Small dog clothes
Small dog clothes are usually more necessary than clothes for a large dog: a small body loses heat faster, walks closer to wet ground and soaks through in moments. Janutex sizes start at 20, the range is designed for Nordic weather, and everything is sewn in Finland. This page covers the general guidance plus breed-specific guides.
Why does a small dog need clothes?
Physics works against a small dog: a large skin area relative to body weight means rapid heat loss, and low ground clearance exposes the belly to mud and slush. Many toy breeds are also short-coated or have no undercoat at all. Clothes are not fashion here — they are how walks stay comfortable year round.
Browse overalls and coats, or find your breed below.
What suits a small dog?
- Light material: the garment must not weigh a small dog down.
- Precise sizing: sizes 20–35 — a couple of centimetres is already a whole size.
- Easy to put on: a back zip is quicker, so the dog does not get cold while dressing.
- Layerable: fleece underneath, mud or thermal layer on top depending on the weather.
Popular choices
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Janutex Fleece Overall for DogsSoft, warm fleece overall for active dogs. Wide colour range and breed-specific cuts, made in Finland.From53,40 € (incl. VAT 25.5 %)/pc -
Janutex Mud Overall – Waterproof Dog Overall for Outdoor LifeWaterproof overall with the best fit on the market. Protects from rain, mud and splashes — with cuts for every breed.From67,10 € (incl. VAT 25.5 %)/pc -
Janutex Combination Overall – Breathable, Waterproof ProtectionBreathable mesh body with waterproof legs and belly. Ideal for changeable spring and autumn weather.From60,78 € (incl. VAT 25.5 %)/pc
Choosing a size for a small dog
Measure the back length and the chest girth and compare them with the size chart — see the measuring guide. Breed-specific size recommendations are in the breed guides below.
Frequently asked questions
Why do small dogs get cold more easily than big ones?
The smaller the dog, the larger its skin area relative to its weight — so it loses more heat than its body can produce. That is why toy breeds need a garment in weather where a large dog is perfectly comfortable without one.
Which breeds need clothes the most?
The most sensitive are short-coated, slender toy breeds: chihuahua, miniature pinscher, Italian greyhound and Chinese crested. Silky-coated breeds such as the Yorkshire terrier and thin-coated poodles also benefit clearly.
How do I measure a small dog correctly?
Measure the back from the withers to the base of the tail, and the chest girth just behind the front legs. In small sizes a two-centimetre difference is a whole size, so measure carefully and always compare with the size chart.
What does layering mean for a dog?
The same as for people: a thin warming layer (such as fleece) underneath and a waterproof or padded layer on top depending on the weather. With layers the same wardrobe works from autumn through to freezing temperatures.