Pet Sweaters

Rasta Dog Collar – Yah Mon!

Howard — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:38:11 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Your pet doesn’t have to have dreadlocks like the Komondor to spruce him up with a rasta dog collar. It helps, but the red, gold and green will proudly stand out against any coat.

I’ve always been Reggae fan — for nearly 30 years now — and of course whenever I see something related to Rastafari I tend to collected it. In this case, show it around the neck of my Dachshund Odie.

Usually I try to buy natural materials and hemp is very durable especially when it comes to dog clothing. Unfortunately, most dog collars and leashes are manufactured from man-made materials such as nylon.

Sometimes you can find handmade leather collars like this one at etsy.com, but I prefer the plastic clip-on types that are easy to put on and take off. In either case you can pick up a rasta dog coller below.

Hand Crafted Beaded 3 Leather RASTA Dog Collars
US $49.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Dec-06-2011 9:36:20 PST
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Spiffy Dog Air Collar Dog Collar The worlds most comfortable and stylish collar
US $15.99
End Date: Thursday Dec-08-2011 12:39:27 PST
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Rasta Bamboo Adjustable Pet Dog Collar
US $13.99
End Date: Sunday Dec-11-2011 21:57:11 PST
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Rasta Bamboo Adjustable Pet Dog Collar
US $14.99
End Date: Sunday Dec-11-2011 21:57:11 PST
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Rasta Bamboo Adjustable Pet Dog Collar
US $15.99
End Date: Sunday Dec-11-2011 21:57:11 PST
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Bison Designs Rasta Dog Collar Size Sm 3/4" W
US $7.00
End Date: Wednesday Dec-14-2011 8:42:26 PST
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Rasta Love Peace Sign Large Dog Collar 18"-28"
US $11.95
End Date: Wednesday Dec-14-2011 20:14:09 PST
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Boots for Dogs in Winter

Howard — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:13:16 +0000

Sometimes your pet needs the extra protection of winter boots to keep him warm and cozy while outside in the snow and slippery ice. Your pet’s feet become numb and insensitive due to the cold and the added layer underneath help protecting from cuts and bruises while walking on abrasive surfaces.

While there are many types of dog boots, you need to make sure that they do the job. The first thing you need to be aware of is that you have to measure your dog’s feet for proper sizing. You just can’t buy a size 10 shoe for your dog so you need to translate the small to extra large sizes provided by the dog boot manufacture.

With a snug fit, your dog will adapt easily to having the boots on his feet and have a secure footing. With a too small or tight fit, your dog will try to chew them off. Too loose, your dog may slip and injure himself.

Some of the nice features you should consider are the material, footing and closure.

The material should be a durable fabric that adapts to the shape of the foot. The cuffs should be stretching so that it can enclose tightly around the leg with Velcro. This serves to keep the boot on and to prevent snow and other debris from entering inside and making your dog uncomfortable.

Try to avoid leather dog boots especially if you’re planning to take your dog outside while it wet or snowy. Stick to cloth shoes that are easy to clean and dry for the next outing with nature.

A non-skid sole will help prevent slipping on wet or icy surfaces. It also protects your dog from sharp stones that are buried underneath the snow and will make the boot last longer from wear.
Boots come in different colors, but since dogs are color blind, it really doesn’t matter to him. If possible, look for a boot with reflective strips. This will help drivers seeing your dog will outside walking in the snow bank.

Rocket Dog Starry Womens SZ 6.5 Black Alpine Knights Knit Boots Winter Shoes
US $39.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 3:28:15 PST
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ROCKET DOG SUGAR DADDY SUEDE PULL ON WINTER FAUX FUR FLAT CALF BOOTS SIZE 3-8
US $60.11
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 4:51:14 PST
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Molly is ready for the Holidays with her Dog Bandana

Howard — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 07:49:47 +0000

There are many reasons for dressing up your pet with a dog bandana, but the most obvious one is the way they look at you. I don’t know if this is a look of love or a look of content. You will never know but I have feeling that my dachshund Molly doesn’t really care too much for it. But she is ready for the holidays with her Mickey and Donald Duck Holiday Dog Bandana.

I picked this one up a eBay for $2.24 (including shipping) and it is very clever design. The pattern is simple square with a triangle at the top. The top is folded over so that you can insert your dog’s collar inside it. Some bandanas are attached by velcro or you tie the things around your dog’s neck, but I really like this design.

Molly Wearing a Holiday Dog Bandana

Mickey and Donald Duck Dog Bandana

Does she like it? Well it’s hard to say, but I think that she is getting used to it. Bandanas are different that other types of dog clothes where they are somewhat loose around the neck. Most dogs seem irritated by things around their neck, so if your dog is that way, it’s best to find a bandana that does not cost so much.

