Yorkshire Terriers are a decorative dog breed beloved by many residents of large cities.
Yorkies are small in size, so they can easily be kept in a small apartment.
However, the dogs have retained the character of their terrier ancestors: they are curious, fearless and energetic.
Representatives of this breed require special care and attention due to their miniature size and coat characteristics.
Let's look at everything in detail.
Purpose of clothing for dogs
Cute dog clothes were originally designed for purely practical purposes. We will talk about what functions it performs in this chapter.
Protection
Most of the original raincoats, overalls and even shoes for dogs were made of strong, waterproof material. Thanks to them, the animal’s fur and paws remain dry and clean during rain, when walking in the park or forest. Some garments also have strong cuffs that allow the garment to fit tightly to the limbs. This way, owners eliminate the possibility of parasites (ticks) getting on the pet’s body.
Thanks to the overalls, the animal's fur always remains clean
Support
Some dogs require support belts and overalls. This is especially true for animals with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as those who have recently undergone surgery.
Heating
Despite their thick fur, dogs also get cold in winter. Warm clothes help them stay warm in cold weather, increasing the duration of their walks in the fresh air.
In winter, a jumpsuit will help your dog stay warm
beauty
Recently, items of clothing similar to human ones are increasingly used by owners to decorate their pets. On the streets you can often see dogs in shorts, T-shirts and caps, with bows, and in carnival costumes. Similar clothing is also used at dog festivals and exhibitions, and photo shoots. The most commonly decorated dogs are decorative indoor breeds, which include Yorkshire terriers.
Clothes may simply have a decorative function
Why does a Yorkie need clothes?
Stores offer a wide range of clothes for Yorkie girls.
There is a clear answer to this question - Yorkies desperately need clothes. Especially if you take your pet on frequent walks. In addition, even at home, sometimes you have to wear warm clothes, since the animal often gets cold.
Many people dress up their pet for decorative purposes, and there is nothing wrong with this if the furry friend does not feel discomfort in the outfit. It is enough to accustom him to wearing ammunition in time, as well as to choose the right size.
Taking measurements
In order to sew high-quality and comfortable clothes for your animal yourself, you need to decide on the measurements. For cutting you will need the following parameters:
- neck girth;
- back length;
- depth (girth) of the chest;
- waist circumference (the narrowest part of the body);
- girth of the hind and front legs (each separately) – if the item of clothing requires sleeves or legs.
Important measurements for sewing clothes for a dog
In order to correctly measure your dog, pay attention to the following details:
- The measurement of the neck is carried out at its widest point - for this you need to wrap the meter tightly, but not tightly, around it;
- The length of the back is measured from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. The dog is at rest in a standing position;
- chest circumference is measured immediately behind the front legs or at the point of greatest expansion, waist circumference - immediately in front of the hind legs;
- The girth of the paws is made directly at the base. If the presence of sleeves and trouser legs is expected, additional measurements of the length of the paws in an extended state are taken.
If the item is made from stretchy lightweight fabrics, you can use the original measurements. When cutting warm clothes using coarse materials, it is advisable to add 1-2 centimeters in volume so that the armholes do not put pressure on the dog and leave him freedom of breathing and movement. It is best to use a flexible measuring tape to take measurements.
Video - How to take correct measurements of a dog
The video tutorial shows in detail the process of taking measurements from a Yorkshire terrier.
Overalls - universal clothing
Overalls for dogs perform several functions simultaneously. They can warm and protect in bad weather, while decorating the dog - if they are made of bright fabric or have decorative elements. In addition, they do not require additional clothing and its correct combination (as is the case with separate items, such as shorts and sweaters).
Jumpsuit for girls
A overall for a girl Yorkshire Terrier should cover the entire belly almost to the tail in order to protect and warm the animal’s genitals.
