Clothes for Chihuahua girls and boys: overalls, muzzle, harness, collar, sweater and what the pet looks like in the photo

The Chihuahua is a small dog with a doll-like appearance originally from Mexico, which seems to have been specially bred to be dressed up in bright costumes, groomed and pampered.

And, indeed, many owners of these animals do not spare any money to make their pet look glamorous and stylish.

And on the street, especially in the cool season, you can see Chihuahuas dressed in multi-colored overalls, sweaters and blankets.

But what is clothing for a Chihuahua: a whim of the owner or a necessary care item?

And what kind of wardrobe should such a dog have?

Do you need clothes?

Chihuahua dogs are very small in size , both girls and boys, and due to their accelerated metabolism they can freeze even in cool or too windy weather .

And rain, even if warm, will not do any good to a pet of this breed: the dog can simply get sick if it gets too wet. For such weather conditions, you can purchase a raincoat.

In the summer heat, a Chihuahua can overheat and get heatstroke or sunstroke, and therefore it will also benefit from clothes designed for hot weather. And even if the room suddenly becomes cool, the dog will need a blanket or sweater.

As with most dwarf dog breeds, clothing for a Chihuahua is not a luxury or a whim, but an essential necessity (shown in the photo).

Building a pattern

Don't know how to make patterns with your own hands? Use one of the options offered in handicraft stores or found on the Internet. Modern patterns are often supplemented with instructions on how to correctly adapt the pattern to the individual measurements of the dog.

Using the example of a jumpsuit pattern, let’s look at how to properly sew clothes for a lap dog:

We choose a pattern or draw it ourselves, taking into account the size of the pet.
We transfer the diagram onto graph paper and cut it out. If the diagram assumes several separate elements, then we cut them out separately from each other.
We apply the finished pattern pieces to the fabric, evenly laid out on a flat surface. We fix it with needles and pins. Use chalk or a special fabric marker to cut out the fabric. Remember to leave 1-2 cm at the seam joints.
We sew all the details of the overalls.
We process the seams of the sleeves and neck. Add decorative elements and fasteners.
The Chihuahua overalls are ready for use.

Similar article: Why does a Chihuahua grunt and is it dangerous?

Mandatory clothing

Mandatory accessories that any dog of this breed should have include winter and demi-season overalls, season-appropriate shoes, Panama hats or baseball caps, and, of course, leashes, collars, harnesses and muzzles.

The Chihuahua also needs a sweater or vest to wear in the house when the room is cool . These same outfits can be worn outside, if the weather permits, and the usual demi-season overalls are already boring.

In some situations, it will not be possible to do without other clothing: for example, girls during estrus are recommended to wear special panties that protect the floor, furniture and other things in the house from contamination.

Another necessary accessory that you cannot do without in certain circumstances is a surgical blanket..

It is worn on dogs after abdominal surgery, for example, after a cesarean section or sterilization, and it is necessary to wear it in order to protect the surgical suture from contamination or wetness.

Tips for sewing things

Don't know how to knit or sew clothes for a toy dog? Listen to the advice of craftswomen and experienced dog breeders:

think over your dog’s entire wardrobe in advance;
carefully take your measurements (if you are doing this for the first time, then double-check yourself again to ensure that the measurements taken are correct);
choose materials that not only look beautiful, but also have excellent performance characteristics;
prepare all the necessary materials and tools;
when cutting and sewing clothes, do not forget that the items are intended for walking dogs on the street - do not forget to leave holes so that the animal, if necessary, can relieve its physiological needs;
Keep an eye on dog fashion to ensure your Chihuahua is dressed according to the latest fashion trends.

We recommend this article:

How to make a house for a Chihuahua with your own hands

How to choose the size

To choose the right size of clothing for your pet, you need to take several measurements, and then use them to determine the size using special tables.

Basic measurements:

Neck circumference.
Length of back from withers to base of tail.
Chest circumference.

