When the wind whips between tall buildings and the morning walk starts before the sun is up, a lot of city dogs feel the cold fast. Small dogs, short-haired dogs, seniors and skinny breeds like greyhounds often start shivering before you even reach the corner. A cozy sweater, and for some dogs a snood to keep their neck and ears warm, can turn a miserable winter walk into a happy one.
For apartment life, the best winter wear is easy to pull on in a small entryway, washes well in a shared laundry room, and doesn’t take up much closet space. We picked two well-loved sweaters and one snood that check all those boxes.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Approx. Price | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitwarm 3 Pack Classic Fleece Dog Sweater | ~$25 for 3 | Fleece turtleneck sweaters, 3-pack | Small dogs and always having a clean one ready |
| Gooby Stretch Fleece Vest Dog Sweater | ~$18 | Stretchy fleece pullover | Dogs of any size, from tiny to over 100 pounds |
| Kurgo Scruff Scarf Dog Snood | Check price | Neck and ear warmer | Windy days, thin-eared dogs and night walks |
Prices and stock change often. Check the current price at each link.
1. Fitwarm 3 Pack Classic Fleece Dog Sweater
Check the Fitwarm 3 Pack on Amazon
This three-pack of soft fleece turtlenecks is one of the top sellers in Amazon’s Dog Sweaters category, with a 4.5-star average from more than 4,300 ratings and an Amazon’s Choice badge. You get three sweaters (black, olive green and cream in the set we linked, with other color sets available) for about the price of one fancy sweater.
Having three is the real win for apartment dogs. One can be in the wash, one can be drying on the rack, and one is ready by the door. The fabric is a stretchy polyester and spandex blend with a fleece feel, so it slips on easily and moves with your dog. The belly is cut high for easy potty breaks. These are made for small breeds, with sizes from XS (12-inch chest) up to 2XL (23-inch chest). Fitwarm says to choose by chest size first, and to size up if you’re between sizes.
Best for: Small dogs, dogs who wear a sweater every day in winter, and anyone who wants a backup while one is in the laundry.
Pros
- Three sweaters for one low price
- Soft, stretchy and easy to pull on
- High belly cut for easy potty breaks
- Lightweight, so it also works indoors in a chilly apartment
Cons
- Made for small breeds only
- Lighter warmth, so add a coat on very cold days
- Some owners say the fit runs a little snug or a little big, so measure first
2. Gooby Stretch Fleece Vest Dog Sweater
Check the Gooby Stretch Fleece Vest on Amazon
The Gooby Stretch Fleece Vest has a 4.6-star average from more than 12,600 ratings, which is a lot of happy dogs. It’s a simple pullover with no zippers, snaps or straps, made from a soft four-way stretch fleece that hugs the body without being bulky. That makes it quick to put on when your dog is wiggling by the door.
What makes it stand out is the size range. It goes from XS (about a 7-inch back length) all the way up to 6XL (about 27.5 inches), so it works for a Chihuahua, a pit bull or even a Great Dane. Gooby sizes this one by back length, so measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. It’s machine washable and thin enough to layer under a winter coat on the coldest days. Many reviewers say it’s stretchy enough that you can size down, but the size chart isn’t perfect for every dog, so check reviews for your breed.
Best for: Medium and large dogs, oddly shaped dogs, and anyone who wants one easy sweater for daily walks.
Pros
- Huge number of happy ratings
- Fits a wide range of sizes, including big dogs
- No zippers or straps, just pull it on
- Machine washable and easy to layer
Cons
- Fit can vary, so check the size chart carefully
- Some owners mention pilling after many washes
- Good for cool days, but not enough alone for bitter cold
3. Kurgo Scruff Scarf Dog Snood
Check the Kurgo Scruff Scarf on Amazon
A snood is a stretchy tube that keeps your dog’s neck and ears warm. It’s a big help for dogs with thin ears, short coats, or ears that get red and cold in the wind. Kurgo, a well-known travel and outdoor dog gear brand, makes the Scruff Scarf from a lightweight, breathable performance fabric. You can wear it around the neck like a scarf, or pull it up over the head and ears when the wind picks up between buildings.
