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[UPDATED OCTOBER 2020]
If you have a large dog that you want to dress up for the holidays this year, you’ve come to the right place! I have put together a list of Christmas sweaters for large dogs that will give you every reason to include your beloved pooch in the family Christmas sweater photo.
The holiday season is here and that means dressing your dog up in a Christmas sweater. Not all Christmas sweaters have to be ugly, they can be cute and festive and actually keep your large dog warm and comfy.
However, if your goal is to dress your dog in an ugly Christmas sweater this year, that’s included here too. I’ve also included some human and dog matching sweaters for extra cuteness!
Let’s get to the list, shall we?
Christmas Sweaters For Large Dogs
1. SCENEREAL Dog Jumper Christmas Sweater
This festive holiday sweater from SCENEREAL will certainly have your dog looking classicly adorable. White snowflakes, red hearts and white reindeer are patterned throughout this warm sweater.
This sweater is made of high quality 100% acrylic fabric which is soft to the touch and comfortable for your dog to wear. Not only is this sweater cute it will keep your dog warm and cozy on those chilly days.
This sweater has a leash hole opening so that your dog can easily wear it while out for a walk. The pullover style makes this sweater easy to put on and take off. It is lightweight and can be easily washed in the machine on a gentle setting.
This sweater is available in 5 different sizes with Large being the biggest size. If your dog is in between sizes it is best to order the larger size.
Key Features:
- Fun winter sweater in a classic red, navy, and white design.
- Pullover style, easy to put on and take off.
- 100% Acrylic fabric.
- Soft and warm, comfortable for your dog to wear.
- Leash hole opening on the back.
- Large size measures: 17-22″ Neck, 28-30.75″ Chest, 20″ Back Length.
2. Elf Sweater By BOBIBI
This knit sweater features a cute Elf design on the back. It is a pullover style sweater that is easy to put on and take off. Your dog will look cute and festive wearing this. This sweater is made of 100% acrylic fibres and it is stretchy.
Fun holiday coloured pom-poms complete the Elf design on this sweater. The pom-poms could be a hazard if your dog is a chewer, so be aware of this.
This sweater is available in 5 sizes, and XL is the largest size. It is recommended to order a size up if your dog is in between sizes, as this sweater tends to run small.
Key Features:
- Elf design with pom-poms on the back.
- Made of 100% Acrylic fibres, it is stretchable.
- Soft and warm, comfortable for your dog to wear.
- Hand washing is recommended.
- XL size measures: 16.5″ Neck, 23.6″ Chest, 18.5″ Back Length.
3. PAWZ Road Dog Plaid Shirt Coat Hoodie Upgraded Version
Okay technically this isn’t an actual sweater, but I had to include it on the list because of its fun holiday design. Your dog would not only look cute and stylish wearing this hoodie but it would actually keep him or her nice and warm.
This hoodie coat features a red checkered pattern that is very fitting for Christmas. This upgraded version has a soft and warm Sherpa fleece lining inside to keep your dog warm during those cold winter walks. It is easy to put on and take off with snap button closures. The hood can be detached by undoing the snap buttons, so your dog can wear it with or without.
Ribbed cuffs and hem help to keep this coat snug and secure and prevent cold wind from blowing in.
This coat is machine washable and features a leash hole opening.
It is important to measure your dog properly to ensure the right fit. Chest length is the most important factor to consider when selecting the right size. This coat is true to size.
Key Features:
- Red checkered design, also available in Blue and Gray.
- Warm Sherpa fleece lining keeps your dog warm.
- Snap button closures make it easy to put on and take off.
- Detachable hood.
- Ribbed cuffs and hem ensure a secure fit to keep the wind out.
- Machine washable.
- Leash hole opening.
- True to size. Make sure to measure properly.
4. Chilly Dog Boyfriend Dog Sweater
This classic looking boyfriend sweater for dogs is hand-knit out of 100% wool. This sweater will definitely keep your dog toasty warm during those cold winter walks. Because it is made of wool it shouldn’t be worn during wet weather. I am sure you know how heavy wool can get when it is exposed to water.
