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The 10 Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters for Dog Lovers

| November 30, 2014

Looking for a sweater for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party? Look no further than these 10 ugly Christmas sweaters featuring dogs of course!


#1 – Sad Snowman

This men’s sweater is funny and distasteful – just what an ugly Christmas sweater is supposed to be. Ladies, try not to be jealous.

Image source: Amazon.com
Image source: Amazon.com

#2 – Blue Ugly Christmas Pullover

Yup, that is actually the “name” of this Liz Claiborne sweater. and, it will set you back $40.

Image source: Thesweaterstore.com
Image source: Thesweaterstore.com

#3 – Merry Chihuahua

Nothing says Christmas like cacti and Chihuahuas in sombreros with mistletoe. Eggnog, anyone?


Image source: Amazon.com
Image source: Amazon.com

#4 – Shar-Pei Green Christmas Jumper

This jumper (that’s a sweater to you Americans) is, well, ugly. But hey, that’s what they were going for, so job well done.

Image source: Amazon.com
Image source: Amazon.com


#5 – Dog-gonnit Ugly Christmas Sweater

Boy is this sweater named correctly – dog-gone ugly is right. At least it’s colorful?

Image source: Rustyzipper.com
Image source: Rustyzipper.com

#6 – Black Ugly Christmas Sweater

We are beginning to sense a pattern with the names of these sweaters…UGLY. Black at Christmas is weird enough, but add some ugly snowflakes and a weird dog on skis and you have one bad sweater. And are those snitches mixed in with the snowflakes??


Image source: Thesweaterstore.com
Image source: Thesweaterstore.com

#7 – Holiday Dachshunds

It’s bright, that’s for sure. Not much to say here, the bones and bearded doxies in sweaters says it all.

Image source: Zazzle.com
Image source: Amazon.com


#8 – Dachshund Sweatshirt

This isn’t even a sweater and it costs almost $55. That’s paying quite a bit to look like you couldn’t be bothered to wear a real sweater to the ugly Christmas sweater party.

Image source: Zazzle.com
Image source: Zazzle.com

#9 – Pathetic Puppy

The only thing we can think of is this puppy is embarrassed to have a Cousin Eddie hat, completely with antlers, on his head. The expression on his face says it all.


Image source: Rustyzipper.com
Image source: Rustyzipper.com

#10 – Scotties

Usually Scotty dogs at Christmas are pretty cute. But, this vintage sweater took something cute and made into an eyesore. It even has glittery gold thread.

Image source: sazzvintage.com
Image source: sazzvintage.com


Frequently Ask Questions:

Ugly sweaters and hoodies are all the rage right now as the world leans toward more comfortable clothing. But, now, people can show more of their expressive personality with their tops displaying anything they want. From ugly sweaters to dog-themed sweaters, display your passions on your own personal billboard. If you want to make a bold statement this holiday season while showing your love for your family pooch, look no further. 

Where Can I Buy An Ugly Christmas Sweater That Is Dog-Themed?

Most retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, all sell a wide selection of dog-themed ugly sweaters perfect to wear to your Christmas parties this year. Pawfect House offers options you can customize with your dog’s name, and they are truly hideous. You will definitely win the contest but still, get a ton of pawsitive attention too! Ragstock offers some vintage-style sweaters featuring doggos. Finally, the Rusty Zippers and Ugly Christmas Sweater offer some truly ugly sweaters perfect for a work party while still showing love, if not style, for dogs. 


You can find some ugly Christmas hoodies at I Heart Dogs. You can find sweatshirts, too, if you want to avoid the hood. While not quite ugly, our sweaters can work for a milder option for dog lovers. Pair them up with dog ears or add some ornaments for a fun dog Christmas sweater for humans.

What Is An Ugly Christmas Sweater?

The term ugly Christmas sweater refers to any sweater with a Christmas motif deemed to be garish, tacky, or otherwise offensive to the eyes and senses. Most people agree that ugly Christmas sweaters are those with plenty of decorations like tinsel, reindeer, Santa Clauses, candy canes, elves, presents, etc. 

You could, in theory, wear an ugly sweater with two different colors, although the more mismatched colors, the better. However, to achieve the ugliness standard, at least a few colors need to be combined, as gaudy colors are already unpleasant to the eye. A tacky Christmas sweater is one that encourages fidgeting through the use of pom-poms, bows, or even real Christmas ornaments.


