Your furry four-legged pet, especially if it is a small breed, needs additional protection during the cold season. Therefore, especially for them, pet stores - both urban and virtual - have a department with clothes and shoes. But what to do if the nearest store does not have a suitable kit? The largest online trading platform “Aliexpress” comes to the rescue.
How to measure a dog for clothes
It would seem that there is nothing military about taking measurements of your dog to buy a jacket or vest. The future comfort of your pet depends on your efforts and attentiveness, so you need to know exactly how to measure a dog for clothes. The figure shows in detail how to take measurements:
You will need a tailor's tape for measurements. To take measurements of the back, the dog must stand steadily on four legs; to do this, you can ask an assistant to secure the animal with a collar and leash. Once you have recorded the length of the back from the neck to the base of the tail, measure the circumference of the chest, with the tailor's tape pulled under the front legs without tension. Please note that when selecting clothing of any brand, both numbers will be taken into account. It happens that there is a significant deviation in one of the indicators, then you need to focus on the one that is larger.
Taking measurements from a dog
Taking measurements to select the size is done with a special soft tailor's measuring tape. What is important is a soft tape, and in no case a tape measure, which can easily injure your pet. A simple ruler will also not be able to accurately take measurements correctly.
The dog should be placed on a flat, hard surface (not on a bed or on a sofa), stand straight, without bending or squeezing. To more accurately determine the length of the back, a collar is put on the dog, and it is from this that the reporting point begins. The second point will be the base of the tail, i.e. the last sacral vertebrae, not the first caudal vertebrae. The resulting value will be the long back.
Now you need to measure your chest circumference. This measurement is taken at the widest point of the ribs: a measuring tape must be passed around the chest just behind the dog's elbows. If the dog is very shaggy, the measuring tape should not fit tightly to the body.
The girth of the neck is equal to the size of the collar the dog wears. The neck circumference is measured at its widest point. The neck should be measured not end to end, but looser. When choosing a clothing model, be sure to look at the neck style, which can be high or loose. In no case should the neck be too tight so as not to squeeze your pet’s neck.
After taking all the measurements, the obtained parameters must be compared with the manufacturer’s size chart and the desired size of clothing for the animal must be selected. For borderline sizes, it is better to start by trying on larger sizes. If the dog is of a dense build and has a voluminous chest, you need to add another size so that the product fits well and the dog is comfortable. If your pet is slim or lean, then a smaller size is needed.
How to measure a dog's size for clothing correctly
To ensure that measurements are extremely accurate and correct, veterinarians and breeders recommend adhering to the following tips:
- the dog must be in a standing position, do not allow distortions;
- measure the circumference at the widest point;
- if in doubt, choose the largest measurement; it is better to choose an outfit with a small margin than to buy a set that simply will not fit the animal;
- consider what type of clothing you plan to choose: if it is a tight-fitting sweater or jacket, it is not necessary to take a large supply, but if it is a jacket, a small play of 1-1.5 cm is allowed.
Gender must be taken into account. If clothes are chosen for a girl, the belly can be completely closed; for boys, an open belly is necessary to relieve natural needs during a walk.
Instructions
The overalls should be comfortable . Otherwise, your pet will not want to wear it or such a jumpsuit will be of no use. Choose a pet store where you can come with your dog, because... The best way to select clothes is to try them on. When you try on, you will immediately see if the size suits you. Be sure to walk around in tried-on clothes. The overalls should fit the dog's body, not restrict movement, but also not hang like a bag. In the first case, it will irritate the animal and will soon tear; in the second case, the dog will fall out of clothes and cling to everything it can. Pay attention to the length of the paws; ideally, the leg should end at the metacarpus of the dog's paw. The elastic bands should not be too tight, otherwise, if the dog has furry paws, it will be very difficult to comb them after wearing the overalls. Too narrow collars and paws of the overalls can rub the skin or become deformed and tear.