Chilly Dog sweaters are of high quality and they are one of the warmest sweaters for your dog you can find. This sweater is made using plant dyes. All sweaters are handmade and may vary slightly in colour and style.
This sweater comes in various sizes to fit any dog. The largest size available is XXXL which would be suitable for dogs who weigh 80-120 pounds.
This sweater can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Do not put this sweater in the dryer.
Key Features:
- Made of 100% wool and plant dyes.
- Hand knit.
- Various sizes are available.
- High quality and very warm.
- Machine washable on cold gentle cycle.
5. Didog Classic Style Turtleneck Dog Sweater
This soft cotton knit turtleneck sweater is available in red or blue and features a classic stripe pattern. Your dog will look stylish and feel warm and cozy this holiday season.
This sweater is easy to put on and take off as it is a pullover style. It is lightweight and soft and features a ribbed knit turtleneck and ribbed cuffs and hem.
This sweater is available in 3 sizes from XL-XXL and is suitable for most large-sized dogs. It is recommended to order a larger size because this sweater tends to run small. Many owners of this sweater mention that the leg holes are tight.
Key Features:
- Soft cotton knit.
- Turtleneck sweater with a classic stripe pattern.
- Available in red or blue.
- Pullover style, easy to put on and take off.
- Lightweight.
- Available in XL-XXL.
6. Blueberry Pet Fair Isle Dog Sweater
This sweater from Blueberry Pet will have your dog looking absolutely sweet. There are 9 patterns available to choose from all in feminine colours. Your dog will look like a princess and stay warm and cozy too.
The best part is that you can order a matching sweater for yourself! That way you and your furry best friend can wear coordinating outfits, perfect for a holiday photo opportunity.
Made of 100% acrylic material, this sweater is soft, lightweight and easy to care for. Just machine wash it on a cold gentle cycle. It is well-made and nice and thick so it will last a long time.
It is a pullover style making it easy to put on and take off. Turtleneck is ribbed knit as well as the cuffs and hem. The leash hole opening on the back allows you to easily use a leash or harness while walking your dog.
This sweater is available in various sizes and fits true to size. Be sure to measure your dog properly.
Key Features:
- 100% soft acrylic material.
- Pullover style with ribbed turtleneck, cuffs and hem.
- Various fair isle patterns.
- Various sizes are available.
- Thick and well-made high-quality sweater.
- Machine washable.
- Matching Men’s and Women’s sweaters available separately.
7. Blueberry Pet Nordic Fair Isle Snowflake Dog Sweater
I’m just loving these sweaters from Blueberry Pet. This sweater has patterns designed for those stylish male dogs. There are 8 different patterns available all in various sizes. You can even get a matching sweater for the Dog Dad.
This sweater features a leash/harness hole on the back so that you can walk your dog in style, and he will stay warm and comfortable.
It is made of soft 100% acrylic and it is nice and thick and of high quality. It is easy to care for, simply machine wash it on a cold gentle cycle.
The ribbed neck, cuffs, and hem add to the style of this sweater and gives it a secure fit. This sweater is true to size, just be sure to measure your dog properly.
Key Features:
- 100% soft acrylic material.
- Pullover style with ribbed neck, cuffs, and hem.
- Various patterns.
- Various sizes are available.
- Thick, well-made high-quality sweater.
- Machine washable.
- Matching Men’s sweater available separately.
8. Lanyar Red Christmas Reindeer Sweater
This soft knit 100% acrylic sweater from Lanyar features a festive reindeer print in a classic red and white colour. Your dog will look stylish and be nice and warm wearing this. It is well-made and of nice thick material.
It is easy to put on and take off as it is a pullover style. As with all acrylic sweaters, this one is easy to care for. Simply machine wash it on a cold gentle cycle and hang to dry.
This sweater is available in various sizes, with XXL being the largest size. This sweater tends to run small so it is recommended to order a size up.
Key Features:
- 100% soft acrylic knit.
- Pullover style with ribbed neck, cuffs and hem.
