This pullover pattern is basically a set of notes about my experiment to knit something warm for my two elderly Coton de Tulear ladies. Kiki is 13 years old and she has always been very sensitive to cold and windy weather. Vilkku, 8 years old, has a sprightly character, but has recently turned into a real couch potato.

The smaller size has been designed to fit Kiki (5,5 kg) who, although a pedigree Coton, bears a striking resemblance to a Maltese, Havanese and similar Bichons. The larger size fits Vilkku (8 kg) who has a true Coton structure but who dislikes putting her head through anything narrow.

The pullover is knitted from the collar down, starting with K2P2 ribbing and moving on to stockinette stitch knitted in the round. The rump cover has an i-cord edging ending with symmetrical i-cord bind-off.

I have included instructions for an optional leash opening if you like have the dog collar or harness to be worn underneath the pullover. Another optional design element is to leave the pullover short or to include a rump cover as I have done with Kiki’s and Vilkku’s pullovers in the pictures.

As to the yarn, I suggest to consider using superwash yarn or a wool & acrylic/nylon blend for easy maintenance. The yarn used here is nice, warm and thick, but I chose is just because that is all I had available in my stash at the moment of inspiration.