What are Chi-Weaters?
Many of us Chihuahua lovers have lamented about how poorly commercially-made sweaters fit our lovely little family members.
Built a bit differently than many of the small breeds, sweaters usually fit either fit too tightly across the chest on a Chihuahua, binding the legs and causing the dogs to dislike wearing sweaters --- OR --- the sweaters are 'gappy' and 'droopy' around the neck, sliding down around the shoulders and easy for the Chi to wiggle out of it all together!
Recently a little one came into our rescue and after breaking her leg, required an amputation of the front right leg to save her life. The surgeon intentionally left part of Abby's shoulder in place to provide stability. We struggled in vain to find (once again) sweaters that were both soft enough to prevent irritation of her incision, with a correct fit so that Abby could not wiggle out of them or irritate her incision as it healed. Purchasing sweaters and coats, but then stitching the one armhole closed, just did not work at all.
Several of our volunteers who knit have experimented trying to find just the right construction to overcome the unique physique of the Chihuahua and "Chi-Weaters" (Chihuahua sweaters) was born!
These are 'one-of-a-kind' items and created with a lot of heart and love. To make sure an item fits properly, please visit our Measuring Your Dog section.
All of our materials are donated, along with our time and energy
as volunteers. All profits from the sale of these items go
directly to saving dogs from dying in our local shelters - please
see Tiny
Loving Canine's website for further information.
But why do they need to wear sweaters at all?
Chihuahuas are notorious for being cold in cooler environments - it is just not a fashion statement that causes us Chi owners to dress them. Toy dogs have a higher metabolism and so dissipate body heat faster than larger dogs. Shivering helps to generate body heat – that’s why people shiver when we are cold. However, rapid dissipation of body heat is a distinct disadvantage in cool or cold climates, and their small body mass allows the cold to get to a Chihuahua's vital internal organs easier than larger dogs with more body mass.
