Dog Pyjamas NZ: Does Your Pup Really Need Jammies?

By the Choco and Friends Team, Auckland, New Zealand · Last updated 15 October 2026

The short answer: some dogs genuinely benefit from pyjamas and some don't need them at all. Small, short-coated, freshly groomed, very young and senior pups lose heat fastest, so a light pair of jammies keeps them cosy on cool nights. Big fluffy double-coated dogs usually don't need the extra layer.

Choco here 🐾 I'm an apricot toy poodle with a fresh trim most of the year, so trust me, I feel a chilly Kiwi evening. Here's my guide to whether your pup needs pyjamas, how to size them properly, and how to keep them comfy (and safe) in them.

🌙 Which dogs benefit from pyjamas?

Vets point to a few types of dogs that struggle to stay warm on their own:

• Small and toy breeds 🐶 lose body heat quickly. Think Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Maltese and Yorkies.
• Short-coated or lean dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets don't have much fur or body fat to keep them warm.
• Freshly groomed pups ✂️ Poodles, Cavoodles and Spoodles with a short clip lose their natural insulation.
• Puppies and senior dogs 🧓 don't regulate their temperature as well as adult dogs.
• Short-legged dogs like Dachshunds sit low to cold floors and ground.
• Dogs with some health conditions. If your pup has a medical condition, ask your vet whether an extra layer helps.

Watch for these "I'm cold" signs: shivering, curling into a tight ball, lifting paws, or refusing to keep walking.

🐺 Which dogs probably don't need them?

Big, double-coated breeds like Huskies and Malamutes come with their own built-in duvet. Dress them in jammies and they're more likely to overheat than thank you. Size alone doesn't decide it, though. A muscular Frenchie might only want a light layer, while a skinny Whippet needs real warmth.

📏 How to size dog pyjamas (in cm)

Pyjamas cover more of the body than a harness, so you need three measurements, not one:

1. Chest girth: around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
2. Neck: around the base of the neck, where a collar sits.
3. Back length: from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.

Use a soft tape measure and measure over the coat, not tight against the skin. New to this? Follow my step-by-step How to Measure Your Dog guide 📐

Choco & Friends jammies size chart

Stretchy fit: each size stretches about 1–2 cm for a comfy fit. If your pup is between sizes, choose the bigger one.

These are the pyjamas' own measurements, taken by our team. Back length runs from the collar to the tail end.

How to pick: choose the size where the pyjamas' chest is the same as, or a little bigger than, your dog's chest. Then check the back length so they don't bunch up or ride short. Pyjamas should be easy to pull on and never tight across the chest or under the front legs.

Heads up: pyjama sizes aren't the same as harness sizes. If you're also buying a harness, check our Dog Harness Size Chart by Breed separately.

✅ The comfy and safe checklist

Put the jammies on, then run through this before your pup settles in:

• Two-finger rule ✌️ You should slide two fingers under the neck and chest, no more.
• No rubbing under the front legs or around the neck. Check these spots after the first few wears.
• Free to move. Your pup can walk, sit, lie down and stretch without the fabric pulling.
• No overheating 🌡️ Heavy panting, drooling or red gums mean they're too warm. Take the jammies off and contact your vet if the signs don't settle.
• Nothing to chew. Avoid pyjamas with buttons or small decorations a dog could swallow.
• Not while you're out. Vets advise never leaving a dog in clothing unattended, so pop the jammies off before you head out.
• Itchy skin? Some dogs react to a fabric or detergent. If you see scratching or redness, stop and check with your vet.

🍩 Choco's jammies: tested on my own naps

All three of our pyjamas are soft, lightweight and breathable, with an easy pull-on fit that keeps pups cosy without restricting movement. They come in sizes S to XL and are made for small pups: the XL fits a chest up to about 52 cm.

• The Donut Dream Jammies 🍩 A sweet donut print for chilly nights and lazy Sundays.
• The Crayon Dreams Jammies 🖍️ A colourful crayon-doodle print for naps, photos and play.
• The Sporty Snooze Jammies ⚽ Teddy bears and sports balls, with full-body coverage for cooler nights.

Right now all three are 50% off in our sale collection 🎉 We ship from Auckland to New Zealand and Australia. Current rates and free shipping details are on our shipping page.

❓ Quick answers

Do dogs need pyjamas?

Not all of them. Small, short-coated, freshly groomed, very young and senior dogs benefit most on cool nights. Big double-coated breeds usually don't need them.

Can my dog sleep in pyjamas?

Yes, a light, well-fitting pair is fine for most small dogs on a cool night, as long as they aren't overheating. Take them off if your pup pants or feels hot, and don't leave them on when nobody's home.

What size pyjamas does my dog need?

Measure chest girth, neck and back length in cm, then match them to the size chart. If your dog is between sizes, size up.

Are dog pyjamas the same size as dog jumpers or coats?

Not always. Every brand sizes differently, so always check that brand's own chart rather than buying the size your dog wears elsewhere.

Do you ship dog pyjamas to Australia?

Yes. We ship from Auckland to New Zealand and Australia. You can see current rates and free shipping details on our shipping page.

Sweet dreams, pawrents 💤
Love, Choco 🐾

Sources

• PetMD: Do Some Breeds Actually Need Dog Coats? (advice from Dr Susan Jeffrey, Dr Lisa Powell and Dr Kelly Ballantyne)
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Do Dogs Need Coats in the Winter?