Depending on their size and weight, Chihuahuas usually wear clothes in the following sizes: XS, S, M, and the largest individuals, whose weight exceeds the standard 3 kg, may also be suitable for clothes in size L:

XS: back length - 15-20 cm, chest girth - 22-28 cm, neck girth - 12-20 cm. This size is suitable for standard puppies, as well as adult micro and mini Chihuahuas, whose weight is 0.7-1.2 kg.
S: back length - 21-24 cm, chest girth - 29-35 cm, neck girth - 21-23 cm. This size is designed for mini and small standard dogs, whose weight is 1.2-2.3 kg.
M: back length - 25-28 cm, chest girth - 36-41 cm, neck girth - 24-27 cm. This size is suitable for standard dogs weighing 2.4-3 kg.
L: back length - 29-33 cm, chest girth - 42-46 cm, neck girth - 28-31 cm. It makes sense to buy clothes of this size for a Chihuahua whose weight exceeds the standard and is 3.2 kg or more.

Taking measurements from the dog

Some needlewomen do not like to take measurements, draw diagrams and make clothing patterns, guided by the principle “I’ll do it by eye.” The result of such needlework is deplorable: knitted or sewn items are unsuitable for wear, too large or, conversely, small for the dog.

Related article: When and how to properly breed a Chihuahua

So, in order for the suit to fit well, do not be lazy to take your measurements correctly. We bring to your attention a detailed list of mandatory measurements required for sewing or knitting clothes for an animal:

head circumference - the measurement is taken along the frontal part of the head and captures the widest part of the ear from below;
muzzle coverage - measured at the widest point, while the animal’s mouth must be closed;
neck coverage – corresponds to the size of the collar;
chest circumference - coverage just behind the front paws;
chest width - measured from shoulder to shoulder along the front side of the body;
abdominal circumference - directly in front of the hind legs;
length of limbs (front and rear) - from joints to floor;
length along the back - from the withers or neck to the beginning of the tail;
the length along the stomach - in girls it almost completely corresponds to the back (less by 1-2 cm), in boys - from the neck to the genitals.

Take measurements with a soft measuring tape. During this time, the dog should be in a calm state.

As dog breeders recommend, to take measurements it is better to choose the pre-lunch time or the period after dinner, when the animal is tired and sleepy. Keep in mind that when crocheting or knitting, clothes stretch.

At what temperature should you wear it?

All dogs' metabolism may be different, and some Chihuahuas have no undercoat at all, while others have quite developed undercoat.

Varieties of things

There are a lot of options for clothing for Chihuahua dogs - for all occasions.

Decorative

Some dog clothes are designed to protect from the bright sun or frost, while others have a purely decorative function and are created for beauty. For this purpose, clothes for Chihuahua girls are often purchased, which create a cute image and are pleasing to the eye. It will be difficult not to notice such a dog. Popular colors for decorative accessories: pink, milky and yellow for girls and all shades of blue for boys.

Light summer

An ideal option for summer is a microfiber cape or cotton dress for your Chihuahua. These types of fabrics are highly breathable. A summer outfit not only decorates your pet, but also provides protection from heat stroke. It is recommended to purchase a cap or hat to avoid overheating of the head.

Attention! Overheating is no less harmful for a dog than hypothermia.

Demi-season

Sweaters and jackets for Chihuahuas will be popular for spring and autumn. For dry, cool weather, lined suits are suitable: a jacket and pants. Demi-season items are always made from insulated materials, for example, flannel or wool, as well as moisture-resistant raincoat fabric with a flannelette insert.

Clothing must be suitable for weather conditions

Winter

In cold weather, Chihuahuas are dressed in closed overalls that fit tightly to the body. They may have an insulated hood or collar that covers the neck from the wind. Bright models with reflective stripes are valued, allowing you to find your pet even against the backdrop of snow. In winter, hats are welcome, if there is no hood. You can buy a hat or make it yourself, for example, from yarn. Knitting patterns are taken from the Internet and thematic magazines.

Shoes

In addition to clothing, pet stores offer shoes for animals. It is designed to protect the paws of a sensitive dog from puddles, snow, as well as harmful substances and traumatic objects. Light models, more like slippers or socks with thick soles, are chosen as the first shoes. Once your Chihuahua gets used to them, you can purchase more serious shoe options, such as sneakers or winter boots.

How to get used to wearing it?

Most Chihuahuas are favorable towards wearing clothes, as they quickly understand that they are much warmer and more comfortable..

But some dogs do not react well to their owners’ attempts to put overalls or a sweater on them: they run away and hide, and sometimes even growl and can bite.

In order for your pet to quickly get used to clothes, you need to accustom him to them gradually: put them on and distract him with a game or a treat. After a few minutes, take off your clothes and praise and encourage the dog.

