The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world. An amazing, intelligent and sociable pet, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, is in great need of the care of loving owners. Many people dispute the need for special care, special food and clothing for Chihuahuas, considering this to be a whim of the owners, pampering. But for those who have seen how a little dog is afraid of the cold, how she looks at you in the hope of at least a drop of warmth, the answer is obvious - the pet simply cannot do without a warm new thing in the cold season, which means hand-made clothes for a Chihuahua will be a great gift.
Clothing for Chihuahua
Sometimes it seems that this tiny dog is always cold, even in summer. For this reason she trembles or for some other reason it is not known exactly, but this gives the flight of imagination of dog clothing designers and creative owners almost limitless possibilities. Clothes for Chihuahuas are made for all seasons and are not only necessary, but also elegant and decorative.
Decorative
These things include everything that is put on a dog for decoration - funny dresses, tutu skirts, three-piece suits, super hero costumes. Often girls who carry their beloved dog with them everywhere dress it to match their clothes. They use the same colors, fabrics, styles, and decorative elements. The dog can do without this, so there is no need to spend money on such clothes.
Light summer
Even on a summer evening or cool morning, a sneeze can freeze. To prevent this from happening, stock up on a couple of knitted jumpers or T-shirts, denim overalls, items knitted from cotton threads or a velor suit.
Demi-season
In early spring or cool autumn, clothing for a Chihuahua becomes a necessity. Overalls made of flannel, thin raincoat fabric on fleece or bike, knitted overalls and sweaters will keep your baby from freezing during a long walk. For a short walk, a blanket or cape will be enough.
In rainy weather, you cannot do without a raincoat - a cape or overalls made of waterproof fabric to protect the dog from water and dirt. It will also eliminate the need to bathe your pet after every walk.
Winter
The huge risk of hypothermia and resulting colds or pneumonia outweighs all arguments against warm winter clothing for Chihuahuas. Even during the shortest walk, the dog should be well dressed.
For this, a jumpsuit made of bologna, wool or thick raincoat fabric with a warm lining of fleece, flannel, flannel or natural cotton with insulation is suitable. Synthetic winterizer, padding polyester, holofiber and other modern insulation materials have almost no weight, but at the same time retain heat well, which is important for such a small and fragile dog. Faux fur is a little heavier, but it will also keep your baby warm.
Shoes
Your dog will have to be taught to wear shoes from childhood, but this will save you in the future from problems with a frozen dog that refuses to go for a walk in the snow or rain. The boots will keep your chihu warm, cozy and dry, which means comfortable and safe.
Necessary materials
To make overalls and patterns for clothes for a boy, you can take any materials. As a rule, for regular street walks with an animal it is enough to prepare:
- membrane fabric that is protected from liquids;
Membrane
- lining synthetic fabric;
Sintepon
- tractor zipper
Zipper
You can also sew various accessories on top of the overalls, for example, a collar. It is important to understand that the lining fabric must be selected depending on the purpose of the overalls. If you plan to make clothes for winter walks, you need to take a thick Alpolux lounger insulation. If for spring and summer - flannel.
Expanding in detail on the topic of how to make patterns for dogs with your own hands, patterns should be made based on the season and weather. To create an off-season product, it is better to take a single-layer fabric that can protect the animal from dirt and rain. At the same time, the Russian hunting dog will be comfortable in it, and he will not feel uncomfortable. He will not be hot due to excellent air permeability.
Overalls for the winter should be as insulated as possible and made of fleece with synthetic padding. This is especially true for those dogs that have smooth hair.
Fleece
Regarding the composition of the material, in order to cover the body, it is best to select cotton, polyester or microfiber materials, paying attention to the padding. It should not rub against the dog's fur and spoil it. For example, satin and viscose lining will work perfectly and a papillon jacket pattern will not be needed. In terms of color, it is better to give preference to those tones that will retain their brightness and beauty for a long time.
You might be interested in this: Creating patterns and sewing backpacks according to instructions
A special role should be given to the clasp, especially if you are making a raincoat for a dog with your own hands. Instead of a tractor zipper, you can use buttons with Velcro and elastic bands. In this case, buttons would be a good option for the summer, and elastic bands would be a good option for the winter.
Sewing material
DIY clothes for Chihuahua
Demand creates supply, and dog clothing designers never tire of delighting owners with new and beautiful things. But some people can afford to pamper their pet with new clothes from the store, while others try to buy only the most necessary things. And there are needlewomen who sew clothes for Chihuahuas with their own hands. In fact, there is nothing complicated about it. If you have basic sewing skills, imagination and the desire to dress up your pet, you will succeed.