Overalls come in different genders: overalls for females, males and “unisex” . The differences are clear: cutouts for walking activities for males are made on the stomach, for females the “neckline” of the overalls is located at the back. The unisex model has a large cutout from the tail to the middle of the belly. This model is not very convenient, because... The open surface area of the body in the most inconvenient places is too large, the protective functions of the overalls do not work as expected. Now there are “unisex” models on sale, in which the cutout on the stomach is only indicated by a stitch, i.e. it can be cut if necessary.
It is also important what fabric the jumpsuit is made from. The quality of the material affects the service life of dog clothing, the effect of its wear and its appearance. If the material is not of high quality, the overalls will quickly lose their shape, fade, begin to get wet and will affect the condition of the coat. The fabric of an insulated overall or raincoat must be strong, dense, sufficiently elastic and waterproof. A small test on the quality of the material. Squeeze the fabric in your fist; there should be no rough folds or cracking effect. Stretch the fabric slightly, it should be elastic. If you spray water on the fabric, the drops should fly off the surface without leaving wet spots on it. The lining also has its own nuance, if the quality of your pet’s coat is important to you, then choose overalls with a satin lining for long-haired dogs, and with a fleece lining for smooth-haired dogs.
Pay attention to the quality of tailoring of the overalls. As with any quality item, the seams should be smooth, closed, and no protruding threads. Practical and easy to use, overalls with a zipper, complemented by a fastener with buttons or Velcro. If you have a long-haired dog, then the zipper should be sewn taking into account the insert of material under the zipper, so that the fabric is between the hair and the teeth of the zipper, otherwise long hairs will always get into the fastener. Velcro is convenient in principle, but requires maintenance, because... quickly become clogged with shed hairs. You can use overalls that have buttons, hooks or ties as fasteners.
What else is important? Please pay attention to additional details. Elastic bands on the collar on the legs of the overalls will better fix the clothes, the dog will not crawl out of the stretched collar, and the paws will not jump out of the pants. But at the same time, elastic bands contribute to matting or wiping of wool, because act on the same places. Hoods on overalls will serve as additional protection for the dog’s ears, both from cold and from dirt. But at the same time, the dog may not hear the command if it is at a sufficient distance from you, or any danger (an approaching car, enemies among other dogs). Therefore, be more careful and control your pet’s movements. For a better fit, overalls may contain additional sewn-in elastic bands across the body. This is especially useful for lean, thin dogs such as poodles, greyhounds, and livery dogs. For hairless dogs, it is better to choose overalls with the seams stitched outward.
There are models of overalls that contain additional elements of clothing: hats in which you can hide the ears, belts for better fixation of the overalls on the body and boots if the breed of your animal is very decorative with delicate paws or, on the contrary, working, such as sledding huskies, which are worn on the paws special boots so that they do not injure their paws on the snow crust.
Average table of dog sizes
Each clothing manufacturer for four-legged fashionistas has its own size chart. At the same time, some brands use average indicators, as in the classic human mesh. The principle of division into small, medium and large breeds works here; for representatives of non-standard species, this classification will not be very appropriate. To choose equipment for your dog, you need to know three indicators: length from withers to tail, chest and neck circumference, sometimes body weight may be needed.
Dog clothing sizes here are divided into 8 categories, where XS is the smallest and 4XL is the largest. This classification does not take into account breed characteristics, so errors and inaccuracies in the choice of clothing are allowed. To make the most accurate choice of dog equipment, it is best to focus on the size chart provided by the manufacturer; for example, here are tables of the most popular brands in Russia.
The famous Ukrainian company, whose products have been successfully sold in Europe and America for more than 20 years, is in high demand in Russia. The brand's assortment includes raincoats and several dozen models of jackets for winter and off-season. The manufacturer suggests using the following tables to determine dog clothing sizes:
The well-known product line includes shoes for furry animals, leashes, collars and, of course, comfortable clothing, which regularly receives positive reviews. To determine the required size of a jacket, bodysuit, dress, raincoat or suit, you need to compare the measurement results with the data in the table:
The HURITA brand is produced in Finland and is deservedly recognized as one of the best manufacturers of dog equipment due to its uncompromising quality. Branded jackets, overalls, and coats will keep your pet warm during a walk; thanks to the interesting design, your dog will definitely not go unnoticed. How to choose clothes for a dog? Everything is extremely simple, you need to take a few measurements, study the size chart and buy clothes of the right size.
