Since most sellers will not allow returns on dog clothing due to contamination with fleas, ticks and skin ailments, it is a very wise move to do research before buying a dog sweater or coat.

How wonderful this venue called eBay!  You can ask questions and get answers. You can study the links and guides and eventually you will be prepared to buy.  Read on.

First you should determine if your dog needs an outer wrap.  We could go on and on  and get into whether your dog has long or short hair, whether it is periodically groomed,  if it is very young - or old, if it is a house dog, etc., etc.  There are many variables but the long and short of it is that if YOU need a wrap for X amount of time outside, and your dog lives inside with you, your dog needs a wrap for that same amount of time outside.  Do not take this subject as just for northern winters.  Remember, tail gate parties, evening neighborhood games and camping can get mighty chilly.

Start with size. Before  shopping, you need two measurements: Length in inches around the neck, and the length of the dog's back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, also in inches.  The back length is most important for that is what most manufacturers use and is the best gage of your dog's size.

These sizes generally go by two's in even numbers from size 8 to size 28.  Each size represents the length of the dog's back in inches. Example: size 16 is 16 inches long from neck to tail.  If your dog is an odd measurement, say 15 inches, go to the next size up which is size 16. Much of the time this is all you need to purchase a sweater or coat for the average dog.

However, if your dog falls into that 'other than average' catagory, there are additional things to consider.  If  the dog is a breed with a large neck or is overweight, a knit neck that goes all the way around will often be too tight even if the body of the garment fits fine.

Here is where the measurement of the neck is necessary.  Ask the seller of the garment for the neck measurement UNSTRETCHED. If your dog is close to that, within a 1/2 inch or so, it will be fine.  A bit too large is no problem; a bit too tight can be miserable for the dog just as it is for us.  The chest flap shown in the illustration also eliminates tight necks as does the chest tie.

Some dogs carry their tail high on the back.  Hind leg loops can pull the garment over the base of the tail and be very uncomfortable, especially for those wonderful, vigorous tail-waggers. Some garments have a dip in the back for this reason.  If not, you could either stick with the knits, which allow more flexibility, or get a garment with a dip for the tail.

Dogs with stout legs can find even walking difficult if a knit garment with legs is too tight.  Loose is much preferred and will still keep the dog warm, even the thin legged ones.  These problems with tight knit sweaters for variable dogs can often be overcome by either choosing the garment one size larger then needed or getting a non- knit selection usually defined as a coat.  The coats are normally made of non- stretch  material and will generally have a tie or flap for the front and loops for the back legs.

If you find an item that you like for your dog and it is listed as Small, Medium, Large or XLarge, simply ask the seller to measure the item down the top of the back for you. Compare the measurement they give you with the measurement you have taken of your dog . Keep the knit necks, high tails and weight of your dog in mind with these garments as well.

Hats for dogs demand a large dose of good luck and a very quiet dog! Hoods attached to coats or sweaters can be put forward but may not stay.  A dog loves to hear everything so use judgement in covering ears.  Actually, there is very little left to cover if you keep mouth, nose, eyes and ears exposed.  Though this has been a concern since the beginning of dog clothing, we still have millions of healthy, happy dogs.  Perhaps head coverings for dogs are not all that important,  Maybe cute, but unnecessary.  Do not, however, pass up a good coat or sweater because it has a hood.  It may work fine for your dog but if not, you can flip it back  for added warmth on the body.

Last but never least is sex,  Is your dog a male or female.  For obvious reasons, a female dog is easier to clothe.  In buying for a male, consideration must be given to the private parts location. The beauty of eBay is that we can ask if any given garment can be worn by a male dog.  Some can not!

Dogs are an important part of many of our lives.  Their dependence on us is much the same as a toddler.  Our dogs, however, will never 'grow up' to dress themselves or be independent in any way.  They need us for their very existance. The joy of it is that we need them as well.  It is a win win situation.  Happy eBay shopping!