Puppy clothes: are they needed and how to choose

In short: puppies of small and short-haired breeds often need clothes from their very first walks in cool weather — a small body loses heat quickly. Choose light pieces in soft fabrics that are easy to put on and do not restrict movement, and do not buy “to grow into”: oversized clothes slide, get in the way and keep the dog less warm. Puppies grow fast, so check the measurements every 2–4 weeks.

Does a puppy need clothes?

Clothes are especially useful for puppies of miniature breeds (chihuahua, toy terrier, yorkie), for short-haired puppies and for those whose undercoat has not developed yet. Signs that a puppy is cold on a walk: shivering, lifting paws, hunching, pulling towards home. When to start walking after vaccinations is a question for your vet.

How to get a puppy used to clothes

• Start at home: put the piece nearby, let the puppy sniff it, praise and treat.
• Dress for 1–2 minutes at first and increase the time gradually.
• Choose models that go on quickly: snap buttons, a zip on the back, or sleeveless pieces such as a vest or a cape.
• Do not leave a dressed puppy unsupervised, and take the clothes off indoors so it does not overheat.

What to choose

For cool weather and home — light hoodies and turtlenecks in soft knitwear. For wind — a vest. For rain and slush — an anorak or a jumpsuit. After a bath — a terry drying robe.

Size for a puppy

Measure the chest girth, the back length and the neck girth and compare them with the size chart (XS starts at a chest girth of 27 cm). The piece should sit loosely: you should be able to slide a finger between the fabric and the body. If the puppy is very small or between sizes, we will sew the model to measure (+15% to the price, 3–6 business days).

From what age can a puppy wear clothes?
From the first walks, if the puppy is cold. The important part is to introduce clothes gradually and not to leave the puppy dressed unsupervised.

Should I buy clothes to grow into?
No. Oversized clothes slide, hinder movement and keep the dog less warm. Choose by current measurements and re-check them every 2–4 weeks.

How do I know the puppy is cold?
It shivers, lifts its paws, hunches, walks slowly or pulls towards home.

What if the puppy chews or pulls the clothes off?
Go back to short sessions at home with treats and praise, and pick light models without extra details that are easy to put on.