The next day, the time you wear the clothes should be slightly increased, and so on until the puppy stops paying attention to it. After this, you can train your dog to wear a suit outside.

The worst thing you can do when training a puppy to wear overalls or blankets is to try to put clothes on a struggling pet..

The dog will begin to associate the clothes with discomfort and is unlikely to agree to try them on again.

Also read about how to properly train a Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas are smooth-haired. Care

It’s completely simple and doesn’t involve huge expenditures of time and effort. Constant brushing of the coat with a short-toothed brush is required. The tips for washing are the same. And after bathing, quickly dry the dog.

The shedding process is present - it is more pronounced than in long-haired counterparts, but less than in other dog breeds.

What accessories do you need in summer?

Summer clothing is necessary to protect your pet from overheating. And, although many dogs walk in the warm season without any clothes, it is still better to dress the Chihuahua in a light suit consisting of a T-shirt and shorts.

This outfit will protect the dog not only from solar radiation, but also from burrs or remaining weeds clinging to the fur, and will also serve as good protection against fleas or ticks.

Insects are clearly visible on light-colored fabric, making them easy to spot and destroy before they have time to crawl onto your pet’s fur or skin.

CAREFULLY!

Due to the fact that a Chihuahua can easily get sunstroke, it is recommended to wear a Panama hat, baseball cap or scarf with holes for the ears on your pet in extreme heat.

If a dog walks through thick grass, it can cut its paw on a sharp stone or glass fragments, which are not always visible.

To prevent this from happening, you can purchase summer sneakers or sandals for your pet to protect your pet’s paws from such injuries.

History of the breed

The birthplace of the appearance is considered to be Mexico, the state of Chihuahua, the time is the beginning of the sixteenth century (landmark - 1519).

The Chihuahua breed owes its tiny dimensions to dogs brought by the inhabitants of Spain from Europe.

They became beloved because of their peaceful nature. “Pocket” dogs got their nickname because famous celebrities carry them everywhere.

Because they rank number one in desirability, commercial breeding has become widely popular.

What accessories do you need in winter?

In the cold season, a Chihuahua cannot do without insulated overalls or a suit consisting of a jacket and trousers. It is better to give preference to clothes made from quilted synthetic padding; natural or artificial down is also good.

Winter overalls and suits for dogs should not be too light, easily washable and dry well..

It is better to purchase a spare version of clothing, because it may turn out that the washed overalls did not have time to dry, but you urgently need to go somewhere or travel with your pet. You can use a bag.

A jumpsuit or jacket for the winter is preferable with a hood, also insulated: this will eliminate the need to buy hats, which, moreover, tend to get lost quite often.

If you do buy hats, they need to be the right size and can be tied under the dog’s chin.

If at other times of the year shoes are not a mandatory accessory, then in winter you cannot do without them. And it’s not just that without boots or boots the dog’s paws get cold.

City streets are sprinkled with reagents that corrode ice, which end up on the pet's paw pads and between the toes and irritate the skin.

Fabric selection

The choice of material must be approached responsibly. Despite having fur, small dogs are sensitive to various fabrics. They may be itchy and nervous if the material is scratchy, unpleasant, irritating or allergic.

The choice of fabric directly depends on the purpose of the clothing. For autumn, a good option would be water-repellent material, for winter - wool, for summer - cotton. Low-quality materials use cheap dye, which quickly sheds and stains the dog’s fur. Try to give preference to breathable natural fabrics. Synthetics are only good as a protective top layer in cold weather. An abundance of synthetic fabric will harm your pet's fur.

For clothing you can choose the following fabrics:

Bolognese fabric is an indispensable material for winter and autumn. Bolognese fabric is light, elastic, does not blow, does not get wet, tolerates frost well, and does not crack. It makes warm overalls and jackets;
fleece - this material is synthetic, but its characteristics are close to natural wool. Fleece is quite practical, wear-resistant, stretches well without restricting the pet’s movement. It does not cause allergies or irritation, and is often used as a lining for warm clothes;
microfiber - absorbs moisture, but dries quickly, quite dense, elastic and warm. It is used for sewing walking clothes and dressing gowns. Such material is not always good for walking, as it becomes electrified;
cotton and linen - this fabric is perfect for summer walks. She breathes, quite lightly. The best option is a combination of cotton and linen threads. Linen wrinkles a lot and doesn’t stretch very well;
satin - more often used as a lining. In its pure form, satin is good for long-haired breeds, as it prevents the coat from tangling and preserves its appearance;
padding polyester - this material is used as a filler for warm clothes. It retains heat, does not wrinkle, and restores its shape. There is a more modern synthetic down that is warmer than natural down, but does not bunch up after washing.

