Sign up, earn points, get treats
Enable accessibility
Get Your Dog Holiday-Ready With a Cozy Dog Christmas Sweater
In this Article
‘Tis the season for holiday postcards and ugly sweaters—and that includes the family pooch, too. After all, what’s better than matching family pajamas next to the Christmas tree? Whether you’re looking for your dog to be a fashion icon or just stay warm on winter walks—why not both? —a dog Christmas sweater is the seasonal trend you need to get in on.
Types of Dog Sweaters
You’ll have to make two main decisions to figure out the right type of dog sweater for your pup. First, will the sweater cover the front two legs or all four? Keep in mind that some dogs don’t love wearing clothing and might have difficulty getting into a sweater for the first time. A sweater that goes around the full body is adorable but may not be the right type for all dogs. Regardless of how the sweater fits, make sure that there’s ample freedom for the dog to use the bathroom as usual without fabric getting in the way. Second, will there be a type of clasp to keep the sweater on? Some sweaters are made with stretchy fabrics, so they can be pulled on and gently stretched around the dog. However, depending on the fabric, the cut of the sweater, and your dog’s proportions, you may prefer a sweater that has a zipper, buttons, or Velcro to secure it around your dog’s body. Those elements can make slipping on and off easier without needing as much cooperation from your dog.
Types of Fabric for Dog Christmas Sweaters
Just like human sweaters, there are many types of fabric to choose from when looking at dog Christmas sweaters. Here are some of the most common fabrics for dog sweaters:
- Fleece. This soft fabric just feels like the Christmas spirit and wintry coziness. Fleece is very warm, so it is perfect for pups going on chilly outdoor adventures. It’s also machine washable and comes in a variety of prints.
- Wool. Wool is another warm fabric option for dog Christmas sweaters, perfect for retaining heat. Pure wool garments often aren’t machine washable, so either be prepared to spot-treat stains or opt for a wool blend with threads like acrylic or polyester. For longer-haired breeds that already have insulation, wool might be a bit too heavy, but it’s a great option for short-haired pups that run cold.
- Cotton. Cotton is a lighter option for dog Christmas sweaters, and often has a lot more flexibility in terms of design and fit. Whether you want a breathable everyday sweater or a cable-knit sweater to rival Chris Evans’, cotton is a great fabric for dog sweaters.
Picking Out Fabric for Dog Christmas Sweaters
Since it can be hard for your dog to voice their preference on fabric type, there are some general guidelines to help you pick out the right fabric for your dog Christmas sweater. Think about the following questions:
- In what type of weather will my dog be wearing this? Is it just for cozy nights indoors or crisp, cold days? Wool and fleece are great options for your dog to help retain heat, while cotton is a great way to stay trendy without overheating.
- What type of cleaning routine will I want for this sweater? Some fabrics are best hand-washed or dry-cleaned only. Dog lovers know that messes happen, though, so it’s often better to steer towards machine-washable fabrics.
- How will the dog be moving in this sweater? If this will stay on during playtime or bursts of zoomies, pick a more flexible or stretchy fabric to ensure your dog has full mobility. On the other hand, if your sweater is just for photo ops or lounging on the sofa during a Christmas movie, having stretchy fabric may not be as important.
Classic Christmas Patterns for Dog Sweaters
Now comes the fun part: making sure your dog Christmas sweater is adequately festive. You can go for a classic Santa costume or elf outfit, absolutely. Or look for common wintry motifs like snowmen, reindeer, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, snowflakes, twinkle lights. Keep it classy with fair isle prints in shades of red, green, and white, or lean fully into the ugly Christmas sweater aesthetic. No matter what Christmas pattern you choose for your dog sweater, you can be sure that your pup will look paw-some.
FAQs
Is it OK for dogs to wear sweaters?
If your dog is cold or just posing for a photo, it’s completely OK for them to wear a sweater. However, you should avoid having your dog wear a sweater indoors for long periods of time since dogs can overheat quickly.
How long should a sweater be on a dog?
Every dog is different—some only enjoy wearing a sweater for a few hours at a time, while others are comfortable in one more often. If your dog prefers to stay bundled up, that’s OK as long as the sweater is removed daily to check their skin and coat. Rotating between a few clean sweaters and giving your dog’s fur a chance to air out helps prevent irritation and keeps them cozy and comfortable all season long.
What material is best for dog sweaters?
The best material for your dog will depend on their preferences, sensitivities, and activity level. If you’re looking for a sweater that can stand up to the elements, you’ll want to get a sweater made of water-resistant material like polyester. Just posing for a holiday photo? The cute wool sweater you just found should be fine!
Do dogs really need sweaters?
Most healthy dogs don’t necessarily need a sweater for short winter walks or playtime outside. However, you should consider three main factors to decide if your dog might benefit from the extra warmth of a sweater:
- Breed: Naturally lean dog breeds like Greyhounds have less insulating body fat and can get cold easily, so sweaters can help them stay comfortable even on cooler days.
- Type of Fur: It’s no surprise that dogs with long fur coats, like Siberian Huskies, can stay perfectly toasty on their own. In contrast, short-haired dogs like Doberman Pinschers can’t retain as much heat with their fur and might benefit from a sweater on chilly days.
- Weight: Larger dogs, with more muscle mass, generate a lot of heat when they move around. Smaller dogs, by virtue of having less mass, aren’t able to create as much body heat, and often benefit from a sweater.
Need other supplies while you’re shopping for dog Christmas sweaters? PetSmart also carries dog food, dog beds, dog treats, leashes & harnesses, flea & tick meds and more. Explore PetSmart’s Dog Shop to find everything your pup needs, all in one place.
PetSmart also offers services such as dog grooming services, expert dog training, safe and comfortable PetsHotel stays, and Doggie Day Camp for your pup to play and socialize. Services are available in select locations—check your local PetSmart to see what’s offered near you.
PetSmart offers convenient shopping with Curbside Pickup or in-store pickup. Need something today? We have select items available for Same-Day Delivery in most areas powered by DoorDash. For items you purchase frequently, PetSmart has Autoship that automatically delivers the items you want to your door as often as you’d like. Check the website to see which items are eligible.
Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.
Copyright © 2025 Petsmart LLC
