Which ugly Christmas sweaters fit your dog’s breed, and which sets match you?

Which ugly Christmas sweaters fit your dog’s breed?

The ugly Christmas sweaters that fit your dog’s breed are the ones whose size chart matches your dog’s body shape: long and low, broad-chested, deep-chested and lean, tiny, or extra large. Breed is only a starting point, so treat this table as a map, then measure your own dog (the steps are below).

Tipsy Elves sells dog Christmas sweaters too, like its Santa Claws dog sweater, but its store wouldn’t let us read its listings on November 8, 2026, so we can’t tell you its dog sizes. Check the chart on each Tipsy Elves listing before you order. UglyChristmasSweater.com had no dog sweaters among its 350 products that day.

Does your dog actually need a Christmas sweater?

Many dogs don’t need a sweater, but plenty enjoy one: the American Kennel Club (AKC) says small, hairless, lean, short-legged, shaved, very young and older dogs benefit most, while healthy large dogs with thick coats can overheat. Here’s what the AKC’s two guides say, dog type by dog type:

The AKC puts the big-dog point plainly in its sweater guide:

Large breeds of dogs who are healthy and have a thick coat of fur generally don’t need to wear sweaters and could even overheat in them.

How cold is too cold for a dog at a holiday party?

There isn’t one temperature that’s too cold for every dog, says veterinarian Dr. Jolee Stegemoller in the AKC’s winter coat guide, but she gives a simple rule for outdoor play: if the windchill is below 20 degrees, playtime should be kept short, [in] 15–20-minute sessions, and then give the dog time to warm up inside. She also weighs whether a dog has a double coat (she names the Husky, Malamute and Labrador Retriever) and health concerns like being underweight, heart disease or arthritic joints. For an indoor ugly sweater party in a warm room, a thick-coated dog may be happiest in a sweater for the photos and a festive bandana for the rest of the night.

How do you measure a dog for an ugly Christmas sweater?

Measure a dog for an ugly Christmas sweater with a soft tape while your dog stands: the neck, the chest and the back length. The AKC’s sweater guide says it simply: Sweater measurements usually include the length of your dog’s back, around their chest, and the size of your dog’s neck.

1. A, the neck: around the base of the neck, roughly where the collar sits (that’s how Spark Paws’ sizing guide puts it).
2. B, the chest: around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.
3. C, the back length: from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, which is how UglySweaters.com’s dog chart measures it.

Which number decides the size depends on the store. UglySweaters.com’s chart says Back length is the one that matters, and Blueberry Pet and Leopold’s name their sizes after the back length (Blueberry Pet’s 16” fits a 16-inch back; Leopold’s M/41 fits a 41-centimeter back). Between two sizes, UglySweaters.com says to go up one. A good fit matters for safety, too: the AKC warns that A baggy sweater can result in your dog getting caught or tangled in the sweater, and that a sweater that’s too tight can restrict movement.

Why does the same dog get a different size at every store?

The same dog gets a different size at every store because each maker builds its chart around a different body shape. On Blueberry Pet’s chart, the chest is about 1.4 to 1.6 times the back length; on Leopold’s dachshund chart, about the same as the back; and on UglySweaters.com’s chart, as printed, only about 0.7 to 0.8 times the back.

Here’s what that means for a real order. Say your dog measures 16 inches down the back and 22 inches around the chest. At Blueberry Pet, the 16” size (back 16 inches, chest 21-25 inches) fits both numbers. At Leopold’s, the 16-inch back lands on M/41, but that size’s chest tops out at about 16 inches, so the dachshund cut isn’t built for this dog. At UglySweaters.com, the 16-inch back falls between XS (15 inches) and S (17.7 inches), so you’d go up to S, and the S chest is printed as 12 inches around, 10 inches less than this dog’s. A knit stretches, but not that much, so ask UglySweaters.com to confirm the chest for your dog’s size before you order a sweater that’s knitted to order.