- Well-made, high-quality material.
- Machine wash on cold gentle cycle.
- Fun festive reindeer pattern in classic red and white.
More Than Festive, 7 Other Benefits Of Dog Sweaters
Besides your dog looking absolutely cute and adorable wearing a festive Christmas sweater, there are other benefits to your dog wearing a sweater.
1. Dogs Get Chilly Too!
When the temperatures drop we certainly feel the chill and tend to put on the layers of clothes. Well, don’t forget about your dog. Your dog gets chilly too, and could probably benefit from wearing a sweater.
While there are some breeds that are designed for cold weather (think Husky), there are other breeds that don’t tolerate the cold weather too well. Dogs with only one layer of coat will tend to get colder compared to dogs with a double-coat.
Young dogs, elderly dogs, and dogs who are sick tend to have trouble withstanding the colder temperatures. Thin dogs as well such as Greyhounds and Whippets will benefit from wearing a sweater because they have more difficulty generating and retaining body heat of their own.
Signs that your dog is cold include the obvious shivering, snuggling up next to you to keep warm, whimpering, whining, cold ears, and curling up to name a few.
Another way to keep your dog extra warm while walking this winter is by protecting his paws from the elements with dog boots!
2. Comforts Dogs With Arthritis
If you have a dog who suffers from Arthritis, a sweater is just one of the many ways you can keep your dog more comfortable in the winter. Another way to ease your dog’s Arthritis pain is to invest in a comfortable and supportive orthopedic dog bed.
3. Some Dogs Love Wearing Clothes!
While there are some dogs who just hate the idea of wearing clothes or being dressed up, there are actually quite a few dogs who like it. If you are lucky to own a dog like this, then you can dress your dog up in pretty much anything you like.
Dogs who seem to enjoy wearing sweaters will often parade around and want to show off to everyone how stylish they look.
The trick to getting your dog used to wearing clothes is to start them young ( when they are puppies).
4. Allows You To Keep The Heat Down
Putting a sweater on your dog when the temperatures drop allows you to keep the heat down inside your house. This, in turn, will save you energy and money.
5. Provides Comfort
A sweater can be very comforting to your dog. Sweaters should fit snug around your dog, and the feeling of having something wrapped around your dog’s body can be very comforting and gives some dogs a sense of security.
6. Barrier Of Protection From Allergies
A sweater can act as a barrier to protect your dog from allergy symptoms. Dogs who suffer from allergies will itch and scratch themselves and lick at spots that bother them. By putting a sweater on your dog it will make their skin less accessible, thus reducing any licking and scratching.
A sweater can also help to contain any pet dander from flying into the air and causing a flare-up in human allergies.
7. Minimizes Dog Hair Flying Around
Putting a sweater on your dog will help to minimize the amount of hair that ends up on your floors or furniture. The sweater will help to contain all that hair that sheds and it will be trapped in the sweater instead of all over your couch.
What To Consider When Buying Your Dog A Sweater
If you are thinking of buying your large dog a sweater, here are a few things you need to consider.
Style
There are many different styles of sweaters to choose from. Some will have hoodies on them which can help to keep your dog’s ears warm during cold winter walks. Some sweaters have removable hoods that give your dog the option to wear it with or without.
Pullover style sweaters are generally the most common type, and these are easy to put on and take off. They don’t have any buttons, velcro straps or zippers that you need to fumble with, or that your dog will chew.
Sweaters with snap buttons or velcro closures can be easier to put on your dog and you might prefer this option.
Material
When it comes to choosing the best sweater for your dog, you want one that will be soft and comfortable. A sweater should not feel rough or scratchy and cause irritation on your dog’s skin.
Acrylic is a great choice and is a pretty common material in dog sweaters. It is soft and warm and easy to care for.
Wool is a great choice for keeping your dog nice and warm. There really is nothing warmer than wool. Wool, however, does not do well in wet conditions and shouldn’t be worn when it is raining or snowing outside.
Getting A Proper Fit
Getting a sweater that fits your dog properly will make all the difference in your pooch actually wearing the sweater or not.
