A dog sweater makes sense for small, short-haired or older dogs that get cold quickly, especially indoors and as a layer under a waterproof coat. On its own it is not enough in the rain: a wet knit stops keeping warm and tends to chill instead.
What it is really good for
A sweater is a warm layer, nothing more. It helps when your dog gets cold on chilly floors, after a bath, or in dry cold outdoors. A dog that shivers even while moving is a good candidate. Roughly at what temperature that happens is covered in When does a dog get cold?. It also works as a base layer: when it is wet, the waterproof coat goes on top.
What it can't do
A sweater is not waterproof. In constant rain the fabric soaks up water, gets heavy and then chills more than it warms. Wind also gets through a knit more easily than through a dense coat. For wet weather, a raincoat goes on top, not the sweater alone.
| Sweater | Raincoat | Winter coat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | yes, as an extra layer | no warming padding | yes, padded |
| Protection from wet | no | yes, waterproof | yes, waterproof and windproof |
| Suited for | indoors, dry cold, as a base layer | rain in mild weather | cold and wet together |
The fit decides
The sweater must not squeeze around the belly, and the front legs need to move freely. If it is too tight, you notice quickly: your dog stops and looks at you as if you had betrayed him. Measure as you would for a coat, with back length and chest girth. How that works in two minutes is explained in How to measure a dog jacket. If your dog falls between two sizes, take the larger one.
Care
The washing instructions are in the product description of each model and differ depending on the material. According to its description, the Norwood can be washed at 30 degrees. Check each model before it goes in the machine.
Two models from our range
The Trixie Hundepullover Carson Hoodie is made of soft polyester and has a hood that closes with a button. The Trixie Hundepullover Norwood is made of a blend of cotton, wool and polyamide and has wide leg openings. The Norwood also comes in pink and red. Both are available in sizes for small dogs, with back lengths between 24 and 33 centimetres.
You will find more models in the Jackets & Coats collection. If it is about wet weather, our comparison of waterproof and warming coats helps, and the dog coat guide gives an overview.