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Winter dog clothes
In short: not every dog needs winter clothes, but small, short-haired and clipped dogs almost always do. The job of winter clothing is simple — keep in the heat the body produces and keep moisture off the skin. That is why layering and the right garment length matter more than one thick sweater.
What to put on at which temperature
| Weather | What works | Feel with Fill models |
|---|---|---|
| +40…32 °F (+5…0 °C), dry | one warm layer | brushed hoodie “Hugme”, fleece vest, fleece anorak |
| 32…23 °F (0…−5 °C) | insulated top covering back and chest | puffer vest “Puffy”, jacket “Brooklyn Jacket”, coat “Gossip-coat” |
| 23…14 °F (−5…−10 °C) | a jumpsuit that covers the belly and legs | fleece jumpsuit, membrane jumpsuit “Heaven” |
| below 14 °F (−10 °C) | the warmest layer and short walks | padded jumpsuit “Gossip-puffer” |
| Wet snow, slush, road salt | water-repellent full-length cover | “Heaven”, “Gossip-puffer” |
Do not go by the thermometer alone: wind and damp pull heat away faster than dry frost. At 23 °F with wind a dog needs the same protection as at 14 °F in still air.
Types of winter clothing: the difference
A jumpsuit gives the most protection. It covers back, belly and legs, so snow and dirt stay off the coat. Choose it for frost, slush and for dogs with long hair on the belly. Fleece keeps the dog warm in dry weather; the “Heaven” membrane version also stays dry.
A coat and a jacket give warmth with no fuss. They go on in seconds and leave the legs free — a good choice for dogs that will not tolerate a jumpsuit and for short trips outside.
A vest covers back and chest. The “Puffy” puffer vest holds heat well; a fleece vest works on its own in autumn and as an extra layer under a jacket in winter.
Hoodies and anoraks are the base layer. A brushed or mink-knit hoodie goes under a jumpsuit in hard frost, or is worn on its own on a cool dry day.
Which dogs need winter clothes
Almost always: small breeds — chihuahua, toy terrier, yorkie, maltipoo, pomeranian; short-haired dogs with no undercoat — dachshund, italian greyhound, french bulldog, doberman, staffy; clipped dogs; puppies, senior dogs and dogs recovering from illness.
Usually not: huskies, malamutes, samoyeds, saint bernards, shepherds and other dogs with a thick undercoat. They overheat in clothes — a garment only helps in slush, to save you washing the coat afterwards.
More on breeds and sizes: dog clothes by breed and does my dog need clothes.
How many layers and how long to walk
Below 14 °F a small dog is comfortable for 10–15 minutes, a medium one for up to 30. If the dog lifts its paws, shivers, stops or asks to be picked up, it is time to head home. Two thin layers (hoodie plus jumpsuit) keep a dog warmer than one thick one and restrict movement less.
Paws, salt and de-icers
Pavements are salted in winter — salt burns the paw pads and stays in the belly hair. A full-length garment that covers the belly reduces the problem a lot. After a walk rinse the paws with warm water and dry them; trimming the hair between the pads stops snow from balling up.
Choosing the size
Size is chosen by chest girth — that is the key measurement. Measure the dog standing, without pulling the tape tight. If you plan to layer a hoodie under a jumpsuit, allow 1 extra inch. Step-by-step guide and chart: how to choose the size.
Caring for winter clothes
Fleece and knits go in the machine on a delicate cycle at 86 °F; membrane fabric is best washed by hand or on delicate without fabric softener, which clogs the pores of the fabric. Dry away from a radiator. Details: how to wash dog clothes.
Feel with Fill winter models
More options in jumpsuits, jackets, coats, vests and hoodies. Everything is made in our own studio in Ukraine, and a custom size is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need clothes in winter?
Small, short-haired and clipped dogs — yes. Dogs with a thick undercoat usually do not: they overheat.
Which winter jumpsuit should I choose for a chihuahua or toy terrier?
These breeds need the warmest option that covers the belly: the padded “Gossip-puffer” jumpsuit or a fleece jumpsuit underneath. Sizes start at XS. See also chihuahua clothes.
What about a yorkie, maltipoo or toy poodle?
Clipped hair gives almost no warmth, so an insulated jumpsuit or coat plus a hoodie underneath works best. Ready-made picks: maltipoo clothes, toy poodle clothes.
Does a dachshund need winter clothes?
Yes. A dachshund has no undercoat and its belly sits low over the snow, so it needs a jumpsuit rather than a coat. See dachshund clothes.
Do large dogs need winter clothes?
Large dogs with thick coats do not. Short-haired large breeds (doberman, great dane, staffy) need a coat or jacket in frost.
Does a dog need boots in winter?
Boots help where a lot of de-icer is used, or if the pads are already cracked. Most dogs manage without them if you wash and dry the paws after every walk.
How do I get my dog used to winter clothes?
Let the dog sniff the garment at home, put it on for two or three minutes and praise immediately. Increase the time gradually, and keep the first walk in clothes short and interesting.
Can a winter jumpsuit go in the washing machine?
A fleece one — yes, delicate cycle at 86 °F. A membrane one is better washed by hand, without softener.
