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The 10 Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters for Dogs

| November 29, 2014

Why do humans get to have all the fun? This Christmas include the dog in the annual Ugly Sweater Contest. With one of these sweaters, he might just win!


#1 – Gingerbread Man

The look on this dog’s face says it all. This is just not an attractive sweater. But it might help you win the ugly sweater contest.

Image source: Amazon.com
Image source: Amazon.com

#2 – Mitten Scarf Sweater

The placement of the mittens on this sweater is just weird. Dog’s don’t even wear mittens for that matter…

Image source: TheNewYorkDogShop.com
Image source: TheNewYorkDogShop.com

#3 – Green Christmas Tree

This ugly sweater has the worst Christmas tree we have ever seen. And we understand it’s a dog sweater, but bones have nothing to do with Christmas.


Image source: UglyChristmasSweaterStore.com
Image source: UglyChristmasSweaterStore.com

#4 – Dino Christmas

Okay so the bones, at least, have to do with dogs. But what do Dinosaurs, a Christmas tree, and your dog have in common? This shirt apparently. It’s even customizable.

Image source: Zazzle.com
Image source: Zazzle.com


#5 – Santa Sweater

This lovely sweater is supposed to be “Santa.” Instead, it looks like your dog has a line of eyeballs down her back, strapped in with a faux belt. I guess that’s how Santa knows if you’ve been naughty or nice, he has eyes everywhere.

Image source: TheNewYorkDogShop.com
Image source: TheNewYorkDogShop.com

#6 – Chilly Dog Elf

Most dog’s would probably chew off the pom-poms on this sweater, and would you blame them? Without those, it might be passable.


Image source: UglyChristmasSweaterStore.com
Image source: UglyChristmasSweaterStore.com

#7 – A “Rudy” Christmas Sweater

This sweater features just one pom-pom, right on your dog’s back. Can we say awkwaard? At least your dog will be comfy in it, it’s made from super soft Alpaca wool.

Image source: Etsy.com
Image source: Etsy.com


#8 – Fireplace Dog Sweater

Nothing like a nice roaring fire for Christmas. This sweater’s crowning feature? 3D stockings hung on the fireplace mantle.

Image source: Festified.com
Image source: Festified.com

#9 – Winter Lights

The colors are just all wrong on this Christmas Sweater. The bear looks weird too.


Image source. Baxterboo.com
Image source. Baxterboo.com

#10 – Sparkling Red and White Dog Sweater

It looks like you dressed your dog in something the vacuum ate. Or maybe your dog had a tussle with the vacuum while wearing this sweater. Either way, it definitely fits the ugly Christmas sweater category.

Image source. Baxterboo.com
Image source. Baxterboo.com


Frequently Ask Questions:

Dogs usually have fur or hair, but they may not have enough to protect their skin during the winter months. Pet owners in colder climates may want to help their dog out with a dog sweater this season, especially funny options or even an ugly sweater for Christmas parties. Discover everything you want to know about the Best Dog Christmas Sweaters here and start shopping for your pup. 

Do Dogs Like Christmas Sweaters?

Not every dog enjoys wearing a sweater, and some will spend their entire day trying to remove anything other than fur on their skin. However, other dogs adore the warmth and scent of home sweaters, and dog hoodies bring. 


Those who scoff at the thought of covering a dog may dismiss this as a trivial concern, but many dog owners have witnessed their pets trembling during snowy nights. Others are completely on board with dressing the dogs up in funny costumes for every holiday.

Here’s something to think about if you are still on the fence: Dogs have their own built-in mechanism for keeping the elements at bay, but some breeds have naturally thinner coats than others. A dog who gets cold will love a sweater if it provides warmth, smells like their humans, and does not irritate their skin. 

What Makes The Best Ugly Dog Christmas Sweater?

Make the fabric the focus for the best ugly dog Christmas sweater. Dogs will not wear a scratchy or annoying sweater, especially one that makes noise or jingles. Go for high-quality materials like wool, cotton, or jersey. Avoid any sweater that hinders your dog’s ability to run, jump, eat, or enjoy any other of their favorite activities.


How To Measure A Dog For A Sweater?

You need to measure your dog before buying them clothing to make sure the sweater fits properly. Start by taking circumference measurements around his neck, girth (chest depth), and height. You should also check that the leg holes are not too tight and will not limit your range of motion. An appropriate dog sweater should fit snugly but not too tightly. With these three easy measurements, you can find a sweater for your puppy that will fit her like a glove and keep her toasty, secure, and out of harm’s way. 

