Dog Sweater Size & Fit Guide by Breed

Jax & Molly's Fit Guide

Dog Sweater Size & Fit Guide by Breed

We've spent years testing and perfecting our sweater patterns on real dogs of every shape. Here's what we've learned about each body type, paired with AKC and breed-club standards. Chest measurement always decides.
Tap your pup's breed to see where we'd start and what to watch for. Don't see yours? Pick the closest body type, or ask us.

Pit Bulls & bully breeds

APBT about 30–60 lbAmStaff about 40–70 lbStaffy about 24–38 lb
Red and white reindeer fleece dog sweater on a gray bully breed dog, indoors, customer photoBlack and white houndstooth fleece dog sweater with black turtleneck on a smiling pit bull, indoors, customer photoTeal and gray turtleneck fleece dog sweater on a blue-gray pit bull outdoors on grass, customer photo

Real customer photos from our reviews.

Where we'd start
Weight lands near S to XL depending on breed type. Pick the row that matches your dog's chest, then confirm back length and neck. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
These dogs often have more chest and less back length than a weight-based chart expects. Measure the chest and neck first, then check the back length. Our read: a thick neck needs a generous neck opening that still sits close at the base.
Body type
Deep, broad chest, a thick muscular neck that often tapers little from the head, and a fairly short back. American Bullies run bulkier and wider-set than the other bully breeds, and their registries publish heights, not weights.

Boston Terriers

Up to 25 lb (AKC)Square, compact body
Blue leopard print fleece dog sweater on a black and white Boston Terrier sitting indoors, customer photoOrange and teal Aztec print fleece dog sweater with teal collar on a Boston Terrier sitting indoors, customer photoBlack and white leopard print fleece dog sweater on a Boston Terrier standing on a wooden deck, side view, customer photo

Real customer photos from our reviews.

Where we'd start
Weight lands near XS to S. Measure the chest and let it decide, especially for a stocky dog at the top of the weight range. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
Broad-chested breeds like Bostons are often described as needing extra chest room with less back length than average. Our read: a sweater that runs long can bunch past the tail, so check back length as well as chest.
Body type
Compact and square, with a deep, fairly broad chest, a short back and a short smooth coat. The AKC standard allows three weight classes, under 15 lb up to 25 lb.

French Bulldogs

Up to 28 lb (AKC)Broad, deep chest
Purple and blue watercolor fleece dog sweater on a brindle French Bulldog sitting indoors, customer photo

Real customer photos from our reviews.

Where we'd start
Weight lands near S to M. Choose by chest, then check that the back length is not much longer than your Frenchie's. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
Stocky dogs can be a weaker fit for weight-based sizing: the chest and neck are often large for the length of the back. A sweater that is snug through the shoulders can restrict movement, and one that is too long hangs past the tail.
Body type
A thick, well-arched neck, a broad, deep chest, a tucked-up belly and a short back, with loose skin around the neck and shoulders.

Dachshunds

Miniature 11 lb and underStandard about 16–32 lb

Have a Dachshund in one of our sweaters? Send us a photo and we'll feature your pup here.

Where we'd start
Weight lands near 2XS to XS for miniatures and XS+ to M for standards. Match the chest row, then make sure the back length reaches the start of the tail. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
Back length matters most: it decides whether a sweater is long enough, while the chest and neck decide whether it fits at all. Dachshund owners also report that loose leg openings can catch short legs. Dogs between the miniature and standard classes should be measured, not guessed.
Body type
A long, fully muscled body on short legs, with a prominent breastbone, an oval chest that extends low and a long neck. Smooth, wirehaired and longhaired coats all exist.

Corgis

Pembroke up to about 28–30 lbLong body, short legs

Have a Corgi in one of our sweaters? Send us a photo and we'll feature your pup here.

Where we'd start
Weight lands near S to M. Choose by chest, then check back length against the chart. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
Short-legged dogs keep their bellies close to snow and cold ground, so coverage matters. Our read: because the body is long, a size picked by weight may leave the back too short, and the neck ruff can add bulk, so confirm back length and neck.
Body type
Per the AKC standard, the Pembroke's body is about 40% longer than it is tall, with a deep chest set low between short legs and a fuller ruff of fur around the neck and chest.