The overalls will not only protect the dog from bad weather, but also decorate it
The sewing process involves the following steps:
- taking measurements from an animal;
- transferring the data onto the cutting paper in accordance with the template: AB – back length, BC – half-circumference of the neck, CD – distance from the neck to the base of the front paws, DE – circumference of the front paw, EF – distance between the front and hind legs in a standing position, FG – girth of the hind paw, GA – distance from the base of the hind paw to the tail, JK and LM – length of the front and hind paws, respectively. Points I and H on the sleeves and back pieces indicate the places where you need to start sewing the pieces together. The same applies to the markings on the chest part - they need to be sewn to similar markers on the paw and back parts. The length of the chest part from point C to F in a straight line should be equal to the distance from the base of the neck to the base of the hind paw along the chest. You should end up with 2 back parts, 2 symmetrical parts for the front legs, the same number for the hind legs, and 1 for the belly;
Details for overalls
- cutting out the template and transferring the elements onto the fabric. It is necessary to leave an allowance of approximately 5 millimeters for sewing and processing the fabric;
- sewing the parts together in accordance with the same points on the pattern (C to C on the back and chest, D to D, etc.);
- The armholes for the tail and groin, neck, and also for the paws should remain free. They need to be finished with an edge stitch. You can also sew elastic bands into the cuffs for better contact with the body;
- The back parts do not need to be sewn in segment AB - a zipper or Velcro should be sewn into this place.
Ready-made jumpsuit with back fastening
Advice! The overalls pattern can be easily transformed into a lightweight version - a vest. To do this, it is enough to shorten the line of the back - the measurement is taken from the withers to the waist, and not to the tail. Sewing sleeves is excluded - the clothes only have slits for the dog's front paws.
Boy's overalls
Sewing overalls for males has certain features. The lower part of the clothing (on the stomach) should end at the bottom of the chest. This is necessary so that the dog does not stain his outfit when going to the toilet. The jumpsuit can also be made without a zipper or Velcro on the belly. This way it will stay on the animal solely with the help of sleeves and trousers.
The order of actions is as follows:
- taking measurements;
- transfer to cutting paper in accordance with template (1), where AB is the length of the back, AD is the half-circumference of the neck, DS is the distance from the neck to the base of the front legs, BV is the half-circumference of the tail at the base. The segments CC1 and BB1 indicate the girth of the front and hind paws, and G2 is the distance between them. You will need 2 such symmetrical parts - for the left and right sides;
Overalls pattern for a male Yorkie
- cutting out the template and transferring it to the fabric, taking into account seam allowances and edge finishing (about 5 millimeters);
- After cutting out the parts from the fabric, you need to sew both parts together in segments AB and DS. Sections C and C1 need to be sewn together - they indicate the length of the sleeve - it is better to measure to the middle of the paw. Similar actions are repeated for the hind paw and segments B and B1;
- joining parts together using a stitch on a machine or by hand. The edges of the collar (AD), tail (BV) and bottom (G2 on both parts separately) are processed with an edge seam, bending the fabric allowance 2 times to avoid unraveling of the material.
The overalls can be decorated with decorative elements (patches, pompoms, rhinestones) provided that the dog cannot reach them, bite them and swallow them.
Winter coveralls
The winter overalls pattern is similar to the first or second option, but has its own characteristics.
Video - Cutting a warm jumpsuit
Adaptation to weather conditions
The product must be sewn from thick, warm fabric. You can use moisture resistant to protect against dirt and precipitation. You can additionally insulate it by sewing a preliminary lining from soft, insulated fabric (fleece, mohair) using the same pattern, but turned inside out. The back and top parts are sewn to each other along the edge (in this case, the sleeves and legs of the back are inserted into similar top parts and sewn along the edge of the hole).
Important! To keep the lining in place, both fabrics are stitched at the waist or across the entire area.
Heat preservation
Sleeves and pants of winter clothing must have elastic cuffs. To do this, you need to tuck their edges and hem them so that there is a small distance along the entire edge with a small unsewn hole. An elastic band is inserted into this hole, slightly pulled together and its edges sewn together, after which the hole is also masked with a seam.
Additionally, the collar of the winter overalls can be trimmed with faux fur or a decorative hood can be sewn on. To do this you will need a pattern of 2 symmetrical parts.
