Ok, they look adorable without sweaters, too.
But are sweaters just a cute fashion statement, or do Yorkies need sweaters in the winter?
And what about the warmer months? Can you put a sweater on your Yorkshire Terrier even when it’s warm out, if you like the way it looks?
Let’s answer that one right now: no!
Putting a sweater on a dog when it is hot out can result in overheating. We’ll go into a bit more detail below.
Keep reading for that and for the answer to the question about sweaters during cold weather. It is a bit more involved.
Contents
Do Yorkies Need Sweaters In The Winter?
Yes they do, if the weather in your area gets cold enough. In general, you should put a sweater on your Yorkie if temperatures go below 7°C (45°F). But if you dog seems cold despite warmer temperatures, put it in a sweater anyway.
Before we get into more details on why, when and how to have your Yorkie to wear a sweater, let’s take a look at the 5 best Yorkie sweaters on the market. One of these options should be perfect for you and your pup.
Yorkie Sweaters Compared
| Sweater | Material | Colors | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fitwarm Knitted Sweatshirt | Velvet | Gray | $$ | 10 / 10 |
Joytale Turtleneck Sweater | Acrylic | Pink | $$ | 9.3 / 10 |
Blueberry Pet Christmas Sweater | Acrylic | 3 options | $$$ | 9.2 / 10 |
Stinky G Aran Sweater | Acrylic | 8 options | $$ | 9.7 / 10 |
Fitwarm Fleece Jumpsuit | Velvet & Fleece | Gray | $$ | 9.9 / 10 |
We’ll have a bit more information on each of these sweaters in the form of brief reviews a little further below. First, let’s dive a bit deeper into the question at hand.
Why Yorkies Need Sweaters In The Winter
Your Yorkies don’t have an undercoat beneath their long hair. It might look thick enough to insulate them against the cold, but it is not. Do Yorkies get cold easily, then?
Yes, they do. Yorkie hair is thin and simply does not provide sufficient warmth in cold temperatures. That is why you must make sure your pup wears a sweater, jackets or coats as soon as temperatures drop.
In addition, Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that lose body heat faster than their larger counterparts. In other words, their bodies have to work harder to stay warm.
That is one of the reasons for their high activity level. During the colder days of fall and winter, they have a more difficult time staying warm, even indoors with a heater.
You should consider putting a medium-knit sweater on your Yorkies when they are indoors. And when they go out, they should be dressed in a layer or two of thick-knit sweaters. You want them to be as warm as possible, so a hat and boots are also necessary.
Sweaters are necessary even when there’s sunlight during fall and winter. These clothes also protect your Yorkie’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Yorkies have a relatively high risk of skin cancer due to the absence of an undercoat.
Of course, you shouldn’t put your Yorkies in a sweater, not even a lightweight one, during the spring and summer months. Otherwise, they will overheat, and that’s an issue in itself.
Sweaters during the colder months also protect your Yorkies’ beautiful coat from the dust and dirt in the environment. Your pup’s hair will be cleaner and dryer, and also have fewer tangles and knots.
Plus, Yorkies in cute sweaters are just so irresistible! You will find dozens of choices that fit your Yorkies’ distinctive personality, the occasion, and the weather. You can even consider twinning outfits!
Signs That Your Yorkie Needs To Wear Sweaters
If the temperature outdoors plunges below 7°C (45°F), your Yorkies should wear a sweater. However, you don’t have to wait until the thermometer hits 7°C.
If you see signs that your pets are already feeling the cold, have them wear a sweater, no matter the temperature. Some signs to look for are:
- If your Yorkie is shaking more frequently, even when the thermostat has been turned up
- If it finds a warm corner and curls up into a tight little ball
Aside from having them wear sweaters, you should also increase the temperature on the thermostat by a few degrees.
Yorkie Sweater Buying Guide
Always choose practical clothes in which your Yorkies will be warm and comfortable. Their sweaters should be thick enough to provide insulation, yet flexible enough to allow free movement.
Their clothes should cover their shoulders, back, and flank, as well as the chest. On really cold days, it would not be a bad idea to put them in something that covers their legs, too.
Make Sure The Sweater Fits Your Yorkie
Take measurements around your Yorkie’s neck, chest, and waist and along the length of its back. Give an inch of allowance, so the sweaters feel snug but not tight.
Then, compare these measurements with the listed measurements provided by the dog clothing manufacturer and make your choice accordingly. Getting the right size clothes for your Yorkie is extremely important.
Skip The Fancy Bells And Whistles
Lace, ribbons, and studs make dog clothes more attractive, but these are usually just bells and whistles. Many of these extra features can also become choking and strangulation hazards for your Yorkie. Your pets are better off with functional winter clothes with cute patterns.
You may want to wash the newly-delivered dog clothes before letting your Yorkies wear them for the first time. You don’t want them to be exposed to possible allergens.
Best Sweaters For Yorkies
We chose these sweaters based on their functionality in terms of keeping Yorkies warm, as well as for their snug fit, reasonable prices, and ease of washing.
Fitwarm Knitted Sweatshirt For Dogs
This is a thick sweater that will keep your precious Yorkie cozy and comfortable in and out of your home. It has a hood, too, for keeping the head as warm as possible. Its waistline, cuffs, and hood are lined with a soft, fake fur type of material that’s both stylish and comfy.
Joytale Turtleneck Flower Studded Sweater
With its pastel pink color and flower designs, it’s a great sweater for a female Yorkie. It looks especially good on a gray yorkie, since the pink contrasts gray nicely.
While it seems frilly, it’s a functional sweater that will keep your fur baby warm in winter. But take note that the knitted flowers have small pearly beads in their middle, so it’s best for older Yorkies.
Blueberry Pet Christmas Sweater For Dogs
If vintage dog clothes are your style, then you will love the Blueberry Pet Christmas dog sweater. They are available in more than ten patterns, so there will always be a style suitable for your pet’s personality. They are made of 100% acrylic material and are easy to wash.
As a bonus, every pattern for the dog sweater is also available in a matching sweater for you! You and your Yorkie can parade in the park in matching sweaters. Did we mention that the pet sweater even has a slot for a leash attachment?
Stinky G Dog Aran Sweater
The name may be funny, but the sweaters are fabulous! The Stinky G sweater comes in many different colors, such as pink and camel, and each one is made of thick material. Your Yorkie will be as warm as toast whenever it is in this sweater.
Fitwarm Fuzzy Fleece Thermal Dog Jumpsuit
Is your Yorkie feeling the chill more than ever? Then, you should put it in a Fitwarm jumpsuit, which will cover its entire body as well as its four feet! The thick fabric will keep it warm during the coldest winter nights. Not to mention that it will look cute in photos!
Yorkie Sweaters: Conclusion
To summarize, Yorkies need clothes during the cold months, but not because they need more cuteness. It’s not about fashion at all.
They need protective clothes to stay warm. This ensures they stay healthy and happy. A good sweater can actually be the difference between life or death, so make sure you have a pair or two for each of your Yorkies!
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