Clothes for small dogs, how to choose based on your measurements

: 20.06.2015 18 344

Small breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the effects of adverse weather, so they need clothing more than others. Even if you don’t want to buy overalls, jackets, and so on decorated with various details, then you can’t do without functional wardrobe items. The dog must have winter clothes and shoes.

Walking options are made from practical materials that are easy to clean off. For autumn, not too thick fabrics are suitable, which will protect from moisture. For winter clothing for dogs, it is important to have insulation. It is the latter group that is most popular among mini-dog owners.

Shoes are needed not only to protect from the dirt and salt that are sprinkled on the roads, but also to prevent damage to the paws from glass, stones, and metal parts that may be lying in the grass.

All kinds of decorative wardrobe items do not always have a functional purpose. They can act as decoration for the animal. Such options are also gaining popularity and conquering markets at a fairly high speed.

If you know how to sew or knit at least a little, then you can make clothes for your pet yourself . If you haven't done this before, first try sewing a new piece of clothing for your dog from an old jacket, raincoat, jeans or other clothing. And we will look at the basic clothing patterns for dogs .

Features of taking measurements from small dogs

Dog fashion gains momentum in the winter season - this is when pets need to feel the warmth and care of their owner. Walking along snow-covered streets, feeling the gusts of wind, is not for small breeds of dogs that are accustomed to being under human protection.

In the mid-18th century, the first fashion trends in dog clothing arose in England. Caring Englishmen began to dress their pets in raincoats because of the constant rainy weather.

Small dog breeds for which you can choose a huge number of wardrobe items include:

Chihuahua;
Pomeranians;
toy terriers;
Yorkshire Terriers;
Shih Tzu.

Yorkshire Terrier

Pomeranian Spitz

Toy Terrier breed

Chihuahua breed

Shih Tzu
To ensure that the selection of clothes for small dogs is correct, and the chosen attire fits your pet perfectly, it is recommended to first take measurements at home. Depending on the sex of the animal, the measurement method will be determined. The main nuances of taking measurements according to the parameters:

length of the back - the dog must be positioned evenly - in a lying state, measuring the pet’s back is pointless. The length of the back is a decisive factor when choosing the size of the suit. You need to arm yourself with a measuring tape and take measurements from the beginning of the back to the beginning of the tail. In this case, you should not affect the length of the neck, since all models are made from the connection of the neck with the back. When taking measurements, the dog should stand on a horizontal surface with its straight head and back raised. The average back length for small breeds is 17 to 25 cm;
Chest girth - this parameter is measured at the widest point of the dog's chest. You need to take a measuring tape and wrap it around your pet’s chest without squeezing or squeezing. There is no need to add a few extra centimeters to the measurements obtained: manufacturers have already taken care of a reliable fit of the products. The average chest volume for mini dogs is from 28 to 40 cm;
neck girth - to measure neck girth, it is important that the dog stands straight, without lowering his head down. You need to wrap the tape around the neck area at its widest point. All obtained dimensions must be written down on a piece of paper in order to be guided by them in the store. The average neck girth for small breeds is from 18 to 24 cm.

It is worth noting that the specified parameters are generally accepted. The size of a wardrobe item is usually indicated on the tag; it is XS or S. You should not rely only on the sizes; you must additionally check the recorded measurements.

Choosing the right clothes

Not every person knows that clothing for small breed dogs is not always a useless luxury item or the usual whim of a slightly strange owner. Animals need things just as much as humans do. This especially applies to those species that are bred artificially and end up on the street exclusively during walks.

Mongrels, as well as wild dogs, unlike these breeds, are perfectly adapted to the harshest climatic conditions. Below is a list of items recommended for purchase or sewing yourself using a pattern.

Most often, clothing for small breed dogs consists of:

Warm clothes (jackets, coats). These things are mandatory to wear in winter.
Waterproof clothing (blankets, raincoats). Raincoats protect the animal's fur from moisture during rain and dirt. There are also lightweight versions - summer raincoats, which are worn to protect the pet from poisonous insects, tenacious seeds and thorny plants.
Headdress. Hats and caps are required for those animals that may suffer from various ear diseases. Also, this attribute will be useful on hot days, to escape from direct sunlight.
Shoes. Sometimes the cheapest clothes are for small breed dogs. Initially, it may seem that doggies do not need such an item of clothing at all, but on the contrary, it even causes inconvenience. However, shoes help protect the delicate pads of the paws from damage (from sharp objects, asphalt), as well as from drying out.

Naturally, this has nothing to do with a wide variety of carnival costumes, decorations for pets and elegant dresses. They are often used to participate in various competitions and exhibitions, even if they cause the dog some discomfort.

You should know that clothing sizes for dogs are always selected individually. True, there are some animals that simply love to wear different clothes or jewelry. In this case, why deny yourself the desire to pamper your dog by sewing new clothes with your own hands. We also recommend that you look at the article: Food for small dogs: what selection criteria exist?

Types of outfits

Clothing for purebred small dogs comes in several types of products. Such wardrobe elements will help keep your pet warm in winter, while he will remain beautiful and stylish. The most common types of outfits include:

blanket;
kits;
overalls.