Hood pattern
Transfer the pattern onto paper and then onto fabric, taking into account scaling to suit individual measurements (distance A1A2 is equal to the half-circumference of the neck, and the height of the dome is the distance from the neck to the forehead of the animal). Both parts are sewn together along the outer larger semicircle and sewn with segments A1A2 to the collar so that the wrong side remains inside the hood. The upper edge of the hood dome is sometimes decorated with a sewn or glued pompom.
Ready-made winter overalls
Wardrobe
Not all of the items listed below must be included in your pet's wardrobe. But among them there are those that the Yorkie cannot do without.
Raincoats
They look attractive thanks to their bright colors, and they also protect Yorkshire Terriers from the rain. The main advantage of a raincoat over overalls is that it looks more stylish and unusual. In addition, overalls made of raincoat fabric cannot always be worn on a hot but rainy summer day. But a raincoat will come in handy.
Jumpsuits
They are demi-season and insulated, designed for winter cold. They do not interfere with the Yorkie's active movement during walks or training and, better than other clothing, protect the dog's fur from precipitation and dirt. If you wish, you can buy or order overalls for your dog.
A Yorkshireman's wardrobe must have at least two overalls: autumn and winter.
Sweaters
They are beautiful and comfortable, and the dog can wear them both indoors and outdoors. Sweaters can be either plain or decorated with intricate patterns. They are comfortable because they do not restrict your pet’s movements and at the same time provide good warmth. True, in slushy weather it is not recommended to wear sweaters outside, as they can get very dirty and even become unusable.
Trousers
They can be either in the form of long trousers or shorts. Summer pants for Yorkies are made from lightweight and highly breathable materials, while demi-season and winter pants are made from thicker fabric. There are also pants made of raincoat fabric that protect the dog from dirt and slush.
When creating a wardrobe for your pet, it is advisable to opt for trousers and shorts in neutral shades that go well with clothes of any color.
T-shirts
In addition to their decorative functions, they also protect the dog from the sun, dust, insects and prickly plant seeds that cling to the fur. If the color of winter and demi-season clothing for a Yorkie can be any color, then it is better to choose light-colored T-shirts and T-shirts for a dog in summer.
Shoes and socks
Shoes are essential for dogs living in the city. After all, in winter the streets are sprinkled with salt and reagents, which can irritate the skin on the paw pads. And in the summer, shoes are needed to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating between the toes. In addition, thanks to the shoes, the Yorkie will not injure his paw during a walk by accidentally stepping on glass or pricking himself on a sharp branch. Shoes for dogs can be either winter or designed for the off-season and even for summer. The dog should have at least two pairs of boots or boots in his wardrobe: winter and demi-season.
The main requirement for dog shoes: they must be the right size, durable and waterproof, and their soles must be strong and non-slippery.
If the shoes are soft, they can be worn without anything. But for autumn and winter boots you will need socks, the main function of which is to isolate the pet’s skin and fur from the inner surface of the shoes and prevent chafing of the paws.
Outfits
Many Yorkies, like true fashionistas, have outfits for special occasions. For example, wedding dresses and tuxedos for dogs are extremely popular. Many Yorkie owners sew themed outfits for their pets for special competitions, which are often held at dog shows.
Accessories
This is not only an addition to your pet's outfit, but also something that no Yorkie can do without. Most dog jewelry comes in the form of bows or clips and is designed to hold the long hair on the head between the ears. In addition to their decorative function, they prevent eye disease and help maintain the correct position of the ears, which can fall forward due to the abundance of hair.
There are also many other types of jewelry for dogs: clips, earrings, bracelets and even necklaces. But such decorations, unlike bows and hairpins, do not provide any practical benefit, and their presence in a dog’s wardrobe is not mandatory.
Collar
A collar for a Yorkshire Terrier should not be too wide or, especially, rough. You also need to make sure that it is the right size for the dog: it does not hang around the neck like a necklace, but it is not tight either. The most practical collars are made of natural or artificial leather. They are quite durable, comfortable and at the same time beautiful. Collars decorated with rhinestones are especially popular among owners of small dogs. These collars are both an accessory and a decoration. But when buying them, you need to remember that, first of all, they must be of high quality and safe for your pet.