The Russian brand “OSSO FASHION” produces high-quality clothing for pets, the main qualities of which are comfort, practicality and style. The domestic manufacturer produces many models of warm jackets, jackets, suits, raincoats, and offers a large selection of products from first-class textiles. There is also a size chart here that you can familiarize yourself with:
The production of the famous brand “TRIOL” is located in China; the brand has been known in Russia for more than 10 years. The products are distinguished by a comfortable price, high quality, and are highly in demand in Russia.
Where is the withers located?
The withers, or simply the scruff of the neck or “scruff of the neck”, is the area of the back, starting after the neck, 5 vertebrae of the thoracic spinal column between the shoulder blades. It can be detected during an external examination of the animal - it looks like a small tubercle on the back. This area is mobile, covered with elastic skin that can be raised or folded.
The withers are the least sensitive area, so when the bitch drags the babies by the scruff of the neck, they do not feel pain or discomfort. The scruff consists of the spinous processes of the vertebrae, located in line with the tops of the shoulder blades. The withers are usually high, wide, well developed, covered with developed muscles. At least, this is what the scruff of a healthy, physically developed dog looks like. It is thanks to the withers that the forelimbs and neck are set in motion.
The formation of this area lasts more than one year, and the process is completed on average by 2-3 years. It depends on the size and breed of the pet. Since the withers are the highest point in the dog’s body, that’s why it is taken as a basis when measuring the animal’s height. But in dogs with deformities - a sagging back or a curvature of the spine - this parameter may differ significantly from the standard data.
Does a dog need shoes?
Pet product manufacturers can't come up with anything to please animals and their owners. Another life hack is shoes for dogs, which are worn in accordance with the season and the weather outside.
Despite the fact that some people think that doggy boots are an excess and a glamorous entertainment for spoiled owners, the shoes perform an important task:
- protection of pads from cuts, prevention of corns;
- preventing contact of delicate skin with aggressive reagents that are sprinkled on sidewalks and paths in winter;
In addition, it provides reliable protection for the paws from dirt and moisture. It’s enough to put on warm socks for your dog, choose shoes that fit, and you can forget about washing your paws for a long time, and your dog’s legs will be warm.
In our online store you can purchase fashionable clothes and shoes for any weather for your pet:
note
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Tuzik Overalls Spitz sports warm female assorted (1 piece)
1 PC
2 470 ₽
2 100 ₽
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Tuzik demi-season blanket for dogs 60 cm No. 7 assorted (1 piece)
1 PC
1 999 ₽
1 699 ₽
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FOR MY DOGS knitted dog jacket Snowflake pink FW655-2018 (10-12)
10-12 8-10
10-12
1 586 ₽
1 507 ₽
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FOR MY DOGS boots for dogs winter black FMD658-2020 BL (0)
0
to order
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FOR MY DOGS winter boots for dogs black/pink FMD663-2020 BL/P (0)
0
to order
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FOR MY DOGS sweater for dogs Bullfinches blue FW829-2019 (12-14)
12-14 16-18 18-20 8-10
12-14
to order
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Knitted clothes for Chihuahuas
Knitted clothes for pets are presented in a large number of models. Craftswomen independently create wardrobe items for their pets.
Knitted clothes
Even beginner craftswomen can knit them, because the dog is quite small. In such things the dog is warm and comfortable. The main thing is that they do not interfere with movements. But in rainy weather or when walking through mud, you should avoid such things. It’s not so easy to wash them, and they get wet instantly. The dog gets cold and the walk has to end. If you don’t have a raincoat, it’s better to choose clothes made from water-repellent fabric. For visits or as a way to wear under a jacket or overalls, knitted items are indispensable.
A large selection of dog clothing will allow you to find comfortable and practical things for your Chihuahua. They will protect your pet from rain, wind, and dirt. Shoes will save your paws from wounds, and hats will protect you from the bright sun. Decorative outfits will add originality to the dog and provide an opportunity to take memorable, unusual photographs. Everything for a Chihuahua should be comfortable and not interfere with the pet’s free movement.
