a dog 9-14 pounds, but since dogs come in different lengths, widths and builds, it’s always best to check the chart for neck and chest girth and length along the back. And don’t be deceived by its dainty look, this sweater is tough. Customers swear that the Stinky G Blue Stripe Dog Hoodie Sweater won’t shrink even after several washings and drying.
Buyers who made a slight oversight in sizing were a little disappointed. After returning their item and receiving the replacement in the correct size, they were quickly satisfied. Overall, customers found this to be one of the best dog sweaters they’ve ever bought for their pets. The fabric and the knitting were of good quality, and the hoodie is both attractive and protective.
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Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review + PHOTOS): “…This medium sweater IS roomy. It doesn't shrink at all; I've laundered it several times in HOT water and HOT dryer. It still looks beautiful…”
3Chilly Dog Grey Cable Dog Sweater
The Cable Dog Sweater by Chilly Dog is made of imported materials that are cable-knit by craftsmen in South America. They’re also guaranteed 100% wool with organic plant and fruit dyes. This comfy and elegant dog sweater is easy to put on and take off. It’s machine washable in cold water, and can be line-dried. It comes in a variety of sizes and best fits 2- to-80-pound pups.
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A must-have garment for icy winters to keep dogs warm and comfy, buyers gave this sweater a high mark. It is well-liked for its stylishness, make and great value. Plus, customers certainly liked the sweater’s sturdiness and rugged looks. Dog owners found this to be a fantastic addition to their dog's winter wardrobe.
While buyers generally thought this to be one of the best dog sweaters they’ve bought for their pet companions, there were also instances when the sweaters began to loosen up at the chest section or at the front leg section. These loose hems could easily get snagged during a pet’s activity, so they need some mending on those parts. The manufacturer has stated in the manual that this could be avoided if the Chilly Dog Grey Cable Dog Sweater is left to dry naturally after washing. Heating the fabric could cause it to stretch.
While this garment has more than enough pluses tucked in its sleeve, some may have noticed the scant protection offered to the front legs to keep the wearer warm and comfy in those areas. On the whole, this is still a great buy, with care taken in its maintenance.
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Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “Very warm, well made, handsome sweater. The size small fits my 16 lb mixed breed dog well. Haven't washed it yet, so I don't know about shrinkage…will wash in cold water and line dry. This is a must-have for cold, NYC winters! Lovely…”
4Stinky G Pistachio Green Dog Aran Sweater
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
This Stinky G product line will surely look great and luxurious on cute little pups. The XS size is just perfect for dogs weighing around 3-6 pounds, with neck girth of 8-10 inches, chest girth of 10-13 inches, and back length of 8-10 inches. There are a variety of other sizes available that will fit dogs weighing up to 27 pounds. Just be sure to measure your pet correctly.
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This dog sweater is extra soft and comes in pistachio green with a double-faced shawl collar that provides added warmth and comfort along the neck, shoulders and legs. It is knitted in the tradition of Aran stitches with wide ribbing for a more classic impression. One of the many reasons it makes our list of the best dog sweaters is because it cleans easily. You can throw it right in the washing machine with cold water.
What buyers liked most about this sturdy sweater was that it is heavy and warm for pups with scant hair. For one particular buyer whose dog has been missing lots of hair, the Stinky G Pistachio Green Dog Aran Sweater works wonderfully to keep her canine companion warm. A medium-sized coat was a perfect second skin for her dog. It fit snugly around the whole length of the pup’s body but with a little slack around the neck to keep it comfortable. Customers were one in saying that they love the color, thickness and high quality of this sweater. They think that it’s one of the best dog best sweaters and trust that it would last a long time.
This coat has sleeves that can be rolled up, and pet owners usually found this design aspect cute and useful. Some buyers, especially those with short dogs, find the sleeves way too long, even when rolled up. An error in sizing usually happens when only the weight of the dog is considered, so it is always best to indicate the dog’s vital statistics – neck and chest girths, and back length (from the base of the neck to the base of the tail) – not just their weight.
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Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review + PHOTO): “This is an adorable sweater! it's one of two pieces I bought for my Boston Terrier's first winter. She gets cold really easily and this really helps. It's like she knew what we were putting it on her for, and she just rolled with it! it's super soft…”
5Blueberry Pet Classic Cable Knit Dog Sweater
Topping off our list of the best dog sweaters comes this item that is available in three dazzling and elegant colors: royal blue, rosy pink and tomato red. Minimally adorned but stylish, this inexpensive sweater by Blueberry Pet is fashioned with classic cable-knitting stitches. It combines smoothness and warmth to ensure an extra soft and comfy feeling throughout those cold nights and frigid mornings.
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This dog sweater is made of 100% top-quality acrylic material for durability. Its trimmed turtleneck and hem also provide a cozy and comfy fit. It is designed for all types of breeds. This cable-knit sweater is machine washable with the same color, and can be tumble dried in medium heat. Buyers who had the foresight of buying slightly bigger sizes for their still-growing dogs were immensely satisfied with their purchase.
The Blueberry Pet Classic Cable Knit Dog Sweater fit snugly along the dog’s torso. So those who deliberately or mistakenly bought a size bigger of this sweater still were satisfied of what they bought, because it looked and functioned as if it were the perfect size. Pet owners who purchased this product also gave the thumbs up in terms of the fabric used, workmanship and affordability.
The colors of blue, pink and red are great options, although some buyers wished there were more colors available. The cable-stitch waves and stylish turtle neck easily got the nod of the buyers as well. As with any sweater or pet garment, buyers should exercise care in choosing the right size and style of sweater for their pets. It’s often the key to buying the best dog sweaters.
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Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review + PHOTOS): “My little dog is 7.2 lbs right now and I purchased the 12″ sweater (due to other brands having been so tight and she could get up to 9 lbs). She's quite slim, so I could have gone with the 10″ bc it's about an inch long and really loose around her…”
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