15 Ugly Christmas Sweaters for Your *Pets* to Wear This Holiday

It’s almost impossible to resist buying your pet everything 24/7, and now that the holidays are here, the urge to pamper your furry friends kicks into overdrive. Just give in already! Put your four-legged family member on the top of the Nice List with these 15 cute holiday sweaters made for dogs and cats. They are festive and tacky and make for the most adorable holiday photo op EVER.

1. Chilly Dog Christmas Elf Sweater ($33+): If Santa’s little helpers were this cute, he’d have a hard time getting anything done.

2. Merry Cat Shop Christmas Scarf ($29): If your feline BFF doesn’t care for sweaters, try this cute scarf, which simply wraps around the collar for festive flair that won’t freak them out.

3. Petit Dog Apparel Snowflake Pom Sweater ($22+): Consider yourself warned: This pom sweater will have people stopping you in the street for a photo of your pup.

4. Henry and Co Pets Christmas Dog Collar ($30): Your picky little buddy needs something snazzy for your holiday party.

5. Ware of the Dog Textured Pullover ($70): If you’re chilly, so is your four-legged friend. This plush, textured pullover will have them curled up in your lap and snoozing in no time.

6. Sh3 Collection Santa Baby Dog Sweater ($30): A goofy, fun-loving dog needs a funny sweater to match that outgoing personality!

7. Pajamagram Ugly Christmas Cat Sweater ($20): Your feline will love repping their favorite Christmas climbing toy on the back of this sweater.

8. Stinky G Green Festive Reindeer Dog Sweater ($17+): This bright green number is perfect for those pics with Santa.

9. Burger & Friends Twin Deer Knit Holiday Dog Sweater ($15): This cute sweater is spot on for those December trips to the dog park.

10. My Knitt Handmade Christmas Dog Sweater ($45): The holidays are perfect for all things handmade, and cute puppy gear is no exception.

11. Hello Apparel Red Dog Hoodie ($40): Get down with some matching sweaters with this quirky hoodie. Human sizes, right this way.

12. Chilly Dog Peppermint Hoodie ($33+): This sweet color combination will have your pet standing out in a sea of red and green.

13. Pup Cycle Canada Red Holiday Dog Sweater ($25): How cute are the buttons on this little cardigan? This will come in handy for those quick trips outside — just button it up over the harness and head out the door.

14. Burger & Friends Snowman Knit Sweater ($18): Showcase your pal’s love for snow with this bright red sweater.

15. Simply Sphynx Striped Hoodie ($43+): With all of the experience your cat probably has with the Christmas tree, they’re more than qualified to dress up as one of Santa’s helpers.

Which pet sweater is your little buddy going to be wearing this year? Tweet us your furry friend’s new look @BritandCo!

Dogs are among the most popular pets in the world, most commonly beloved for their loyalty and companionship. But beyond signature friendliness, certain breeds stand out for their intelligence and ability to learn new tricks with ease.

Whether you're searching for a quick learner to take on adventures or simply adjust to your household more easily, here are 10 of the smartest dog breeds that thrive on mental stimulation.

Here are the 10 smartest dog breeds you can bring home today!

1. Border Collie

Helena Lopes

This breed is considered one of the most intelligent and trainable, excelling in agility and obedience competitions thanks to their sharp problem-solving skills and eagerness to work.

Border Collies are part of the herding group, so they enjoy being given tasks. That's why these pups are ideal companions for ranchers and farmers.

However, if they're not herding livestock, they'll need plenty of mental and physical activity to satiate their endless energy and remain engaged.

2. German Shepherd

Thirdman

German Shepherds have sharp minds and strong work ethics, which, like the Border Collie, stem from generations of herding instincts.

This breed is adaptable and quick-thinking, allowing them to thrive in high-pressure roles that even some humans find challenging, such as police work and search and rescue operations.

Coupled with their trainability, their loyalty makes them both stellar working dogs and adorable companions.

3. Shetland Sheepdog

Elina Volkova

Sometimes referred to as "Shelties," Shetland Sheepdogs are fast learners and skilled problem solvers. They shine in various realms, from agility and herding to obedience and even therapy work.

These pups are loyal and affectionate, too. Nonetheless, given their high energy, they do best in active households.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

KIM

Originally bred in Germany for farm work, Miniature Schnauzers are smart dogs with lively personalities.