A blanket is a small product that is put on the dog over the head. It will be an excellent alternative to various blouses that cannot be worn on a pet due to its excessive activity. The blanket does not hinder the dog’s movement, because it is located on the neck, covers part of the body and does not affect the paws. Depending on the gender of the dog, stores offer a variety of colors: blue, light blue, pink, yellow, green. You can also find original prints on the fabric, which will make your dog stylish on a walk.

Clothing sets for small dogs consist of several wardrobe elements: pants, as well as a sweater or jacket. The latest piece of dog fashion is usually made of waterproof fabric similar to a thick raincoat. It would be good if the bottom of the jacket was equipped with a warm lining for the cold season. Sweaters replace jackets; they are purchased for the off-season - for walks in spring and autumn. Pants are the favorite clothing of small dogs. They go great with a jacket or sweater, the only problem is putting the pants on your pet. Most dogs categorically refuse to wear this wardrobe item.

Jumpsuits are considered the most common types of outfits for modern miniature dogs. They are easy to put on, do not restrict your pet’s movements, and are made of protective fabric. In overalls, a terrier or Yorkie will be comfortable in winter, spring and summer. The pet will not get dirty and will come back from a walk clean and tidy. Overalls are equipped with zippers or buttons that fasten on the stomach or back.

Why does your little dog need clothes?

for protection from cold and wind in winter;
for protection from dirt and dampness during the slushy off-season;
for protection from thorns and ticks while walking in the forest or park;
for warmth in the apartment when it has already gotten cold, but the heating has not yet been turned on;
for protection from heat - a cooling blanket;
and just for beauty and cuteness!

Hairless dogs also need clothing to protect them from sunburn - their skin, just like that of humans, can burn. For summer, you can buy a thin jumpsuit or a cute T-shirt.

For the off-season, any dog will need a dirt-proof raincoat, and shoes or rubberized socks for its paws. After all, washing quick-drying clothes and wiping shoes is easier than washing your dog every time after a walk.

For winter, choose insulated overalls with fur or synthetic padding so that your small dog can walk around in the snow to his heart's content and not freeze.

For a long-haired dog, such as a Yorkie or Maltese, choose clothing lined with smooth, slippery fabric that will not tangle the fur. For this reason, it is better to avoid fur and fleece overalls.

Selection rules

In order for the choice of clothing model to be competent and consistent with the pet’s parameters, you need to pay attention to several criteria at once. The main one will be a size grid for small breeds. For example, the famous dog clothing manufacturer For My Dogs has created a specific size chart for small dogs. It notes that the number 8 on the label corresponds to a back length of 21 cm and a chest circumference of 27 cm, which is fully suitable for the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Chihuahua and Toy Terrier.

The next size, number 10, is also suitable for the above breeds, however, the back length in this case is 24 cm, and the chest circumference is 32 cm. The difference lies in the age of the dog: for example, purebred puppies only reach certain development standards over time. It is also worth considering that when choosing clothes for boys' dogs, sizes may vary, because often males are larger than girls.

Main criteria for selecting products:

availability of accessories and decor. It is worth making sure that the jumpsuit or blanket does not have extra strings, ruffles or rhinestones. Of course, such decor will make the dog the most stylish, but it is unlikely to add comfort to it. When washed, such elements may come off, which will worsen the appearance of the product;
gender of the dog - dresses, skirts, sundresses are made for girls, and jackets, overalls and sweatshirts are made for boys;
minimum additional details. It is worth giving up clothes with a hood: if the baby is too active, this detail will fall over his eyes when running;
product material. There is no need to purchase clothing models made from synthetics; it is better to give preference to natural materials.

When selecting winter sets, it is recommended to pay attention to the tightness of the seams, and also to choose durable, windproof material. The last and main selection criterion is the convenience of the pet. If the dog is uncomfortable and constantly wants to take off the product, most likely it is preventing him from moving.

For any weather, clothing for small breed dogs in the Dog City online store

Come to the Dog City pet store in Yekaterinburg and be sure to take your small dog with you to immediately try on all the models that are in stock. Our consultants will help you choose the best option.

In the Dog City online store you can order several overalls of the appropriate size at once and try them on for your dog at home. The courier will wait until you choose and pay for the one that fits best.

We allow 30 days to try on dog clothes. If during this time you find that the overalls do not fit your dog, you can return them. Of course, in commercial form.

Attention! Intercity delivery of returns of unsuitable clothing - at our expense!

Care

After each walk with the dog, clothes must be brought into proper shape by cleaning. If the fabric is not very dirty, just run a clothes brush over it, lightly moistening it with water. When washing in a washing machine, manufacturers recommend choosing a delicate cycle, but it is better to wash the products by hand. As a powder, you should use specialized products for dogs that do not cause allergies in your pet.

Drying clothes occurs in the usual way - on the balcony or on the dryer. When choosing things for your little pet, do not forget about the colors of the products: the brighter it is, the easier it is to spot your pet on the street.