Harness
Like a collar, it is used for walking a pet, although it can also have a decorative function. Typically, harnesses for small dogs are made of leather or thin canvas. The color of the harness can be any, and the design can also be different.
When choosing a harness, you need to remember that the main thing is convenience and safety.
Muzzle
Yorkies do not need a regular muzzle. But it is advisable to purchase a special muzzle for him that prevents the dog from picking up tidbits from the ground. This will help prevent your pet from being poisoned by poor quality food. In addition, a muzzle will also be useful when carrying out manipulations to care for a dog if it snaps during them and tries to bite.
House
A dog house is not only a beautiful backdrop for pet photo shoots. It protects your Yorkie from drafts much better than a dog bed due to the fact that it is almost completely closed except for a small hole - a manhole.
Knitted clothes for Yorkies
When knitting things for a Yorkshire Terrier, you can use the same patterns as for sewing textile clothing. The difference is that it is necessary to add 1-2 centimeters to the measurements, taking into account the volume and length of the pet’s fur. This is necessary so that the clothing fits the animal freely, does not restrict movement, does not wrinkle or tangle the fur.
Threads for knitting must be chosen natural
Mostly warm clothes are knitted for dogs: sweaters, dresses, vests, overalls. They provide warmth while allowing the skin to breathe. It is worth noting that it is recommended to knit things for dogs if you already have some experience in knitting human clothing.
Sweater
The easiest way is to knit a sleeveless sweater using knitting needles according to the pattern. This model is suitable for an individual about 30 centimeters long.
Knitting pattern for a sweater
You must act in the following sequence:
- work on the product begins with knitting the back;
- The first row is cast on like this: 10 loops for the elastic at the collar, 50 loops in satin stitch, 20 loops for the elastic at the waist;
- it is necessary to repeat approximately 50 such rows - the length and width of the back depends on the size of the animal;
- the bottom is knitted in the same way as the back, but in the opposite direction - from the bottom elastic band to the top one;
- after about 10 centimeters from the start of knitting, you need to start decreasing the loops until there are approximately half as many of them in the row;
- the parts need to be sewn together, leaving slits for the front paws.
Ready knitted sweater
The product is ready.
On a note! When you cast on the elastic for the collar, you can use more stitches. Then the collar will be long enough to be turned away.
Knitted sweater idea for a dog
Clothes made from sock
If you really want to get a warm thing, but have no knitting skills, you can use improvised means - old socks. In addition, you will need a marker, scissors and a needle and thread to match the material.
Necessary materials
The manufacturing process itself includes three simple steps:
- The edge of the toe at the toes is outlined with a straight marker line. You need to cut off this part and secure the edges of the fabric with a “forward needle” seam;
Cut off the unnecessary part
- Next, you need to fold the sock so that the upper part with the hole for the foot is clearly under the lower part;
- 2 identical holes are made in the heel, equal to the volume of the front paws - they can be further expanded by slightly pulling them with your fingers.
Holes for paws
The finished product can be put on the dog over the head. The collar is a factory-made hole for a human foot. Depending on the size of the sock (children's, women's, men's), the product can be made for both puppies and adult dogs.
Selecting the size
For standard Yorkies, size S is suitable, and for mini and micro varieties - XS. For large Yorkies, clothing in size M may also be suitable.
It should be taken into account that the main measurements in these sizes are:
- XS: Neck girth - 18 - 22 cm, back length - 18 - 22 cm, chest girth - 28 - 32 cm.
- S: neck girth - 20 - 24 cm, back length - 22 - 26 cm, chest girth - 36 - 40 cm.
- M: neck girth - 24 - 28 cm, back length - 27 - 31 cm, chest girth - 40 - 44 cm.
Depending on the breed variety and height, shoes of sizes 1 - 3 are suitable for Yorkies.
A complete DIY wardrobe for your Yorkie
In the summer, you can pamper your Yorkshire Terrier with a light cotton tandem of several things at once. They can be sewn as independent items, or the fabric can be selected so that they become elements of a one-piece suit.