Greyhounds, Whippets & Italian Greyhounds

Greyhound about 60–70 lbWhippet about 25–40 lbItalian Greyhound about 7–14 lb
Red and gray plaid moose fleece dog sweater on a whippet puppy, indoors, customer photo

Real customer photos from our reviews.

Where we'd start
Weight lands near L+ to XL (Greyhound), M to M+ (Whippet) and 2XS to XS (Italian Greyhound). Measure the chest at its deepest point and use that row. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
For long necks, the AKC advises measuring lower than the collar sits. Our read: a sweater long enough to cover the deep chest must also stay put at the tuck-up, so back length and a close neck opening both matter. Tip: on made-to-order pages, open the optional “Unique build?” box and add your dog's breed, a note for our studio and a side-view photo, so we can double-check the fit before we cut.
Body type
Very deep chest, long slender neck and a pronounced tuck-up at the waist. Short, fine coats give little insulation, and the AKC notes these breeds often benefit from sweaters in cold weather.

Great Danes

About 110–180 lbGiant, deep chest
Rainbow dinosaur cotton dog pajamas on a Great Dane sitting indoors, customer photo

Real customer photos from our reviews.

Where we'd start
Most adult Danes weigh more than our weight guide covers, so go by chest. The XXL to 4XL rows are custom sizes: contact us with your dog's measurements before ordering. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
Our read: we found no published Great Dane sweater-fit guidance, so measure carefully. A deep chest, tuck-up and long legs mean chest and back length may not track weight.
Body type
A long, high-set neck, a broad, deep chest and a short level back with a clear tuck-up. The breed club describes the Dane as a square dog, and short, smooth coats mean little protection from the cold.

Chihuahuas

Up to 6 lb (AKC)Up to 6½ lb (UKC)
Leopard print fleece dog sweater on a tan Chihuahua wrapped in a blanket, customer photoGreen and black plaid fleece dog sweater on a merle Chihuahua outdoors, customer photoPink plaid fleece dog sweater with white sherpa turtleneck on a small white Chihuahua, customer photo

Real customer photos from our reviews.

Where we'd start
Most adults fall below our smallest weight guide. Start at 2XS by chest. 3XS is a custom size, available on request. See the size chart ↓
What to watch for
The AKC and PetMD both note that Chihuahuas feel the cold and often need a sweater. Our read: at this size a quarter inch matters, so measure twice, and a long-coated dog may need a bit more room at the neck.
Body type
A small, slightly arched neck, a level topline and a body slightly longer than tall. Smooth coats have a neck ruff, and long coats have a large neck ruff and feathering.
Breed weights come from breed standards and kennel-club or vet references (see Sources below). “Weight lands near” maps those weights onto our weight guide only. Notes marked Our read are our own fit judgment.
Not sure of the size?

Measure standing, then use the chart.

Chest circumference is the most important measurement when choosing a size. For every measurement, have your pup stand naturally on all four paws, just like in our How to Measure guide. A standing dog gives the truest numbers.
Most importantChest circumference
Measure around the widest part of the rib cage, behind the front legs, while your dog stands naturally.
Supporting measureBack length
With your dog standing, measure from the bottom of the neck to the start of the tail. Not higher, and not longer.
Supporting guideNeck + weight
Neck at its widest point. Helpful for confirming your choice, but dogs of the same weight can have very different proportions.
Made-to-order fit help

Our fit system has your dog's back.

Enter your dog's measurements on a made-to-order product page and our fit system checks them against the size you picked, so you're never left guessing.
Back longer than the sizeWe'll offer extra length
If your dog's back measures longer than that size, the system notices and gives you the option to add length.
Keep it true to measureAdd only what's needed
When we customize, the underbelly gets longer too. So please skip the “just in case” extra length and trust your measurement.
Back shorter than the sizeJust ask us
If your dog is shorter in the back than our size, reach out and we'll confirm the next steps. If you measured correctly, we'll shorten it for you.
Our full size chart

Find your dog's size.