What ugly sweater fits a dachshund, corgi or other long-backed dog?

A long-backed dog like a dachshund needs an ugly sweater sized by back length, from a chart where the chest isn’t much bigger than the length. Size a wiener dog by chest on a broad-chest chart and the sweater can stop well short of the tail.

Leopold’s, a German shop, makes knitted sweaters it says are specially designed for dachshunds and other long-backed dogs. Its merino knitted dog sweater comes in XS/34 to XL/51, where the number is the back length in centimeters (13.4 to 20.1 inches), with chests of 31-35 to 45-49 centimeters. The listing names the Standard, Miniature and Rabbit Dachshund, plus the Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Bichon Frisé, Chihuahua, Pug and Shih Tzu. It’s a plain cozy knit rather than an ugly one, so add the holiday spirit with a red-and-green collar bandana. For a tackier look, dachshund Christmas sweaters on Amazon come from lots of sellers; read the back length on each listing’s chart.

Corgis are long-backed too, and thick-coated. The AKC’s coat guide says that While Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have thick fur, they can also benefit from wearing a coat since they may come into direct contact with snow or ice because of their short stature. So a corgi may enjoy a sweater outside in the snow more than at a warm indoor party.

Are there ugly Christmas sweaters for wiener dog lovers, too?

Yes: plenty of people wear the wiener dog on their own sweater. You’ll find wiener dog ugly Christmas sweaters for people on Amazon, and UglyChristmasSweater.com sells a Queen Corgi Dog Lovers adult sweater in S to 2XL for corgi fans. Pair one with your dog’s sweater in the same red or green and you’ve got a matching set without hunting for one.

What fits a French Bulldog or another broad-chested dog?

A broad-chested dog like a French Bulldog needs a sweater sized by chest first, from a chart that gives lots of chest for each inch of back. Blueberry Pet’s chart does (about 1.4 to 1.6 inches of chest per inch of back), and Spark Paws builds its biggest knits for this shape. Spark Paws’ Christmas Knit Dog Sweater comes in S to 4XL, and its FAQ answers the bully-breed question directly: Yes, our 2XL-4XL sizes are specifically tailored for broad chested bully breeds. The same FAQ says the knit is stretchy and won’t shrink if you machine wash cold and line dry.

Here’s a thing that makes us grin every time: a dachshund in a reindeer knit. All that sweater, all that dog, and the pattern still makes it all the way to the tail.

After the chest, check the neck (Blueberry Pet lists 9½ to 21 inches across its sizes) and the length: sizing up for a broad chest also makes the sweater longer, which a short-backed dog may not need. Amazon has French Bulldog Christmas sweaters too, often with chest-first charts.

What about greyhounds, whippets and other deep-chested dogs?

Greyhounds, Whippets and other deep-chested, lean dogs need a sweater sized by the chest at its deepest point, then checked for back length, because their waist is much narrower than their chest. The AKC says these dogs frequently benefit from sweaters during cold weather since they don’t have a lot of fur or body fat to insulate them. A stretchy knit hugs a narrow waist better than a stiff one, and a sweater that hangs loose under the belly can catch a leg.

What size Christmas sweater fits a Chihuahua?

A Chihuahua usually needs the smallest size a store makes, so check that the chest and neck aren’t too big rather than too small. The smallest sizes we found on November 8, 2026: Blueberry Pet’s 8” (back 8 inches, neck 9½ inches, chest 12-14 inches); Leopold’s XS/34 (back 13.4 inches, chest about 12.2-13.8 inches), which lists the Chihuahua among its breeds; and UglySweaters.com’s 2XS (back 11.8 inches), whose chart notes that The smaller sizes fit cats. Amazon has Chihuahua Christmas sweaters in XS and XXS as well.

Where can you find an ugly Christmas sweater for an extra large dog?

