Sweatshirts

A dog sweatshirt sits between a t-shirt and a coat. Fleece or brushed cotton holds warmth on cool mornings and in air-conditioned rooms, while staying soft enough to wear around the house.

Sweatshirt or hoodie?

• Crew and half-zip sweatshirts are the simplest to put on and suit dogs that dislike anything near their ears.
• Hoodies add a hood, mostly for looks. Most dogs tolerate it down; do not force it over the ears.
• Fleece-lined styles are warmest and are the better pick for small, thin-coated or senior dogs.

Sizing

Size by chest girth. A sweatshirt should allow two fingers of space at the chest and stop short of the tail base so it stays clean on walks. For male dogs, check that the belly panel sits forward of where he lifts his leg.

Related

For knit and cable styles see small dog sweaters. For lighter layers see dog t-shirts.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature does a small dog need a sweatshirt?

Small and thin-coated dogs often benefit from a layer once it drops to around the mid-40s °F, depending on the dog.

Can dogs sleep in a hoodie?

It is safer to remove clothing for sleep, especially anything with a hood or drawstring.