They have a strong drive to stay active and engaged, so they excel when given a purpose, whether through structured agility and obedience training or interactive games.

These canines may wow you with their eagerness to learn, making them really rewarding companions.

5. Poodle

Goochie Poochie Grooming

Poodles were first bred as hunting dogs and worked closely with humans, making them highly trainable and eager to please today.

Their fuzzy coats and cute faces have made this breed a favorite family dog. But even though Poodles do enjoy lounging at home, they truly shine in agility and obedience competitions because of their intelligence and athleticism.

Regardless of whether you hope to compete with your pup or teach them some simple commands, this breed is one of the smartest and most versatile.

6. Papillon

Blue Bird

With their tiny stature and floppy ears, Papillons can be deceiving, but don't be fooled. These little dogs are incredibly sharp and make training both easy and fun.

Papillons are energetic and, despite their small size, full of confidence and enthusiasm. Plus, their playful and affectionate temperament makes them wonderful additions to families with young kids.

7. Bloodhound

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club

Next up are Bloodhounds, a breed with an unmatched sense of smell. These canines have been tracking both humans and animals for hundreds of years, which is why they're invaluable in search and rescue efforts. Moreover, they're known for having a loving and loyal nature.

Even so, their powerful noses can cause strong independent streaks. Once they catch a scent, they can be relentless in following it. So, Bloodhounds need plenty of space to explore, along with activities to keep them engaged.

8. English Springer Spaniel

Sharon Snider

Revered for their friendliness and trainability, English Springer Spaniels are very intelligent sporting dogs. They were initially bred for hunting and retrieving, so they thrive in the field and are devoted to their family members.

If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking or hunting, this breed may be a perfect match.

9. German Shorthaired Pointer

Brixiv

Those searching for a hunting companion should consider adopting a German Shorthaired Pointer. This breed is always up for an adventure and loves to please, meaning training is typically a smooth process.

Just keep in mind that these pups are full of energy and will need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.

10. Labrador Retriever

Paul Groom Photography Bristol

Last but certainly not least is the Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular breads in the United States. Yet, they're not just known for their friendliness; Labrador Retrievers are also highly intelligent.

These dogs were historically bred to assist with hunting and retrieving, so they've developed sharp instincts, quick learning abilities, and an adoration for humans.

With the right training, this breed can excel in retrieving, obedience, and service work while simultaneously being affectionate and gentle family companions.

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It's out with the old, in with the new at Walt Disney World this year! After expanding EPCOT to include Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, as well as adding Tiana's Bayou Adventure to the Magic Kingdom, the next park to get a refresh is Animal Kingdom.

The last time Disney's Animal Kingdom got an exciting refresh was with the addition of Pandora, AKA the world of Avatar, in 2017. So, let's find out what's leaving — and what's coming next — at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom in 2025!

Scroll to find out which Walt Disney World attraction is closing in March 2025!

Walt Disney World

"It's Tough to Be a Bug!" will officially close "permanently" on March 17, 2025, according to Walt Disney World. The iconic attraction is leaving after nearly three decades and is set to be replaced by a new 3D show, "Zootopia: Better Zoogether!" in the winter.

Situated in the Tree of Life Theater, located in Animal Kingdom, "It's Tough to Be a Bug!" first opened on April 22, 1998. Inspired by A Bug's Life, the animated Pixar film, this attraction is a 4D experience that has received mixed reviews.

One TripAdvisor review says, "Not really worth the wait for how short the show is. A little scary, but some cute effects with the steam and water. A couple kids were crying." However, another review called the attraction "brilliant" with "totally unexpected laughs."

Parkgoers wear bug-eye glasses and watch as Flik navigates bug life in 4D. You'll sense creepy crawlies on the ground, you'll smell a stink bug, and watch as the bugs prove how tough it is to be — you guessed it — a bug!

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When you come across a cute dog up for adoption, it's extremely easy to get swept up by their adorable face and want to take them home on the spot. However, not all dogs are as low-maintenance as they might seem at first glance.

Certain breeds tend to come with a hefty price tag in terms of both time and money. From things like grooming needs to medical care, some dogs can leave new owners seriously surprised by all the hidden costs.

So, before you add a new furry friend to your family, it's important to educate yourself. Here are 12 dog breeds that may break the bank because of their surprisingly high-maintenance needs.

Scroll to see some of the most high-maintenance dog breeds you could get right now.

