Dog sweaters are a popular form of pet apparel that can be both useful and fashionable. Short-haired, elderly, and small dogs especially benefit from dog sweaters during chilly temperatures. Dog sweaters are available in many styles, sizes, and fabrics; including wool, fleece, cotton, and even cashmere. Originally designed to keep pets protected from the elements, dog sweaters, along with other pet apparel, are now quite trendy.

A comfortable fit and ease of getting on and off are important features to look for in dog sweaters. A dog's weight, measurements, and physique are all important to take into account for a good fit. For body length, measure your dog from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Neck, chest, and leg length measurements are also important, with the chest measurement ultimately being the deciding factor for a correct fit. In general, it is better for a dog sweater to be slightly large than too snug.

When purchasing a dog sweater, check to see that the neck and leg openings are sufficient to allow free movement. Some dog sweaters have sleeves for all four legs; others fit only over the front legs. Similar to the human's version, a dog cardigan features a zipper, which can be helpful when dressing the dog. Sleeveless dog sweaters are easier to get on and off, but don't provide as much warmth as sleeved versions.

For warmth, look for dog sweaters that are made of wool and fit over all four legs. Construction quality is as important as price; look for soft and sturdy materials. Check any zippers or Velcro attachments to ensure that they will not get caught in your dog's fur.

Some dog sweaters feature hoods or turtlenecks, and many are decorated with bows, attached necklaces, or printed logos. Other varieties resemble a shirt/vest combo and some include matching hats. Dog sweaters may be hand or machine washable; check the manufacturer's label.

Custom designed dog sweaters are often hand knitted or crocheted. Seasonal and holiday sweaters are available, as well as dog sweaters in lighter weight fabrics, such as cotton, for spring temperatures. Some even convert from a sweater to a raincoat for extra functionality. Dog sweaters come in a variety of price ranges, from economical to haute couture. More choices in dog sweaters are available for toy and miniature breed dogs, but several online pet businesses also feature pet apparel for large breed dogs.