How to take measurements correctly
The first thing you need to start with is taking your dog's measurements. To do this, you need a measuring tape, a piece of paper, a pencil or pen and three pieces of tape, soft braid or elastic. And an obedient dog, which should stand as still as possible during all manipulations. This is the only way you will be able to do everything correctly and take measurements correctly.
Tie the prepared strip of ribbon/elastic band around your neck in place of the collar. Pass the second one under the chest at the widest point and tie it at the back. Tie the third in the thinnest place of the body - in front of the dog's hind legs. These three marks will help you take the correct measurements:
- neck volume – according to the first mark;
- breast volume - according to the second mark;
- waist size - according to the third mark;
- back length - from the first mark of the base of the tail (for overalls) to the third mark (for a sweater, blanket);
- length of the breast - from the first mark, down the belly to the third mark (for boys) and almost to the beginning of the tail (for girls);
- distance from the first mark to the beginning of the front paws;
- distance between the front paws;
- the volume of the front and hind legs and their length;
- the distance from the first mark up to the line of the ears (for a hood or hat).
Based on these measurements, a basic clothing pattern for a Chihuahua is constructed. Do this on thin paper or thick transparent oilcloth so that when trying it on you can adjust it directly on the dog. Be sure to save the finished pattern - it will serve you more than once. By making small design changes, you can use it to significantly replenish your dog’s wardrobe with clothes for any season.
Sewing Features
If you decide to sew clothes for your baby with your own hands, take into account some of the features of the process and the rules for choosing consumables and accessories.
Choose natural fabrics. This is especially true for parts directly adjacent to the fur and skin of the animal. Even thin, but natural material warms better than synthetics, does not cause irritation or allergies, and does not accumulate static electricity. For the top of warm overalls, give preference to waterproof and windproof fabrics. The dog may not like material that is too rustling and will distract and irritate it.
Choose safe fittings with a minimum number of small parts. Decorative buttons in the form of bones, bows, etc. must be securely glued/sewn so that the animal does not harm itself by trying to chew them off. It is better to use a plastic zipper with large teeth. To prevent wool from getting into them, be sure to hem the strap under the fastener.
Remember that clothes for boys and girls differ in length at the bottom. Make the brisket so that the boy does not stain his clothes when he relieves himself. Do not use ties or thick elastic at the cuffs or neckline. A knitted elastic band (ribana) is suitable for these purposes - it is dense, but soft, and will not squeeze the paws, interfere with swallowing movements and harm the dog.
Below are several patterns for sewing clothes for a Chihuahua with your own hands:
- Decorative
- Summer and demi-season
- Winter
Knitted clothes for Chihuahuas
Knitters, even with little experience, can also replenish their pets’ wardrobe with beautiful, warm and fashionable clothes. Sweaters, capes, dresses and overalls can be knitted or crocheted using the same pattern. The color scheme and complexity of the design depends only on your preferences and capabilities.
It is not necessary to buy threads for these purposes. You can disband an old item, as long as it meets the requirements. Yarn, as well as fabric, choose natural or with a small admixture of synthetic fibers for ease of care.
Those who are not comfortable with knitting needles can try making a sneeze vest from the sleeve of their old jumper or sweater. It is enough to cut off the required length, make slits for the paws and finish the edges with an overcast stitch.
Well, here are a couple more diagrams for you. The first one is for the cute hat:
And its continuation:
And here is a diagram for a small jumpsuit. The main thing is not to forget that you will have to calculate the dimensions yourself after taking the dog’s measurements.
Second part:
The third part:
What are dog clothes for?
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world. She cannot be kept outside in an enclosure. The dog does not have very thick hair, so it is vulnerable to direct sunlight, moisture and frost. Overheating and freezing can cause the animal to get sick.
To protect your pet from harsh weather conditions, he needs to choose a suitable wardrobe.
Clothes can not only save an animal from heat and cold, but can also make life much easier for the owner.
First of all, tiny Chihuahuas are designed to be carried. To protect your outfit from animal fur, you can wear a funny suit on it yourself. And outdoor shoes and clothes will save the dog from dust and dirt during walks. This means he will have to be bathed less often.
And of course, there are decorative outfits for Chihuahuas. They are of no practical use, but can attract the attention of others. They are easy to make with your own hands using knitting needles or a crochet hook.
The tiny Chihuahua looks like a little plush toy dressed in a fancy onesie. So the pet does not freeze, and the owner’s eyes are happy.