1. Labradoodle

Lars Mulder

While plenty of people love the characteristic Labradoodle affection and energy, these teddy bear dogs still require a decent amount of upkeep.

First of all, their high energy demands frequent exercise and mental stimulation, which can be time-consuming. Plus, their coats can be unpredictable, given that they're a mix of Poodle and Labrador.

That's why some Labradoodles might need daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats, while others will require professional grooming sessions.

2. French Bulldog

Rebecca Fogg

French Bulldogs may have an adorable and compact appearance, but their cute looks come with significant health and maintenance requirements.

Due to their short necks, flat faces, and stocky bodies, they often face a range of health problems, particularly brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which affects their breathing.

This condition can result in expensive veterinary visits and pet insurance premiums. Aside from that, owners will need to clean their skin rolls regularly to avoid infections.

3. Siberian Husky

Julissa Helmuth

Siberian Huskies are extremely athletic, meaning a ton of exercise is necessary. They were bred to pull sleds for up to 100 miles every single day, so to remain happy and healthy, they require a significant amount of physical activity.

Additionally, they don't enjoy being left alone, meaning doggy daycare or a reliable pet sitter is often necessary. To top it off, their thick double coats shed year-round, and you may go through multiple vacuum cleaners just to keep your home clean.

4. Afghan Hound

Ron Lach

The Afghan Hound is a stunning breed, but its luxurious coat makes it super high-maintenance. To keep their fur in good shape, owners will have to brush daily and provide baths weekly, ensuring they carefully dry their pups with a blow dryer.

Regular oil treatments and meticulous wrapping are also needed, along with the use of snoods during mealtime to protect their hair.

5. Border Collie

Helena Lopes

Since Border Collies are so active and smart, they literally need boundless amounts of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied.

These dogs excel when challenged, whether through obedience training or dog sports. If they're not kept on the move, Border Collies can become bored and a huge handful. They may act hyperactive, produce excessive noise, and get destructive.

6. Akita

Zen Chung

As working dogs, Akitas are independent, strong, and can be standoffish with strangers. Their aloof nature and protective instincts also mean they require consistent, firm training and plenty of socialization from a young age.

This breed is typically quiet, clean, and relatively easy to groom. Even so, they need substantial mental stimulation to remain well-behaved.

7. Giant Schnauzer

Brett Sayles

Even though Giant Schnauzers are affectionate, they also have a strong territorial nature, and firm training is essential from the start.

Regular grooming is a key part of their care as well, particularly around their faces. Their thick coats can become matted, and consistent brushing routines are important to maintain their well-being.

8. Tibetan Mastiff

Guang Niu/Getty Images

Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs with strong-willed personalities that can make training a challenge. They tend to be calm and don't require a bunch of exercise, yet getting them to consistently listen to commands will take patience and persistence.

This breed is known for having an independent streak, and their territorial nature means they should always be kept on a leash during any outings.

9. Chow Chow

Sharmaine Monticalbo

Chow Chows are adorable, fluffy dogs that must be consistently groomed, and it's crucial that their grooming routine starts early. It should include regular baths, brushing, and blow drying to help them get accustomed to the process.

The thick fur around their faces can be particularly challenging to wash, but it's very important to keep the region clean to prevent matting, which can be painful.

10. Old English Sheepdog

Filip Kvasnak

Everyone loves Old English Sheepdogs because of their fluffy and friendly temperament. However, their coats call for a significant amount of upkeep.

Full-body brushing several times a week is needed to prevent matting. Or, for easier maintenance, their coat can be trimmed shorter on a regular basis.

Beyond grooming, these dogs are strong and athletic as well. Plenty of playtime and outdoor activity is key to keeping them healthy.

11. Australian Cattle Dog

Loli de Elia

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are tireless herding canines with a strong desire to run. They have a high prey drive and protective instincts, so they're best suited for owners with wide open spaces.

This breed needs to burn off its seemingly infinite energy and requires structure to stay well-behaved. Thankfully, though, their short coats are less maintenance-intensive.

12. Pekingese

Mert Ocak

Finally, Pekingese come with a hefty maintenance load due to their unique physical traits. They have short legs, flat noses, short necks, bulging eyes, and dense coats, which is why they tend to be expensive when it comes to both grooming and healthcare.

Owners should expect higher vet bills and pet insurance costs due to breed-specific health problems. Also, Pekingese are prone to overheating, so they'll need cool areas to rest during the warmer months and a tangle-free coat to allow proper airflow.