Video - DIY dog T-shirt
T-shirt pattern
It is advisable to sew a T-shirt from cotton material with a light percentage of elastane so that the product has a slight stretch. This will make it easy to put it on the animal over the head.
Tip: if the fabric is not stretchy, you can add snap fasteners to the T-shirt - they are sewn in the places of the so-called straps of the T-shirt. The straps are not sewn together.
Mike needs to sew according to the following rules:
- According to the template, you need to cut out 2 parts of the product - the chest part is indicated in blue and markers with the number 1, the back - in black and markers without numbers. Both parts are turned with the front part up;
- in the image, the markers correspond to the measurements: AB - 1/3 of the neck circumference, A1B1 - 2/3 of the neck circumference, BV/AZ/B1B1/A1Z1 - distance from the neck to the base of the front paws, VG/B1G1/ZZH/Z1ZH1 - half-circumference of the base of the front paw , GD/G1D1/ZHE/ZH1E1 – distance from the base of the front legs to the base of the hind legs (shirt length), DE – 2/3 of the chest circumference, D1E1 – 1/3 of the chest circumference;
T-shirt pattern
- the armholes of the sleeves (VG and V1G1), the neck (AB and A1B1) and the bottom (DE and D1E1) must be processed with an edge seam - for this, when cutting the parts, you need to take into account seam allowances;
- in the places indicated by arrows in the diagram, the parts are sewn together (sections BV and B1B1, GD and G1D1, EZh and E1Zh1, ZA and Z1A1).
Ready-made T-shirt for Yorkie
On the back or collar you can decorate the product with a sewn bow, as in the picture.
Cap
It is worth noting that this headdress is suitable for most small breed dogs. It is better to make it from light but dense fabric that holds its shape well.
You will need non-standard measurements - the circumference of the animal’s neck directly under the chin (the sum of segments BV, GD and EA) and the circumference of the animal’s head from the chin to the top of the forehead (AB). The length of the visor can be arbitrary or equal to the distance between the animal’s eyes (K1K2).
The procedure for sewing is as follows:
- in accordance with the pattern, it is necessary to prepare 2 parts: the cap itself and the visor;
Pattern and finished cap for a dog
- in the places indicated by the dotted line (BV, GD, EA), allowances of approximately 1 centimeter must be left. When added together they form the girth of the neck;
- both parts need to be cut out and processed along the edge with an edge seam;
- in the dotted areas, the fabric is folded and stitched so as to form peculiar loops. Through them you need to thread a rope-tie, which will hold the cap on your head;
- the visor is sewn to the product at the location where similar points are marked on both parts (K1K2).
To fix the cap on the animal’s head, you need to loosely tie a rope under its chin in a bow.
Skirt
A full tulle skirt for a Yorkshire Terrier is one of the cutest pieces of clothing. Moreover, it is incredibly easy to sew; just measure the animal’s waist circumference.
Tulle skirt for a dog
For sewing, you will need a cotton ribbon about 3-5 centimeters wide, 2.5 times longer than the waist circumference, and a wide tulle ribbon 2-3 times longer than the circumference. The length of the tulle should be approximately equal to the length from the waist to the tip of the tail. The material should not be too long, otherwise it will interfere with the dog's walking.
Sewing a skirt takes place in several stages:
- The edges of the tape are folded in approximately 5 millimeters on each side and processed with an edge seam;
- on the total length of the tape, measure the length of the girth so that on both sides there are free segments of the same length (future ties);
- In the measured area, tulle is sewn to the lower half of the ribbon, laying it in folds under and on itself. To distribute the folds evenly, you can immediately sew the beginning and end of the tulle piece to the tape, and then proceed to laying and securing;
- after the tulle has been completely sewn, the upper part of the ribbon is placed exactly on the lower one along the entire length and sewn.
The belt can also be made with Velcro. In this case, its length should be equal to the waist circumference. In addition to the skirt, you can tie a matching tulle bow on the animal’s head or neck.