Compare your dog's measurements to the chart. All measurements are in inches and describe your dog's body, not the garment. If your dog falls between sizes, let the chest measurement decide.
Made-to-order size chart, in inches
Size Chest (widest) Back length Neck (widest) Weight guide
3XS* 14 10 9 –
2XS 16 12 10 8–10 lb
XS 18 14 12 10–15 lb
XS+ 20 15 13 15–20 lb
S 22 16 14 20–25 lb
M 24 18 16 25–35 lb
M+ 26 19 17 35–45 lb
L 28 21 18 45–55 lb
L+ 30 22 19 55–65 lb
XL 32 23 20 65–75 lb
XXL* 34 24 21 –
XXL+* 36 25 23 –
3XL* 38 27 24 –
4XL* 40 29 25 –
*Custom size, available upon request. Weight is an approximate guideline and is shown only for sizes where we publish one. Our ready-to-ship “XXS” uses the same measurements as 2XS. For the best fit, compare your pup's measurements to the chart.
!
Don't choose a size by weight alone.
Two dogs can weigh exactly the same and have completely different chest, neck and back measurements. Whenever possible, measure before ordering.
Smaller or bigger than the chart?

Hard to fit? We can size it to your dog.

Many dogs fall outside a standard chart: deep-chested, long-backed, tiny or very large. Sizes marked * on the chart (3XS and XXL through 4XL) are custom sizes, available on request. Send us your dog's chest, back length and neck measurements before you order and we'll confirm the best option. On made-to-order pajamas, sweaters and sport jerseys, you can also open the optional “Unique build?” box to add your dog's breed, a note for our studio and a side-view photo (standing, all four paws on the floor, whole body, next to a familiar item for scale). Made-to-order pieces are made in 5 days or less before they ship.
Shop by style

Find your dog's sweater.

All dog sweatersSoft anti-pill fleece in plaid, sherpa and turtleneck styles, in stock and made to order.Plaid dog sweatersBuffalo checks, tartans and flannel-inspired plaids.Sherpa dog sweatersPlush sherpa hoods and turtlenecks for extra warmth.Solid color sweatersTimeless shades, many with sherpa turtlenecks or hoods.Ready-to-ship sweatersIn stock and shipping in 1–2 business days.Made-to-order sweatersCustom-fit fleece sweaters sized to your dog's measurements.
Questions

Dog sweater sizing, answered.

Should I choose a dog sweater size by weight or by chest?
By chest. Chest circumference is the most important measurement. Weight is only an approximate guideline, because dogs of the same weight can have very different chest, neck and back measurements.
What if my dog is between two sizes?
Let the chest measurement guide your decision. If you are still unsure, contact us with your dog's chest, back length and neck measurements and we will help you choose.
How do I measure my dog for a sweater?
Have your dog stand naturally, then measure around the widest part of the chest, from the bottom of the neck to the start of the tail (not higher, not longer), and around the neck at its widest point. Our How to Measure Your Dog guide shows each step.
What if my dog's back is longer or shorter than the size I chose?
If it's longer, our fit system notices as you enter measurements and offers extra length. If it's shorter, contact us and we'll confirm the next steps. Once we've confirmed you measured correctly, we can shorten it for you. Either way, measure with your dog standing, and only add length your measurement calls for.
My dog is smaller or larger than your standard sizes. Can you still make a sweater?
Yes. Our chart runs from 3XS to 4XL, and the sizes marked * (3XS and XXL through 4XL) are custom sizes available on request. Contact us with your dog's chest, back length and neck measurements before ordering and we will confirm the best option.
How long do made-to-order sweaters take?
Made-to-order pieces are made in 5 days or less before they ship. If you need a sweater sooner, browse our ready-to-ship sweaters, which ship in 1–2 business days.
What are your dog sweaters made of?
Our sweaters are handmade from soft anti-pill fleece, and select styles have plush sherpa hoods or turtlenecks for extra warmth.
Where the breed notes come from

Sources

Breed weights and body descriptions are paraphrased from the references below. Fit advice is general guidance, since sizing varies by dog and by brand. No breed standard tells you what sweater size to buy, so use your own measurements and our chart.
Not sure which size?

We'd rather help before you guess.

Visit our measuring guide for step-by-step instructions, or contact us with your dog's measurements if you need help choosing between sizes.
How to MeasureContact Us
Same breed, different body. Measure first.