The neck is adjustable for a snug fit, and you can still get to your dog’s collar and leash clip. It also has reflective trim, which is handy on dark winter evenings when you’re crossing busy streets. It comes in Small, Medium and Large, measured by neck and head size. On Amazon it has a 4.3-star average from a few hundred ratings. Pair it with one of the sweaters above for a full winter outfit.
Best for: Windy city corners, dogs with thin or sensitive ears, and evening walks.
Pros
- Keeps ears and neck warm, which sweaters don’t cover
- Wear as a scarf or pull it up over the head
- Adjustable fit with access to the collar
- Reflective trim for night walks
Cons
- Fewer ratings than our other picks
- Some dogs need a little practice to get used to something on their head
- Doesn’t replace a sweater or coat on very cold days
Buying Guide: Keeping Your City Dog Warm This Winter
Does your dog need a sweater? Thick-coated breeds like huskies usually don’t. Small dogs, short-haired dogs, seniors, puppies and lean breeds like whippets and greyhounds often do. If your dog shivers, lifts their paws, tucks their tail or tries to turn back toward the building, they’re probably cold.
Measure before you buy. Use a soft tape measure around the widest part of the chest, right behind the front legs. Also measure the neck and the back length, from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Every brand uses its own size chart, so don’t just order the size your dog wore last year.
Choose easy on and off. In a narrow apartment hallway, a stretchy pullover is much easier than lots of buckles. Look for a high belly cut so your dog can do their business without getting the sweater dirty.
Think about laundry. If you share a laundry room or wash by hand, machine-washable fleece that dries quickly is a lifesaver. Having two or three sweaters means you always have a clean one.
Add a snood for wind. City streets can feel like wind tunnels. A snood covers the ears and neck, which a sweater leaves open. It’s especially helpful for dogs with thin, upright or floppy ears that get cold.
Layer on the coldest days. A thin fleece under a waterproof jacket keeps your dog warm and dry. For wet days, see our picks for dog rain jackets for wet city walks.
FAQ
How cold is too cold for my dog to walk without a sweater?
It depends on your dog’s size, coat and age. Many small or short-haired dogs start to feel uncomfortable once temperatures drop toward the 40s °F, especially in wind. Watch your dog for signs like shivering or lifting paws. Our guide to how cold is too cold for dogs has more tips.
Can my dog wear a sweater inside the apartment?
Yes, a light sweater is fine for a chilly apartment, especially for small or older dogs. Just make sure they don’t get too warm. Take it off if they’re panting or seem restless, and don’t leave clothing on a dog when you’re not home.
Will a sweater work with a harness?
Most stretchy pullovers fit under a harness. Put the sweater on first, then the harness over it, and check that the harness straps still fit snugly. See our city dog harness picks for options.
How do I get my dog used to a snood?
Start inside. Slip it around the neck like a scarf for a minute and give treats. Over a few days, slowly pull it up over the ears for short periods. Most dogs get used to it quickly once they learn it means a walk.
How should I wash dog sweaters?
Follow the label. Most fleece sweaters can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle in cold water. Air drying helps them last longer and keeps their shape.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Small dog who needs a sweater every day? Get the Fitwarm 3 Pack, so you always have a clean one ready.
- Medium, large or hard-to-fit dog? The Gooby Stretch Fleece Vest comes in sizes from tiny to giant and pulls on in seconds.
- Cold ears on windy corners? Add the Kurgo Scruff Scarf on top of any sweater for neck and ear warmth.
With the right sweater by the door, those early morning and late night winter walks get a whole lot cozier for both of you.
More for winter city dogs: Protect their feet with our paw balms and booties for salted sidewalks, read our winter walk tips, and find dog-friendly spots on our Dog Fun Map. Browse All Guides.
Photo: Sciencia58, Wikimedia Commons, CC0, cropped.
Disclosure: City Pups is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission from Amazon, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we think suits apartment life. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog seems very cold, weak or unwell after being outside, check with your vet.