Pay attention to the quality of tailoring. The abundance of seams reduces thermal insulation. On quality items there are few seams, they are smooth and without protruding threads.

If you need clothes for rainy weather, you can test the fabric by dropping water on it. If it is wet, then you need another thing for walking in the rain.

How to choose a harness (leash)

A leash or harness for a Chihuahua should be safe, durable and comfortable.

Leashes and collars are not particularly recommended for small dogs, as it is easy to injure your pet by yanking or pulling too hard on the leash. But at exhibitions you can’t do without them.

It is better to give preference to a harness and leash made of leather or canvas fabric.

In this case, the harness should fit perfectly: not dangle on the dog, but also not dig into the body.

The straps should preferably be wide enough: the distance between them should not exceed 3 cm.

When choosing a leash, you need to remember that it should be light, durable and with a reliable carabiner . It is also very important that the leash does not rub your hand or cut into it.

Many owners of decorative dogs prefer roulette leashes, as they are comfortable to hold in the hand and their length is easily adjustable.

Material requirements

Clothes for Chihuahuas should be made of suitable fabric:

High-quality and environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic.
Breathable and light.
Soft and pleasant to the body.
Bright enough: clothes should not blend in with their surroundings.
Easy to care for and machine washable.
Preferably one that does not wrinkle and does not create unnecessary rustles.
No unpleasant odors.

Additionally! Things for an animal can be knitted, but the yarn must also be of high quality.

Pet clothes require regular washing

How to choose a collar

The most suitable equipment for a Chihuahua is a harness, but many owners prefer to walk their pets with collars and leashes.

For daily use of dogs of this breed, leather or canvas collars are suitable, which must be of sufficient width and strength, and its buckles and ring for securing the carabiner must be strong and reliable..

The collar should not press, rub the dog’s neck or be too stiff.

IMPORTANT!

If the collar is bought “for growth”, then it should have as many holes as possible.

For a show dog you will also need a display collar . Typically, such models are made of synthetic cord or in the form of a metal chain.

And, if when choosing a regular collar you can buy a brighter accessory, then the exhibition one needs to be selected to match the color of the coat or close to it.

Bad behavior

Do not allow the emergence of the small dog syndrome, which arises from the incorrect behavior of the owner, who forgives her “weaknesses” (and incorrect behavior) and this perpetuates such actions.

Such dogs allow themselves to dominate, behave aggressively and are completely uncontrollable.

Most dogs are afraid of guys, but love girls. Note! Your pet, like any dog, feels your attitude.

An experienced dog handler will make a Chihuahua dog bark less, but it will not be possible to reduce the fact.

Is a muzzle necessary?

A muzzle is needed in some situations, such as traveling on public transport, visiting a veterinarian, and also tidying up your pet's claws if he is actively resisting.

Given the small size of the Chihuahua, you need to buy nylon muzzles of the appropriate size for them..

In addition, it would be useful to also acquire a special muzzle with a fine mesh, which prevents the dog from picking up anything from the ground during walks.

Clothing designed for different weather conditions is necessary for a Chihuahua.

These dogs need protection from frost, snow, rain, strong wind and even from the scorching sun.

At the same time, you can also buy clothes for your pet or sew them yourself, which are not mandatory: glamorous dresses and suits, decorated with embroidery, rhinestones, fur and other decorative trims.

The main thing is that the clothes and accessories fit the pet in size and do not cause him discomfort, then the dog will willingly wear them.

Long-haired Chihuahua. Care

They need more care than smooth-haired dogs, but less than other breeds. Constant brushing using a soft brush. Qualified grooming is not required.

Bathe with care so that liquid does not get into your ears. Dogs are not hypoallergenic and do shed.

What to feed a chihuahua

To avoid low blood sugar levels, you need to feed your dogs regularly. It is quite enough for owners to have sugar or honey for their dog.

If necessary, rub them on the palate and gums for faster absorption. Symptoms: drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, distracted gaze, neck twitching.