How to find out the size of a dog's paw
To find out what shoe size your dog has, you need to correctly measure the size of his paw. The procedure is in many ways similar to measuring a child's leg. You need to position the dog so that its paw is on a blank sheet of paper, then carefully outline the limb.
You can also use an alternative, but not very precise method using tailor's tape. Holding the paw suspended, measure its length and width, adding 0.3-0.5 cm to the result obtained for the claws. You should buy shoes based on the numbers obtained.
Choosing a harness
To choose the right harness, you need to do the following: use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your chest at a distance of the width of your palm from your armpit. This is where the belts will go. Next, we focus on the table, taking into account the suitable parameters given below.
Dog harness sizes
| Size | belt width | Chest coverage, min | Chest circumference, max | Breed |
| Xxs | 15 | 53 | 45 | Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Chihuahua, Moscow Toy Terrier, Toy Poodle, Toy Pinscher. |
| Xs | 15 | 40 | 55 | West Highland White Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Jack Russell Terrier, Belgian Griffon, Dachshund. |
| S | 20 | 50 | 70 | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Fox Terrier, Mexican Hairless Dog, Pinscher, Nova Scotia Retriever, Chow Chow, Bull Terrier. |
| M | 25 | 60 | 80 | English Setter, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Boxer, Shorthaired Pointer, Russian Pinto Hound, Hungarian Vizsla, Airedale Terrier, Flat-Coated Retriever, Dalmatian, Large Poodle. |
| L | 25 | 70 | 100 | Weimaraner, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman, Black Russian Terrier, Russian Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, American Bulldog, American Akita, Giant Schnauzer. |
| Xl | 25 | 90 | 130 | Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Leonberger, Moscow Watchdog, Neapolitan and English Mastiff, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Central Asian Shepherd Dog. |
Attention! The breeds given for comparison are indicative examples. Taking into account the features, equipment, parameters of a full breed dog may differ.
Manufacturers' sizing charts for shoe selection
Just like when choosing clothes, you should focus on the sizing chart of a specific manufacturer; this will make it possible to choose an accessory that will not rub, squeeze, or fall off your foot. Here are some examples for:
At what temperature should you wear it?
Chihuahuas may have fur or no undercoat at all, depending on breed variation. This must be taken into account when collecting your pet. So, at the same temperature, one dog should be dressed in a light sweater, and the other in overalls. The owner should focus on the pet’s well-being: if the body begins to tremble, the animal asks to be held, then it is necessary to return home and dress warmly. At temperatures of +15 degrees, always wear a demi-season overall or blanket. If the readings drop below +1...-2 degrees, you should switch to winter clothing.
Recommendation! You can take your dog for a walk without clothes, and for example, take a sweater with you just in case.
How to find out your collar size
If you know how to determine the size of a dog's overalls, then you can figure out the collar.
In this case, you only need to take one measurement, using a tailor's tape to measure the neck circumference. But, unlike equipment, here you need to place two tightly pressed fingers under the tapes and add 5-6 centimeters to the resulting figure. This is necessary so that the collar does not put pressure, does not choke the dog and does not restrict his movement.
Now you know how to choose clothes for your dog, how to correctly and accurately take body measurements so that the purchased clothes fit perfectly and your dog likes them.
How to choose the right costume for your pet?
The very first rule when buying clothes for a dog is to take your pet with you to the store to try it on. Be prepared right away that the fitting process will take some time, and you will have to try on at least five models to understand which one your “fashionist” or “fashionista” will feel most comfortable in. It is very important that the clothes fit loosely, do not restrict the dog’s movements, do not put pressure on the paws, neck, but at the same time do not “dangle”.
Clothing must match the pet's breed, taking into account its breed characteristics. There are separate sizes for dachshunds, corgis, bulldogs and pugs; you should not try to squeeze them into overalls for other breeds: they will be uncomfortable in the neck for bulldogs, and the length will not suit dachshunds. For hairless breeds, you should choose clothes with neat seams. Rough seams and textured fabric can cause discomfort for naked people.