There is little doubt that a classic Fair Isle knit can compete with any other ugly Christmas sweater. But in order for it to occur, it must incorporate more than just snowflakes. Bring back the original ugliness with some dayglo colors, inverted fir trees, and humpbacked reindeer for a real ugly sweater ready to win contests. 

Additionally, the more elements you add ready to throw people off guard, the better. Non-typical holiday icons include dinosaurs, ninja bread guys, and even a sloth with three legs. It has that endearing ugliness that manages to elicit both chuckles and cringes from onlookers. You know you are onto something when people can not take their eyes off of it.

How To Style An Ugly Christmas Sweater For Dog Lovers?

Ugly Christmas sweaters are incredibly versatile and a lot of fun to wear during the holiday season. Start by pairing it with pants, leggings, or skirts with a little extra touch like glitter or even better options with dogs on it for added flair. If you can find bright dog-themed socks to go with the sweater, even better. Spice up your outfit more with some dog ears with a Christmas theme. The crazier, the better. Even a bow type can be the piece that sets your outfit apart. 


However, the most important way to style a dog-themed ugly Christmas sweater is to wear it proudly. Own the look and walk around as if you are royalty, as this will pull off your style more than any accessory. Remember, you are displaying your love of dogs to the world!

When Is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?

National Ugly Sweater Day lands on December 17, 2022. You will always find this funny holiday on the third Friday of December, or December 17. Individuals all throughout the country swap out their everyday wear for their most hideous holiday sweaters in honor of National Ugly Sweater Day. Whether you wear something you found or something you made yourself, one thing is certain: this holiday will have you in stitches the whole time.

How To Wear A Dog Christmas Sweater For A Human?

Humans may not be able to wear a sweater intended for dogs, but you can be creative. First, consider buying a matching set for you and your pooch. Otherwise, if you want to wear a dog Christmas sweater, you will need to get a few, cut them, and sew them together! If it’s for an ugly sweater contest, try using duct tape to piece the sweater together instead!


How Did Ugly Christmas Sweaters Start?

The origin of the ugly Christmas sweater remains up for debate. In fact, it is safe to assume that the creators of ugly sweaters intended for them to be stylish. Unfortunately, sweaters formerly acceptable are now regarded as ugly due to ever-changing fashion trends. Throughout the 1980s, ugly sweaters were a staple of situation comedy, especially on television. 

They generally consisted of cardigans with front buttons. At about the same period, the Christmas motif emerged, and in the 1980s, jingle bell sweaters became the first mass-produced Christmas sweaters. While no one claims ownership, the first party took place in Vancouver in 2002, making it the forever home of ugly sweater Christmas parties at the Commodore Ballroom. 

The words “ugly Christmas sweater” and “ugly Christmas sweater party.” are trademarked by the Commodore’s annual ugly sweater party’s co-founders, Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch. The celebration is a benefit for the Canadian chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps terminally ill children fulfill their most heartfelt desires. 


How To Wash A Dog Ugly Christmas Sweater?

Start by checking the instructions on the tag to care for your ugly sweater properly. Some options require dry cleaning, while others need hand washing. The more frills on your sweater, the less likely you can toss it in the washer or dryer. Fabric makes a difference, too, as some fabrics shrink when washed wrong. Of course, then you could turn it into an ugly sweater for your dog if you are crafty!

To prevent damage to any decorations, you should flip your sweater inside out before washing it. Then, spot treat stains with natural stain treatments and a microfiber cloth or silicone scrubber. Avoid wringing the fabric since this may cause it to stretch. After rinsing thoroughly, gently press out the water and lay flat to dry. 

If your go-to holiday sweater can be machine-washed, do it on the soft cycle to protect the fabric from being overly stretched. Use a mild detergent to preserve the holiday cheer of your sweater and a mineral-based fabric softener to stay comfy and snug all season long. 

For wool sweaters, follow the directions carefully to avoid shrinking. If the label specifies that the item should be hand washed, then you should do so in the cool water setting of your washing machine’s hand wash or wool cycle. Simple maintenance Wool knits can be washed in warm water on the mild or wool setting of the washing machine. Lay them flat and dry somewhere out of the sun or heat, but never put them in the dryer. 

Acrylic fabric tends to pill, making it necessary to wash the material in a specific manner. As acrylic and polyester are made of plastic, you need to avoid heat. Whichever way you wash or dry the fabric, do so in low heat. Avoid using the dryer as they can heat up too much, even steam dryers. Beading, sequins, and feathers all add further layers of complexity to the cleaning process and may require expert attention.

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