For an extra large dog, the biggest Christmas sweaters we found were Blueberry Pet’s 22” size (back 22 inches, neck 21 inches, chest 30¼-33 inches), Spark Paws’ Christmas knits to 4XL and its Christmas hoodies and pajamas to 5XL, and UglySweaters.com’s 2XL knit (back 31.1 inches). Spark Paws’ hoodie and pajama charts are on each listing, so measure first and compare.

Before you buy, think about the coat. A German Shepherd, Husky, Malamute or Lab with a thick double coat is built for cold, and the AKC says healthy thick-coated large dogs could overheat in a sweater. For those dogs, a light Christmas hoodie for large dogs or a big festive bandana worn for the photos may be the kinder choice than a heavy knit all evening.

Which matching dog and owner ugly sweater sets come in your size?

On November 8, 2026, matching dog and owner sets went up to a 3XL for people at UglySweaters.com, XXL at Blueberry Pet and 2XL at Spark Paws, with dog sizes from tiny to extra large. Here’s every set we found, with the sizes for both of you:

Two more sets at Blueberry Pet, the Navy Blue Fair Isle and the Christmas Reindeer, match the dog’s sweater with a scarf and hat for you rather than a sweater. On the people’s side, UglySweaters.com’s 3XL crew measures 26.75 inches across laid flat (about 53.5 inches around, the store says to double it), and Blueberry Pet’s size guide lists a 50-inch chest for its XXL. Blueberry Pet’s Tango Red is the only set we found with toddler sizes, so a whole family plus the dog can match; our kids’ ugly sweater guide has more on kids’ sizes. Amazon has matching dog and owner Christmas sweaters from many sellers, too; check that both charts are on the listing.

What if no matching set comes in your size?

If no matching set comes in your size, match the theme or the colors instead. UglyChristmasSweater.com’s Peanuts Snoopy Dog House sweater runs from XS to 5XL, so a 4X or 5X dog lover can wear a dog on their sweater while the real dog wears any red knit. Our plus-size ugly sweater guide lists where 4X, 5X and 6X sweaters are sold. Pick the same main color for both of you and the photo will still read as a set.

Are funny and light-up dog ugly sweaters safe?

Funny dog ugly sweaters are fine when they fit well and you stay close, but skip light-up battery packs, bells and loose pom-poms on a dog, because dogs chew. The AKC’s advice is to Avoid leaving your dog unattended while they’re wearing a sweater, since dogs can get tangled. Keep the jokes office-safe, too: a reindeer, a gingerbread dog, an elf or a “Santa’s little helper” sweater gets the laugh at any party. Browse funny dog Christmas sweaters with that in mind.

How do you get a dog used to a sweater before the party?

Get a dog used to a sweater in short, happy practice sessions in the days before the party, with praise and small treats, and take it off while your dog is still relaxed. The AKC’s steps: let your dog sniff the sweater on the floor or in your hand, put it on with praise and treats, keep it on for a very short time, then lengthen each session. Play with a favorite toy while the sweater is on. As the AKC puts it, The more familiar your dog becomes with wearing their sweater, the longer they can comfortably wear one.

When should you order a dog and owner ugly sweater set for Christmas 2026?

Order a dog and owner set by mid-November if it’s knitted to order: UglySweaters.com’s listings say to Order by Nov 15 for delivery before Christmas, and its knits take about two weeks on the needles. National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is Friday, December 18, 2026, according to National Today, which is a week before Christmas, so leave extra time if you want the set for an office party that day. Ready-made sets ship sooner, but sizes go first: on November 8, 2026, three of the six people’s sizes and two of the eight dog sizes in Blueberry Pet’s Tango Red set were already sold out. Hosting? Our 2026 ugly sweater party checklist has the invite dates, and our contest guide has fair categories and ballots, so the best-dressed pair can win something.

Off you go, tinsel twin: three numbers, one good chart, and you two are ready to be the best-matched pair at the party.

