6 Dog Sweaters for Small Dogs This Winter

A good sweater can turn a shivering winter walk into a happy one. Small dogs lose heat quickly, so the right sweater makes a real difference from the first cold morning to the last snowy evening. The hard part is choosing, because sweaters differ in neckline, coverage, fabric and fit far more than the product photos suggest.

We went through Fitwarm’s dog sweaters and picked six that cover the most common needs: a classic turtleneck, a full-body knit, a fleece pack, a fun print, a sherpa layer and a coat-style option. For each one we list the fabric, the fit and what to check before you buy. Prices and stock change often, so check the product page on the day you order.

How We Picked These Sweaters

Fit comes first. A properly fitting dog sweater will fit your dog without being too big or too tight, according to the AKC, and sweater measurements usually include the length of your dog’s back, around their chest and the size of your dog’s neck. 

Fitwarm’s size guide adds that dogs with extra fluff can sometimes require a size up, so a long-coated Yorkie or Pomeranian may need a different size than a short-coated Chihuahua with the same chest.

We also looked at warmth. For extra cold weather, the AKC says your dog will want to wear a thicker sweater to keep them warm. That is why this list mixes lighter knits for cool days with fleece and sherpa for colder ones.

Our Picks for Small Dogs

1. Turtleneck Knitted Dog Sweater

The Turtleneck Knitted Dog Sweater is a turtleneck made of 80% chemical fiber and 20% fleece. The high neck keeps drafts off the throat on windy walks.

2. Twist Knit Dog Sweater

The Twist Knit Dog Sweater is a cable-knit turtleneck that covers all four legs, made of 44% nylon, 28% rayon, and 28% polybutylene terephthalate. It comes in Tan, Steel Blue and Pink. Full-body knits take a little more practice to put on, so try it at home a few times before the first walk.

3. 2 Pack Fuzzy Dog Fleece Sweater

The 2 Pack Fuzzy Dog Fleece Sweater gives you two mock-neck pullovers in one order, so one can be in the wash while your dog wears the other. The text on the product page lists 95% polyester and 5% spandex.

4. Polar Bear Dog Jacquard Sweater

For a fun winter print, the Polar Bear Dog Jacquard Sweater has black bears and small pine trees knitted into a light blue base. Cozy dog sweaters bring calm cabin charm to chilly days with black bear prints and tiny pine tree details on a soft light blue knit base. It is made of 44% rayon, 28% nylon and 28% PBT, with a ribbed neckline, cuffs and hem. It is a good pick for photos and short walks on cool days.

5. Sherpa Turtleneck Dog Sweater

The Sherpa Turtleneck Dog Sweater is a sleeveless sherpa layer with a ribbed turtleneck and an elastic strap under the belly, made of 100% polyester. It comes in black, sienna and purple. All sizes are available in purple; black is sold out; Sienna is available only in sizes XL and XXL.

6. Reindeer Snowflake Mock Neck Dog Coat

Fitwarm lists the Reindeer Snowflake Mock Neck Dog Coat with its sweaters. It is a plush fleece coat with a reindeer and snowflake pattern, a mock neck and a built-in D-ring, made of 100% polyester. Pick it if you want a sweater-weight layer that looks like a winter coat.

Compare the Picks

How to Choose Between Them

Start with the weather where you walk. For cool mornings, a knit like the Turtleneck Knitted or the Polar Bear sweater is enough. For snow, the AKC notes that sweaters with legs are ideal for especially cold weather because they insulate more of the body, which is why the Twist Knit Dog Sweater is our pick for the cold days.

Check the wind chill, not just the temperature. The National Weather Service notes that the wind chill temperature is defined only for temperatures at or below 50°F and wind speeds above 3 mph. So check the wind chill in your local forecast before you choose between a light knit and a fleece or sherpa layer.

If your dog already has a sweater they love, look for a different job: a full-body knit for snow, a fleece for the car, or a turtleneck for windy walks. Our dog sweater buying checklist walks through what to check on each product page, and our dog sweaters are a good place to start.

Winter Walk Tips

A sweater is only part of a safe winter walk. The ASPCA notes that "Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure your dog always wears an ID tag."

The AKC also notes that their dogs should always be supervised while wearing clothes, and that clothes should come off before a dog is crated or left unattended.

Keep walks shorter on very cold days and watch your dog closely. If your dog starts to shiver, lifts its paws or keeps turning back toward home, it is time to go inside, sweater or not.

Care matters too. The AKC reminds owners to follow the washing and drying instructions on each of their dog’s sweaters, since some sweaters may require handwashing and need to be air dried. Check the care label on each pick before the first wash.

When you get home, take the sweater off if it is wet and let it dry fully before the next walk.

Dog Sweater Questions

What size sweater should I buy for my small dog?

Measure your dog’s back, chest and neck, then compare the numbers with the chart for that style on the size guide. If your dog has a thick or fluffy coat, check whether you need the next size up.

Is fleece warmer than knit?

Merriam-Webster defines fleece as “a soft bulky deep-piled knitted or woven fabric used chiefly for clothing.” In practice, warmth depends on thickness and coverage as much as on the fabric name, so a thick knit with legs can feel warmer than a thin fleece pullover.

How many sweaters does a small dog need?

Most owners do well with two: one to wear and one in the wash. If your dog walks in both cool and freezing weather, a lighter knit and a heavier fleece or sherpa layer cover most days.

Find the Right Sweater for Your Dog

The best sweater is the one that fits your dog, suits your weather and gets worn. Measure first, match the warmth to your walks, and read the fabric line on each product page before you order. If you are buying for a dog who has never worn clothes, start with the light piece on this list and build up from there. Browse all Fitwarm dog sweaters to see every color and size.