It is important to measure your dog to ensure the right fit. You want the sweater to fit snug but not tight. Most sweaters will have a sizing chart for you to reference to.
You will want to measure your dog’s neck, chest, waist, and length from the back of the neck to the tail. If your dog is in between sizes it is a good idea to order the next size up. Check out this article from WikiHow for easy ways to measure your dog for clothes.
Some sweaters are based on your dog’s weight as well. It is a good idea to always read the reviews of the sweater to see how they fit. Some sweaters do have a tendency to run small, while others are true to size.
Collar/Harness Access
If you plan on having your dog just wear a Christmas sweater indoors or only for a family photo, then a collar or harness access hole will not be of importance to you. However, if you want to walk your dog in his or her fancy-looking sweater then you will want one with a collar/harness hole on the back.
How Easy It Is To Put On
Let’s face it, if the sweater you choose for your dog is not easy to put on, your dog will likely not be wearing it. You don’t want to have to wrestle with your dog just to put a sweater on him, do you?
A sweater that is easy to put on will have some stretch to it and it shouldn’t be tight fitting.
Machine Washable
All of the sweaters mentioned in the list above are easy to care for. They can be easily machine washed in cold water and on a gentle cycle. Some, however, should not be put in the dryer.
A Few Safety Tips To Keep In Mind
Never Force Your Dog To Wear A Sweater!
If your dog has never worn any clothing at all in his lifetime, suddenly putting a sweater on your dog will likely cause him stress and anxiety. You should never force your dog to wear a sweater just for your benefit.
If your dog shows any signs of discomfort you should remove the sweater immediately.
The Sweater Should Be Comfortable.
Comfort should be an important factor. The sweater you choose should be soft and comfortable on your dog’s skin and not cause any itching, rashes, or irritation.
The Sweater Should Not Be Tight Or Restrictive.
A sweater should fit snug and never tight. It shouldn’t be tight in any areas where your dog feels like he is suffocating. Some sweaters fit tighter around the neck and leg openings, and you need to be careful of this.
The sweater should not cover your dog’s genital area because it will get in the way when your dog has to go to the bathroom.
Wearing A Sweater Indoors Can Cause Overheating.
This is dependant on your dog’s breed, size, age, health, and your indoor room temperature. A heavy wool sweater, for instance, is too warm for your dog to wear inside and could cause your dog to overheat.
Dog’s who have double-coats such as a Golden Retriever will not need to wear a sweater indoors as they have a double layer of fur to keep them plenty warm.
Avoid Choking Hazards.
Some sweaters have buttons or velcro closures that could be hazardous to your dog. Puppies and dogs who like to chew could accidentally swallow a button and end up choking.
You should avoid these types of sweaters if you have a dog that chews. Also, zippers should be avoided because your dog’s fur could get caught in them.
Introduce The Sweater Slowly.
Most dogs will initially hate anything you put on them, unless you are lucky and have a dog who loves wearing clothes, or at least tolerates it right away.
The key is to let your dog wear the sweater for a few minutes to get used to it, then remove it. You can repeat this process while slowly increasing your dog’s time spent wearing it. Eventually, your dog will get used to wearing a sweater and either enjoy it or tolerate it.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed this selection of Christmas sweaters for large dogs. There are so many sweaters on the market today with most of them being aimed at small dogs it is nice to see such a variety for large dogs too.
Christmas sweaters for dogs are not only cute and festive, but they actually keep your dog warm too. They also make a great gift for your dog from Santa! Just remember to get the proper fitting sweater for your large dog, and he’ll be sure to feel comfortable and stylish.
If you are planning on dressing your entire family up in ugly Christmas sweaters, there’s no excuse for you to not include your large size dog. With the matching human and dog sweater option, you could look extra adorable.
Be sure to check out my list of Christmas gifts for a dog to get you inspired for the holidays.
How About You?
Will you be dressing your dog up in a Christmas sweater this year? Does your dog enjoy wearing sweaters or just tolerate them? Which Christmas sweater for large dogs is your favourite?
Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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