Sources and further reading

• AKC: Does Your Dog Need a Sweater? (Sassafras Patterdale, CPDT-KA, CTDI, updated March 3, 2026) — which dogs benefit; overheating; measuring; fit; supervision; getting used to a sweater
• AKC: Does My Dog Need a Winter Coat? (Sassafras Patterdale, updated November 14, 2025) — short dogs, Corgis, thick-coated breeds; Dr. Jolee Stegemoller’s windchill rule
• UglySweaters.com: Reindeer Classic Matching Christmas Sweaters for Dog and Owner (read November 8, 2026) — you 3XS-3XL, dog 2XS-2XL; dog chart (chest around, back length); order by Nov 15
• UglySweaters.com: Reindeer Classic Dog Christmas Sweater — knitted pet sweater sold alone, 2XS-2XL
• Blueberry Pet: Tango Red Holiday Family Matching Sweater (read November 8, 2026) — dog sweater size guide 8"-22" (back, neck, chest); men’s and kids’ size guides
• Blueberry Pet: Holiday Family Sweater, True Red — people XS-XXL; dogs 10"-22"; 100% acrylic
• Blueberry Pet: Fair Isle Family Matching Dog Sweater — people S-XXL; dogs 10"-20"
• Blueberry Pet: Charm Fair Isle Dog Sweater — owner cardigan XS-XXL
• Spark Paws: Christmas Knit Dog Sweater — S-4XL; FAQ on broad-chested bully breeds, stretch and washing
• Spark Paws: Christmas Dog Hoodies — S-5XL; matching human hoodies S-2XL
• Spark Paws: Dog Christmas Pajamas — S-5XL; matching human top and pants S-2XL
• Spark Paws: Sizing Your Dog’s Sweater (August 14, 2026) — neck where the collar sits; chest; back length
• Leopold’s: Bordeaux-Colored Knitted Dog Sweater — dachshund cut; XS/34-XL/51 cm back length; suited breeds
• UglyChristmasSweater.com: Peanuts Snoopy Dog House Ugly Christmas Sweater — XS-5XL
• UglyChristmasSweater.com: Queen Corgi Dog Lovers adult sweater — S-2XL
• Tipsy Elves: Santa Claws dog sweater — listing not readable by our tools on November 8, 2026; sizes not checked
• Pet Poison Helpline: Batteries — disc and lithium battery burns; don’t induce vomiting; (855) 764-7661
• National Capital Poison Center: Swallowed a button battery? — severe damage in just 2 hours; 800-498-8666
• National Today: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day — December 18, 2026

Questions and answers

What size sweater does my dog need?

Measure your dog’s back length (base of the neck to the base of the tail), chest (widest part, just behind the front legs) and neck, then match those numbers on the store’s own chart. Charts differ a lot from brand to brand, and between two sizes UglySweaters.com says to go up one.

Do dogs actually need sweaters?

Some do. The AKC says small and toy dogs, hairless and lean short-coated breeds, short-legged dogs, shaved dogs, young puppies and seniors benefit most, while healthy large dogs with thick coats generally don’t need sweaters and could even overheat in them.

Where can I get matching Christmas sweaters for me and my dog?

On November 8, 2026, UglySweaters.com sold 10 knitted dog-and-owner Christmas sets (you 3XS-3XL, dog 2XS-2XL), Blueberry Pet sold family sets with people’s sizes up to XXL and dog sizes from 8 to 22 inches, and Spark Paws sold matching Christmas hoodies and pajamas (you S-2XL, dog S-5XL). Amazon has more.

What size Christmas sweater for a dachshund?

Size a dachshund by back length, not by chest. Leopold’s dachshund sweaters, for example, run from XS (34 cm, about 13.4 in of back) to XL (51 cm, about 20.1 in), and the listing names Standard, Miniature and Rabbit Dachshunds among the breeds they fit.

Can dogs wear light-up Christmas sweaters?

It’s safer to skip light-up battery packs on dogs, because dogs chew. Pet Poison Helpline warns that disc and lithium batteries can burn the esophagus or intestines; if your dog chews or swallows one, don’t make it vomit, and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.