The Best Winter Clothing for Chihuahuas

Sweaters and Wool Coats

• One of the most popular winter clothing items is the doggy sweater, and it couldn't be more useful for your chihuahua. It wraps your little one up and keeps at least his top half from getting too chilly. They are offered in countless styles and varieties and you should find them at a wide range of prices to fit any budget. The most important factor to consider when buying a chihuahua a sweater is size. XXS can fit some chis, but take your dog's length, girth and neck measurements to ensure a good, warm fit. Brands such as Little Pampered Pets and G.W. Little specialize in small dog clothing and offer sizing that should fit your chi perfectly.

  Wool coats can be extremely helpful for two reasons: first, if your chihuahua is bothered by the close fit of the sweater, a coat usually only comes into close contact under the belly. The rest of the coat falls over the body. Second, if you live in a truly cold environment with snow, the coat covers much more of your chihuahua's body, giving him more warmth and allowing him to stay outside longer without getting a case of the shivers. But beware, even a coat will not keep the chihuahua warm indefinitely. They have weak tracheae so they are more susceptible to colds and coughs.

Raincoats

• Snow isn't the only concern in winter. Rainy days are common in most parts of the country and a wet chihuahua is not a happy chihuahua. Rain coats come in a great number of styles and color choices, some with hoods to cover your dog's head as well. Once again, consider the fit for your chihuahua.

Boots and Booties

• Snow can cause frostbite in the uncovered delicate paw of the chihuahua. Boots and booties of multiple materials protect their paws and offer additional warmth. Rubber booties will fit over their feet and allow them to wander around, but can come off more easily that more advanced boots. Be careful not to give them too much of a shoe sole, as they are most comfortable walking on the ground or at least feeling the ground beneath their paws. Chihuahuas are prone to leg injuries, so large boots that will effect their sense of balance are not advised. The brand Ruff Wear offers a wide selection of boots for dogs with sizing that starts at 1.5 inches.

Layering Pieces

• Because of the chi's slight frame and thin fat layer, you may want to invest in a few pieces it can wear underneath wool coats and rain coats. A cozy fleece is always helpful in the winter months. And as it gets warmer, they can ditch the coat in favor of wearing only the fleece. Ruff Wear's Climate Changer fleece jacket is easy to zip on and off and comes in size XX small.

Hats

• Hats are an optional addition to the chihuahua's winter wardrobe. The apple-domed head of the chihuahua doesn't have much fat and the long, pointed ears can get chilly. If you are concerned about its ears getting nipped by the cold, feel free to invest in a hat that fits snugly, but leaves plenty of room for him to see. Crochet hats are available handmade to order to your chihuahua's head on craft sites such as Etsy.