How to Choose the Best Dog Sweaters for Large Breeds
While not as sensitive to cold as small dogs, big breeds get cold, too! However, finding sweaters that fit their big bodies and keep them cozy at an affordable price can be a difficult task for the average dog owner. So let's try to break it down to find the best sweaters for our oversized furry friends.
Key Takeaway
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Large breeds have different needs, so you will need to choose the thickness and material based on your dogs' individual needs.
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To keep a big dog warm, sweaters should have larger neck holes and adjustable sizing, so always measure accurately around the chest, neck, and back for a good fit.
Table of Contents
Types of Large Dogs Who May Need a Sweater
Most big dogs are fine going outside without a sweater, but that doesn’t mean they never get cold. Certain breeds or dogs with special needs may be especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, such as the following.
Breeds That Need Help Staying Warm
Huskies and Samoyeds are probably more than happy to go out in the negatives, but any short-furred breed, such as Pitbulls or Dobermans, can easily get uncomfortably cold. The general guide is that short-haired dogs should be protected at 45°F (7°C) and lower. Especially in windy or wet weather.
Breeds that don’t typically have a lot of body fat, such as Great Danes or Greyhounds, may also need an insulated sweater.
Vulnerable Ages
Both young puppies and senior dogs may be more susceptible to cold weather.
Puppies have a smaller surface-to-weight ratio and are more vulnerable to losing heat. Pups shouldn’t go out until they've finished their vaccines[1] (12 - 16 weeks), but even slightly older pups can get cold and tired on walks. Depending on the severity of the cold, they may not be used to getting by without their mother’s heat, and can get cold even while indoors.
Teddy Sherpa Fleece Dog Jacket - Brown
Older dogs may also be unable to regulate heat as easily as younger dogs. Age-related illnesses, like arthritis, can hamper their movements and make it harder for older dogs to move around to warm up or escape to a comfortable temperature.
Illness
Illness can also make a large dog more susceptible to cold. Thyroid problems (especially Hypothyroidism), malnutrition, large wounds or scars, heart problems, Diabetes, respiratory infections (pneumonia), certain cancers, and many other common health issues can affect a dog’s ability to control their body temperature. As well as many types of medication that affect organs or blood vessels.
Some illnesses can also cause weight loss or muscle-wasting, which can reduce large dog breeds' natural defence against cold - their size and strength. This makes a cozy sweater a good thing to keep on standby, even if your dog may not always need one.
How to Tell if Your Large Dog is Cold
Dogs, especially large ones, don’t get cold as easily as us, so it can be hard to judge how cold is too cold for them. One method to test if they’re chilly is to feel their extremities, like their paws or ears, to see if they’re getting enough blood flow.
If your dog is uncomfortably cold[2], they may-
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Start shivering
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Lift their paws and tail off the cold ground
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Tuck their extremities under themselves
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Sleep in a tight ball
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Be unusually lethargic
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Start whining
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Continuously try to seek warmth and shelter
Remember, temperatures can change throughout the day and with activity levels. A dog that's running around may be fine without a sweater, while one that's the same breed and type, but much calmer, might be cold.
Essential Dog Hoodie - Slate Blue
What to Look for When Buying Dog Sweaters for Large Breeds
Material
Any dog sweater should have a soft inner layer to keep your dog cozy and prevent chafing or fur-tangling. Of course, this depends on how thick the material you need is.
Double-coated dogs, like Golden retrievers, may only need a light layer of nylon wool to stay toasty. While a short-coated breed may need a double-lined sweater, or one made from a thicker material like fleece.
All sweaters need to be breathable to keep your dog comfortable. Materials such as wool, nylon, cotton, fleece, bamboo, or blends are the best for both protection and warmth.
Ideally, large and barrel-chested dogs need clothing that has a bit of stretch to tick all the boxes. This means that blends are often more forgiving and affordable than hand-knit wool.