Determine the length by taking a measurement from the bottom of the collar to the bottom of the tail. Using this standard, you can accurately gauge the size of a dog’s coat. The circumference around the middle and the length of the neck are two more potential indicators. Finally, take a measurement at the nape of the neck, at the point where a collar would rest. Now you are ready to shop!

Does My Dog Need A Sweater?

As should be obvious by now, dogs should not (and cannot) wear pants, but they might need to wear sweaters or jackets. If you live in a warm area and your dog does not appear cold, then they do not need a sweater. This does not mean they cannot wear them, though!


How Should A Dog Sweater Fit?

Dog sweaters should fit snugly without restricting the dog’s range of motion. Furthermore, they must not be oversized, which can lead to injuries. The sweater should cover their belly if it’s meant to keep them warm, but it is not necessary if it’s just for style. Also, sweaters that are too tiny may pinch your hand in these locations, while sweaters that are too big will gap in these areas, increasing the risk of tangling and snagging.

What’s The Best Way To Get Your Dog To Leave A Sweater On?

The simplest answer to getting your dog to wear a sweater is to start early and get your puppy used to wearing a sweater or coat. It may be enough to just display the garment to him and let him sniff it if he is an older man. However, even if they have never worn a coat before, many dogs will take it in stride, as most dogs are very adaptable.

Next, try sleeping or sitting on the sweater for several days before putting it on them. Dogs are highly sensitive to scent and feel most at home with the scents of their family. Also, wash the sweater in allergenic-friendly soap a few times to make it extra soft and worn in for your pup. 


Gather it into a knot so that the top of your head is covered. You can use this to your dog’s advantage by holding a reward in one hand and the neck hole in front of your pet’s face. If you put a reward in the hole at the dog’s neck, he or she will follow the treat. Give your dog the reward after putting the sweater around his neck. Put down the sweater your dog is wearing right now. Reward your dog every time he successfully fits his head through the opening of the collar. 

After a few training sessions, your dog’s head should be able to fit through the neck hole. As you carefully lift each leg of the sweater, treat your dog. Whether your dog resists having the sweater placed on him, give him a few minutes to calm down and determine if he wants to try it on again. Remember, some dogs will never wear a sweater, no matter how much you want them to, and that’s their prerogative.

When Should I Put A Sweater On My Dog?

Very few dogs have a more difficult time maintaining their body temperature when outside for long periods in the cold, so they may benefit from wearing a sweater or coat. Your dog may also require cold weather gear if it is a short-haired breed or if it is originally from a warm climate. Dogs like the Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound and Chinese Crested fall under this category.


Can My Dog Sleep In A Sweater?

No dog, regardless of breed, should never be left alone in a sweater while sleeping. Since the dog sweater’s main function is to keep the dog’s body heat in while it is outside, this makes a lot of sense. Truth be told, dogs should only wear sweaters outdoors to avoid changing how their body reacts to temperature. Unfortunately, this can lead to them relying on sweaters for warmth. 

Should I Buy My Dog A Sweater?

A dog may feel uneasy in clothing and should never be coerced into wearing a sweater or jacket. While many canines appreciate the extra warmth in the winter, it is best to ease your dog into wearing the coat indoors by having it do so for brief periods of time. Then, if the person is unresponsive or strikes the “freeze in place” position, you should abandon the plan and try something else. 

Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs are just two examples of little, toy, and tiny short-haired breeds. Due to their small size, puppies have difficulty producing and retaining enough body heat to stay warm. Furthermore, slouchy dogs, like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, are known for their thick coats; their bellies are still low enough to the ground that they brush against snow and ice. 

Poodles and other long-haired dog breeds like them are frequently groomed short. The protective qualities of their coats may be compromised if they are groomed. Greyhounds and Whippets, two lean, short-haired dog breeds, also need warmth in the winter to reduce arthritis or to help with a compromised immune system. Age-related declines in regulating body temperature can make even a well-insulated dog miserable in the winter.

Who Makes Funny Christmas Dog Sweaters?

The New York Dog Shop offers a variety of adorable sweaters for dogs. Find affordable options like a Fairisle plush, gingerbread man, Christmas tree, penguin, and more. The Baxter Boo shop online offers some hilarious ugly and funny sweaters for dogs during the holidays. Our favorite option includes antlers perfect for picture time.

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