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No Doberman parent would “intentionally” go out of their way to make their canine uncomfortable. Getting a sweater for a Doberman is one of those situations where you want to know more before making a decision, hopefully avoiding making the mistake of getting them a sweater that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Although dogs can look cute when wearing clothes, this leads us to fall into the appeal of humanizing our dogs, which can have some not-so-obvious side effects.

The first thing to determine before choosing a sweater for a Doberman pooch is…

Does A Doberman Need A Sweater?

Dog sweaters meet a primarily need which is to keep your dog warm in harsh conditions. Dog sweaters do this by trapping in heat.

Dobermans are at a disadvantage when in cold weather. They need all the help they can get to maintain heat for their bodies.

Protecting your Doberman should be on the forefront of your mind whenever you take them outside, but especially during the fall, winter, and early spring.

Limiting a Doberman’s direct exposure to harsh conditions is vital, especially when taking your Doberman for a walk or letting him out to use the bathroom.

Several risks crop up when you consider allowing your Doberman to spend extended time outdoors in the cold without a sweater. In the absence of a dog sweater, your Doberman could be uncomfortable at best or in danger of getting frostbite or developing hypothermia at worst.

The cost of a dog sweater is an invaluable item for your Doberman and also a matter of health.

So, a winter sweater for a Doberman is highly recommended!

Choosing A Sweater For A Doberman

The first step is to determine if your Doberman needs a sweater in the first place. 

Most dogs have an easy time staying warm during the winter thanks to their coats. However, short-haired dogs, like the Doberman, can find it challenging when the weather isn’t great.

There’s no need to make a dog wear a piece of clothing that doesn’t benefit them.

Dog clothes have gained a lot of attention from dog parents recently, so it would be useful to first address some myths and facts about dogs needing clothing.

Myths And Facts

1. All short-haired dogs need to wear sweaters in winter. This isn’t always the case.

2. All dogs will get used to wearing a sweater. Even if you gradually introduce a sweater, your Doberman may still not like it, which is normal. A dog should never be forced to wear a sweater.

3. Large dogs don’t need sweaters. Larger breeds, for instance, may need a sweater because of a short coat or lack of body fat.

4. Dogs can wear a sweater for hours. To avoid a dog from overheating, a sweater or jacket should only be worn when you take your dog outside.

Measuring Your Doberman

To avoid disappointments and wasting your money on clothes that don’t fit… you should measure your Doberman first!

Insider Tip: When measuring your Doberman, start by placing your Doberman on a flat surface, having them stand up and looking straight ahead. You may find it helpful if another person stands in front of the Doberman to hold their attention as you take the measurements.

Take a measuring tape and follow this step-by-step guide to measure your Doberman:

The neck circumference: Measure around the widest part of the Doberman’s neck snugly, but lose enough that you can fit a finger in between.

The length of the back or spine: Measure the length of the Doberman back from the base of their neck to an inch past the dock of the tail (the beginning of their tail).

The girth of the chest: Measure the circumference of your Doberman’s chest at the broadest part of his rib cage while they’re standing up and relaxed.

The flank or waistline: How you measure your Dobermans waistline depends on if it’s a female or male. For female Dobermans, measure her at the narrowest part of her waist. For a male Doberman, measure his waist an inch in front of his sheath.

The breadth of the chest: Measure from the point of your Doberman’s shoulder on your left and span the width across the Doberman’s chest at the widest part.

Getting A Good Fit

When choosing a sweater for a Doberman, it’s important that it fits properly in order for them to be comfortable and stay warm.

When clothing doesn’t fit right, a Doberman can:

  • Suffer from restricted breathing because the neck is too tight.
  • Have restricted movement due to the sweater being too tight on the chest.
  • Have difficulty peeing, especially for a male.

If you know that the Doberman is uncomfortable when wearing a sweater, don’t force them. Even if it’s the right fit, the Doberman might not like the sweater.

To see if your Doberman is comfortable wearing a sweater, you should test it out, gradually. Start at home and try letting your Doberman wear the sweater for a few minutes at a time. If the Doberman is consistently showing signs of discomfort or they simply “freeze in place,” then you should scratch the idea of a sweater and move on to other things that your Doberman may prefer.

Functionality And Comfort
Here are a few tips to determine if a sweater is functional and comfy:

  • The clothing item provides access to the Doberman’s collar or harness. Some sweaters and coats have an opening to attach the Dobermans’ leash to their harness.
  • The sweater shouldn’t be difficult to put on or take off. Velcro fastenings may make the process easier, whereas jackets with sleeves can be tricky to put on and take off.

Choosing Appropriate Material

Just like we do when picking clothes for ourselves, the type of material of the garment should also be considered, as it can make a huge difference:

  • Wool: although it’s warm, it can be itchy and it may require to be hand washed.
  • Acrylic and wool-blend: Provides plenty of warmth, while still being soft and easy to care for.
  • Waterproof and fleece layers: This is a water-resistant option that has a fleece inner layer to keep a Doberman warm, too.
  • Cotton: A natural option for keeping a dog warm.

Insider Tip: When picking the fabric for your Doberman’s jacket or sweater, it’s best to go for an easily washed and dried option. Also, pick a material that won’t itch or irritate your Doberman’s skin.

Safety Is Paramount
To keep your Doberman safe, choose clothing that has no pieces that can easily be chewed and swallowed like zippers, hooks, buttons or tags.

Getting A Doberman Used To A Sweater

Tips:

  • Start off by only letting the Doberman wear clothes when it’s under direct supervision.
  • Remove any clothing when you are not directly observing your Doberman, such as at night, you’re at work and at other hours.
  • Remember that you should only use a sweater for a Doberman in harsh outdoor conditions.

When To Use A Sweater

As a general rule, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably cold for your Doberman too. Temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celcius) could start causing problems. Plus, you can also look for signs in your Doberman’s body language like shaking. Signs that your Doberman would benefit from wearing a sweater:

  • Whining
  • Shivering
  • Appearing anxious
  • Slowing down or stopping
  • Looking for a warm place to burrow

Note: A Doberman that has health problems or is older is more vulnerable to the cold than a healthy Doberman.

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