*NEW* Holiday GREEN Doggie Bandana/Scarf Lot of 4
US $12.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 7:35:51 PST
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*NEW* Holiday RED Doggie Bandana/Scarf Lot of 3
US $9.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 7:35:53 PST
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DOGGIE BANDANAS (SCARF) IN SPORTS AND HOLIDAY PATTERNS
US $7.99
End Date: Thursday Dec-01-2011 0:24:58 PST
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Photos by: Howard O. Young

Dog Boots are Important During Extremely Cold and Hot Weather

Howard — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:05:17 +0000

Dog Boots are not only made to be fashionable. They are also made to protect dogs from hot concrete, frostbite, and sharp objects on the ground.

Many dog owners underestimate the effects of hot and cold weather on a dog’s paws. If the dog owner cannot semi-comfortably walk barefoot outdoors, then neither can a dog. Unfortunately, while these boots can protect a dog, some animals are not excited to wear them. But like any behavior, dogs will adjust if you offer some positive reinforcement. I have a friend whose dog wears paw protection year-round, even though it isn’t necessary, because it was a struggle to adapt every time the weather turned extreme.

It’s not just the temperatures that can harm man’s best friend. Salt that is used to melt ice on sidewalks and stairs can also irritate paws. There are salt-free varieties available for pet owners to use at their residence, such as Safe Paw. But because pet owners cannot control what other people use on their sidewalks, it’s best to use boots.

Pets in hot climates should also have protection against hot sidewalks in the summer. Concrete absorbs heat, and because our furry friends are so close to the ground, they are more affected during walks in the summer heat. Of course, boots cannot protect dogs completely on hot days. Water should also be more readily available on summer walks.

Dogs often give signs that they are uncomfortable without boots. Some will try to keep multiple feet up off the sidewalk rather than standing normally. Some dogs also whine when the pavement is hurting their paws.

For most of us, a dog is like a family member. Dog booties show your dog that you care about his or her health and comfort. They will surely repay you with a lifetime of kisses and tail wags.

PU Leather Nonslip Dog Chihuahua Shoes Boots Booties 1#
US $2.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:41:48 PST
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Blue Red Orange Dog Cat Puppy Socks Booties Shoes Boots
US $9.00
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 7:48:43 PST
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Christmas Green Tree Dog Cat Puppy Socks Booties Shoes
US $9.00
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 7:52:57 PST
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Hot Pink Black Argyl Dog Puppy Anti Skid Socks Booties
US $9.00
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 8:01:56 PST
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Pink Red Heart Dog Puppy Anti Skid Socks Booties Shoes
US $9.00
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 8:08:06 PST
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BABYS DOGGY JUMPSUIT~DOG BOOTIE~MITTEN Knitting Pattern
US $20.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 8:38:12 PST
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POLAR PAWS DOG BOOTIES ~ PAW PROTECTORS FOR SNOW & ICE ~ SZ SMALL
US $5.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 9:08:07 PST
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Photo by: wmacphail

Men wear ties, dogs wear bandanas

Howard — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:47:55 +0000

I never really understood why anyone would wear a tie. I put one on for about 20 years then we went to Casual Fridays and eventually dropped the ties, then dropped the suits. I was Dressed to Impress. Like a suit and tie, a dog bandanna will sharpen up any mutt for it’s daily job.

What exactly is the job of your mutt?

Sleeping on the job. Did you know that your dog probably sleeps all day long. From what I can add up, my guess is that they sleep about 75% of the day away or 18 long hours. What a life!

So the real job of our dogs is to look sharp, cute, eat and play.

All joking aside, I do love my three dogs and dressing them up makes them feel special. It’s that special attention they receive and the extra hug and kisses they get when we put a little clothing on them.

Most of the bandanas were a result of a trip to the Vet. Something like “My teeth are nice and clean,” or “Be nice to me, I got my Vaccination today.” Like I’m going to walk my dog around the neighborhood with that on his back. He needs something tough like “I’m bad to the bone.”

Like a tie, I do like to dress up my dogs because it makes them feel good. Why else would you dress up your dog?

Autumn Thanksgiving Slip over the Collar Dog Bandanas Wholesale Lot of 25
US $37.50
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 3:44:00 PST
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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS DOG BANDANA/SCARF X-LARGE 15 1/2"
US $3.50
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 4:48:25 PST
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SEATTLE SEAHAWKS DOG BANDANA / SCARF X-LARGE 16"
US $3.50
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 4:55:08 PST
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New Ohio State University Buckeyes OSU Dog Bandana
US $1.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:22:57 PST
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Brand New Dog Bandana Musical Notes Design 4 Dog Rescue
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:25:19 PST
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Alabama Crimson Tide Personalized Dog Bandana
US $11.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:38:47 PST
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Service Dog In Training Personalized Bandana
US $11.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:39:19 PST
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Photo by: 3Neus

Fall is Here Time to Buy a New Dog Sweater?