The overalls should not be too big, otherwise there is a risk that when going for a walk, urine and feces will get inside the clothes.
Clothes for your pet should be easy to put on and take off. Preference should be given to zippers in the fastener, because Velcro fasteners very quickly become clogged with wool and no longer securely fix the suit.
The presence of a reflective strip on the overalls will allow you to control your pet’s movement in the dark and make it more visible to vehicle drivers. Knitted clothes are beautiful, but not so practical to care for and are not suitable for wearing when walking in wet weather.
When buying clothes, it is not enough to just try them on on a standing dog; you need to see how the pet moves in the new clothes - let him walk around the store for a few minutes.
You can ask the dog to sit, lie down, give a paw and, if possible, move up the stairs. While the dog is moving in new clothes, it is advisable to check with your hands whether the clothes are pulling in the armpits. If the dog behaves in clothes the same way as usual, it is comfortable, then the clothes were chosen well. A small exception to this advice would be dogs trying on clothes for the first time: out of habit, their movements will be noticeably constrained, but within 10–15 minutes the dog begins to behave more freely in a new image.
Scheme for making winter shoes with your own hands
Small pets often do not want to go for walks in winter for one simple reason - they are cold and the first thing they do is their paws. To make walking in the snow as comfortable as possible, we suggest making shoes for dogs with your own hands:
- trace with a pencil the paw of a dog standing on paper - this will be the sole of the shoe;
- measure the volume of the paw - based on this measurement, the stocking is cut;
- add 2 cm to each detail so that the dog is comfortable;
- sew the stocking to the height and sew the resulting cylinder to the base (sole);
- Make a fastener (the best option is Velcro) in two places, top and bottom, so that the stocking fits tightly on the leg.
Make the height of the stocking up to the joint so that the dog can jump freely and bend its paws. Choose a fabric for shoes that is warm and waterproof. Neoprene or raincoat fabric will do. For the base, take rubberized material or make leather stripes.
Sources:
https://akak.ru/recipes/15662-kak-vyibrat-kombinezon-dlya-sobaki-kachestvo https://blog.thezoo.ru/kombinezon-tonkosti-vybora/ https://lovely-dog.ru/odezhda -dlya-sobak/odezhda-i-obuv-dlya-sobak-kak-pravilno-vybrat-ili-poshit-svoimi-rukami/
Off-season
When it’s already cold enough outside to walk without clothes, but still too warm for winter equipment, off-season clothing is very useful.
This type of clothing is extremely necessary for all small and some medium breeds. Light, soft, non-restrictive clothing in which the baby will definitely not freeze, but will feel quite comfortable.
A sweater is not just a comfortable and warm thing, but also beautiful. A huge selection of colors, styles, and patterns will allow you to choose the best option for your pet. Often, along with a sweater, sellers can offer a funny warm hat. When buying knitted clothes for your dog, be sure to pay attention to quality. The composition of the threads must include natural wool, at least 40%.
Blanket or cape
This clothing is suitable for any breed, even large ones that seem not susceptible to freezing. A blanket or cape for dogs is an excellent option for an active walk, jogging, or playing in nature. It does not restrict movement and reliably protects the animal’s back from rain and cold. This type of clothing is very simple and comfortable to wear. Perfect for dogs who don't like to dress up.
There is such a thing as a veterinary or postoperative blanket. Used in case of abdominal operations, wounds or injuries, protecting them from dirt, infection and from the dog itself.
The purpose of autumn clothing for dogs is to protect the animal from cold, wind, and rain. As a rule, autumn overalls are sewn without filling, with a light lining made of flannel or cotton, from light waterproof fabric. For short and long-haired pets, such a jumpsuit is simply necessary. When it rains, the animal will not get wet or get its belly dirty, which will save you from having to wash it or wipe it dry after each walk. It will be enough just to wash your paws.
Clothes for rainy weather - a simple single-layer overalls made of waterproof fabric: bologna, raincoat fabric, polyvinyl chloride. Please note that the fabric from which the raincoats are made is not elastic. In order for the thing not to restrict movement, not to cut or dig in, it must be free.