Design
Design is a vital component in keeping your dog warm. On top of being stylish, a well-designed sweater should allow for freedom of movement - this often means a wider chest panel for large dogs and open or short sleeves.
Larger dogs can also be rougher with their clothes, so make sure the outer layer is durable, with quality stitching at potential rip points. They may also do better with adjustable designs that include straps or other easy-to-wear features.
While fashionable, avoid designs that have too many buttons or zips that could catch on fur or become a choking hazard.
Some designs can help your dog stay warm with useful features, such as hoodies, which can keep delicate ears warm.
A Perfect Fit
Dog clothes should never prevent your dog from using the bathroom cleanly and easily, and therefore shouldn't hang too loosely or obstruct your dog in any way. It also shouldn't shift around or move too much when your dog is running.
An XXL dog may have extra needs, such as a wide neck hole or an extra-long back and chest panel. Always measure your dog carefully, not just going off of breed averages. This can be done with a soft ruler - measuring along the back and around the neck and chest to get the right size. Pay attention to key features such as an adjustable neckline or whether the sweater is a pullover or zip-up.
Easy Care
Dog sweaters should be cute and practical, not a headache. Before you shop, make sure the sweater is easy to clean and maintain. This means looking for machine-washable fabrics and avoiding printed decals, glitter or other items that could be unsafe if they come off.
Some sweaters may have a removable insulation layer, but this isn’t really necessary if the whole item can be washed.
Sweater vs. Jacket
Some people use the term “sweater” for any item in your dog’s wardrobe, but there is a bit of a difference.
Sweaters are generally lighter and often made from soft, thin materials like wool or fleece, though they may also have an inner lining. They are useful in cold weather, regardless of season, and have a wide range. These are often better for most large dog breeds, as they don’t tend to get too warm. This can include things like hoodies or knitted items.
A dog jacket is normally very similar to a sweater, but tends to be made from thicker materials or have a harder, water-resistant outer shell. These are warmer, making them better for short-fur breeds, and are better at fending off snow and wind.
Other Options
Some dogs may not like sweaters or jackets, or may get too hot wearing them inside. It's best not to force a dog to wear something they hate. Alternatives can include wrapping your dog in blankets at night or in the car, placing (wrapped) hot water bottles near them, or taking frequent breaks to go inside and warm up.
Be careful about floor-mounted heaters, as dogs can lie too close and get burned.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sweater for a large dog is more than just finding the biggest size. You need to take your individual needs into consideration.
While many large breeds can tolerate the cold, short-haired dogs, puppies, seniors, and those with certain health conditions often need more warmth.
The ideal sweater should fit properly, allow a full range of motion, provide breathable insulation, be durable enough for an active dog, and be easy to clean.
By considering your dog's breed, body shape, coat type, and the weather conditions in your area, you can select a sweater that keeps them comfortable, protected, and happy throughout the colder months.
For a variety of sweater and jacket options, consider checking out Sparkpaws’ Dog Knit Sweater or Dog Hoodie Collections, which are designed with large breeds in mind.
FAQ
Do Vets Recommend Dog Sweaters?
Yes, many vets recommend dog sweaters for breeds and individuals that need them. They can be useful for breeds that are not accustomed to cold or that get anxious easily.
Is it Okay for Dogs to Wear Sweaters All the Time?
No, dogs should not wear sweaters all the time. Sweaters should be worn for short periods when outside at the dog park or for only a few hours at a time. Always remove them when in a warm environment.
Do Dog Sweaters Really Keep Dogs Warm?
Yes, different sweaters may have different levels of insulation, but all sweaters will trap body heat and keep your dog toastier with them than without.
How to Choose the Right Dog Sweater?
To choose the right dog sweater, measure your dog’s chest girth, neck circumference, and back length to get the right size. You will then need to choose the material and type of sweater that best suits your dog’s breed and local climate.
Ext Links
[1] https://www.walkervillevet.com.au
[2] https://www.greencrossvets.com.au