Howard — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:43:21 +0000

It was very tempting to buy a new dog sweater with the cool months rapidly approaching. I’m sure that Odie would appreciate it during morning where it’s not quite cold enough to fire up the furnace with the days still heating up into the mid 70′s.

Yet, it was surprisingly hot for November where it hit 98 outside the PetSmart during lunchtime today in Westlake Village, CA. I’m sure it was a fluke where the hot on shore winds from the Mojave Desert are causing record temperatures in the surrounding LA area.

I didn’t see many sweaters — mostly left over Halloween Costumes on sale — that could match Odie’s Blue and White Agile Sweater.

A Hoodie Snuggie for Dogs did catch my eye but I had to pass especially since the Snuggie for Dogs really didn’t work out too well. The Hoodie seems to be built like a normal dog sweater where it covers the back instead of the stomach. Perhaps I’ll go back and pick one up or just get one on eBay.

SNUGGIE FOR DOGS SMALL BLANKET COAT WITH HOODIE NEW
US $5.50 (1 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Dec-01-2011 4:37:51 PST
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SNUGGIE FOR DOGS EXTRA SMALL BLANKET COAT WITH HOODIE NEW
US $5.50 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Dec-01-2011 4:39:46 PST
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Snuggie for Dogs/Camo ~ The Coat With a Hoodie! SM *NEW
US $8.79
End Date: Saturday Dec-03-2011 19:51:05 PST
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Snuggie for Dogs/Camo~The Coat With a Hoodie! (Med) New
US $8.79
End Date: Saturday Dec-03-2011 19:51:05 PST
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Snuggie for Dogs/Camo ~ The Coat With a Hoodie! SM *NEW
US $8.79
End Date: Tuesday Dec-27-2011 20:36:10 PST
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Snuggie for Dogs~The Coat With a Hoodie! Leopard,Medium
US $8.79
End Date: Tuesday Dec-27-2011 20:36:10 PST
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Snuggie for Dogs/Purple ~ The Coat With a Hoodie! Small
US $8.79
End Date: Tuesday Dec-27-2011 20:36:11 PST
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Pink Dog Sweater Video

Howard — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:20:31 +0000

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Is Snuggie for Dogs a Good Dog Sweater?

Howard — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:37:15 +0000

I’m somewhat an expert with dogs and blankets. After all, I have three Dachshunds, and if you know anything about Dachshunds, they love to get under the blankets and stay there all night. So, when ASM introduced Snuggie™ for Dogs, I had to get Odie one so he would stay warm during day.

Normally product reviews are easy to write, but honestly, Snuggie for Dogs is somewhat perplexing even for the adept pet owner like me attempting comprehend how to put the thing on.

First off, you pull the thing out of the box and the Velcro is unattached. Of course it takes a few minutes to figure out where the blasted hole is for the dog’s head. I located the two holes for the front legs and eventually found the Velcro that when attached connects to make an opening to insert the neck.

The small blue Snuggie for Dogs is a good design

All this time, I’m holding the Snuggie from the bottom underneath Odie’s chest failing at the Velcro neck attachment while he’s trying to step out of the blanket.

Let’s say that for $10, I’ve had more fun at a really bad movie.

Frustrated, I started over. The first thing you need to do is to attach the Velcro at the neck of the garment, then slip the Snuggie over your dog’s head. Next, insert the front legs into the leg holes and finally, attach the last two Velcro adjustment straps for that “perfect fit.”

Unlike the two back straps, the neck adjustment is not adjustable. You can’t make it looser or tighter so the front part of the Snuggie dog sweater may be loose on your dog. In my case, it’s too tight across Odie’s chest. I should have followed the instructions and got a larger size, but the box had a nice picture of a miniature Dachshund and it looked somewhat small on that dog, so I thought it would have been a good fit for Odie.

Odie Sporting his Snuggie for Dogs after several attempts to put it on him.

Snuggie for Dogs Outside Test

After I got the Snuggie on Odie, I was somewhat surprised that he did not try to shake it off. After walking and running around the backyard, he did his “marking the territory” which passed when the Snuggie didn’t get wet.

Odie Loves his Snuggie for Dogs

The jump test

Odie likes to jump! I was a little apprehensive when he started to jump up to his favorite pooping place. The Snuggie was not restrictive and he mangaged without any problems to jump up to the small retaining wall to get into the bushes.

Snuggie Passes Jump Test

Where Did My Snuggie Go?

Good question. The soft blanket material was caught on a branch and allowed Odie to step out of his dog sweater. The unusually large neckline did little in helping keep the clothes on him.

Odie returns from the bushes without his Snuggie and notices the change in temperature.

Product Summary

Is Snuggie for Dogs a Good Dog Sweater? Once you figured out how the attach the Velcro at the neckline, the Snuggie is really easy to put on like all dog sweaters. However, the neckline is large and your dog will have a tendency to walk out of his Snuggie. For us, this limits the use to indoors, but who would be caught outside wearing a Snuggie anyway?

Where to buy Snuggies:

You can purchase them in either blue or pink but I understand that you can also buy them in a camouflage color/pattern.

NEW SNUGGIE FOR DOGS PINK FLEECE BLANKET COAT WITH SLEEVES SMALL
US $3.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:51:38 PST
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NEW SNUGGIE FOR DOGS BLUE FLEECE BLANKET COAT WITH SLEEVES SMALL
US $3.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:51:39 PST
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SNUGGIE FOR DOGS ~ SMALL BLUE ~ AS SEEN ON TV 8-11 LBS
US $10.40
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 9:17:43 PST
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SNUGGIE FOR DOGS ~ MEDIUM ~BLUE ~ AS SEEN ON TV!
US $10.40
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 9:19:26 PST
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SNUGGIE FOR DOGS ~ MEDIUM ~PINK ~ AS SEEN ON TV!
US $10.40
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 9:20:49 PST
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Blue Snuggie for Small Dogs * NEW * Blanket w/sleeves*
US $6.45
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 10:51:32 PST
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SNUGGIE FOR DOGS
US $4.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 10:54:08 PST
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Sometimes the Best Argyle Dog Sweater is made for a Cat

Howard — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:18:28 +0000

“OMG, he’s so cute!” my wife said. I couldn’t agree more after I first saw Odie wearing his new argyle dog sweater we bought him at Home Goods. The $7 blue and white sweater was on sale and I couldn’t resist buying it even though it was labeled for a cat. But it looked like it was the purr-fect match for his Miniature Dachshund stature despite being made for his mortal enemy.

Now, I never tell him that he’s wearing a kitty sweater, because the very mention of the “kitty” will send him running outside barking at an imaginary cat fast than you can say “Pavlov’s Dog.” (Plus he can’t read, despite the hours sitting in my lap watching me browse the internet. So only you and I will know if you can keep a secret from him.)

Of all the clothes we’ve purchased for him over the years, you would have never guessed that the cat –now dog sweater – would fit him the best. Odie’s unusual length makes it difficult sizing him properly. He’s not quite a Mini and not a Standard Dachshund, so the smaller sizes are too tight for him yet the medium sizes are too loose. But this sweater looks like it was custom made for him.

Great fitting knitted sweaters really comes down to picking the right size. Since sweaters tend to stretch, you probably want one that snuggly fits your dog. But if you get it too small, the fabric will rub against your pet’s skin and cause a rash. Sometimes you can find a sweater with Velcro that allows you securely close the garment for a great fit even if the sweater stretches over time.

The cat – now argyle dog sweater – we bought for Odie did was not adjustable so I imagine over time his sweater will become lose on him. But now it is simply the best clothing we’ve ever found for him.

EUC MEDIUM SIZE DOG 23" WINTER "UGLY SWEATER" ARGYLE KNIT WARM AND TOASTY
US $1.04 (2 Bids)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:23:29 PST
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EUC MEDIUM SIZE DOG 23" WINTER "UGLY SWEATER" ARGYLE SKI KNIT WARM AND TOASTY
US $2.25 (3 Bids)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 5:25:45 PST
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Dog S IRIDESCENT SEQUIN ARGYLE Sweater Clothes SMALL
US $9.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 7:15:32 PST
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X-LARGE DOG SWEATER boxer labrador pit bull ARGYLE DOG SWEATER coat clothes NEW
US $18.99
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 8:41:14 PST
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X-LARGE DOG SWEATER boxer labrador pit bull ARGYLE DOG SWEATER coat clothes NEW
US $16.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 11:26:45 PST
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X-LARGE DOG SWEATER boxer labrador pit bull ARGYLE DOG SWEATER coat clothes NEW
US $16.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 12:04:32 PST
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SMALL min pin mini dachshund pekingese poodle ARGYLE DOG SWEATER coat clothes
US $12.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Nov-30-2011 12:14:12 PST
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Pet Sweaters are For all Dogs

Howard — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:05:23 +0000

Image by RiffRaff via Flickr

There seems to be a lost art of making pet sweaters in this country especially since we can drive down to the local Wal*Mart and buy something really cheap.

But I would remind you that not all is lost and making clothes – for your dog – is a simple as knitting a pet sweater.

Case in point where Alyson knitted a sweater for her grandparents Dachshund. In her blog she has the measurements around the chest and length to make a very comfortable sweater for the elongated dog.

But even if you don’t have the talent for making a designer knit sweater for your dog, you can typically pick one up at eBay or at etsy where commercial or hand knitted sweaters are available.