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1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books To Read While You Wait For 1923 Season 2 and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

You could be secretly — an unintentionally — self-sabotaging in your day-to-day life in more ways than you know. From your job to your friendships, there are probably a few ways that you're counting yourself out and putting yourself last when you don't have to. And that kind of self-sabotaging behavior? It's seriously bringing you down.

Rest assured that this isn't another article meant to make you feel bad about yourself though. It's more of a friendly nudge for all of us to stop being so mean to ourselves because self-sabotaging isn't exactly rooted in self-love. It's like setting small parts of ourselves on fire...then complaining about how much it hurts. That doesn't sound fun, does it?

If you're vigorously nodding your head, let's make a vow to do things a little differently. But first, we have to face the subtle signs of self-sabotaging we just can't seem to stop doing.

Buckle up because we're exposing 10 signs you're actually self-sabotaging!

Mikhail Nilov

1. Treating Procrastination Like It's The Love Of Your Life

We see you snickering to yourself, but it's time to evaluate your relationship with procrastination. Whenever you do it, does it make you feel better about yourself or do you rush to complete whatever you were supposed to do? If you've noticed your habit is a daily part of your life, chances are other people know about it too.

One study found that "1 in 4 Americans say their friends expect them to procrastinate on takes" while "1 in 12 say even their employer expects" late tasks. It may elicit a few jokes, but we wouldn't be surprised if you told us people are starting to rely on you less because you're not starting things when you said you would.

We know it's familiar to reach for procrastination, but it's not helping you in the long run.

Polina Tankilevitch

2. Critiquing Your Appearance Like You Have A Built-In Bully In Your Ear

We couldn't decide if this should be the first self-sabotaging thing we covered, but we know it's serious enough to talk about early on. The Florida House Experience discovered almost 50% of women begin questioning their body as they age which is scary to think about. But what if you're doing that now?

It's easy; we know. Still, there's no reason to repeat negative things about yourself like you're an annoying internet bully who likes to pick fights with everyone. It's soul-crushing and puts you in a position to find new things to critique no matter how many times you swear you'll stop.

Find ways to counter whatever negative thing you're thinking. Here's a few of our tips:

  1. Instead of saying "My body doesn't look like the girls on social media," say "My body's been keeping me healthy so far and I love it for that."
  2. Instead of saying "My face is terrible because I have so much acne," say "My face is doing it's best to signal that I need to take care of something."
  3. Instead of saying, "I hate that I have to wear glasses," say "How cool is it that I get to wear something stylish that also helps me see?"

Anastasia Shuraeva

3. Treating Yourself Because "You Can't Spend It When You're Gone"

We're not financial experts whatsoever, and we honestly don't believe in restricting yourself to the point you can't ever enjoy your money. It's just you shouldn't carry recurring debt so you can have the fun you want. You could be an emotional shopper or have a huge FOMO; two things we know a lot about. Usually we'd say it doesn't matter, but your underlying why absolutely does.

The only person who can get to the root of what's causing you to spend excessively is you, though we'd also argue that a therapist and financial expert can help you even more.

cottonbro studio

4. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself Regularly

The thing about cleaning is that you don't have to love it to do it. It's more about making sure you respect and value the space you're in more than making sure your inner child is appeasing your parents. Leave them and anyone else out of the equation for once.

Wash your dirty dishes with old food stuck to them because you want to have something clean to put your new meals on. Wash, dry, and put away your clothes because not seeing a huge pile makes you less anxious. Put your shoes in a safe space so that you stop spraining your pinky toe.

See how that works?

Liza Summer

5. Being Scared To Set Boundaries Because You Don't Want To Be "Mean"

People pleasers to the front! You're still putting everyone else's needs and emotions before your own, aren't you? We see you and think you have a beautiful heart. We also think it's time for you to stop willingly allowing yourself to shrink or feel uncomfortable because you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

A hard fact it's time to understand is that you're never going to please everyone nor should you willingly accept toxic behavior. Your best friend or sister doesn't get a pass for making passive-aggressive comments if you wouldn't let a stranger do it.

Mikhail Nilov

6. Ignoring What You've Accomplished Because You Think You Can Do Better

What are you in a rush to prove Ms. Perfectionist? That you can make your boss regret passing you over for a promotion? Maybe you think you can make your ex regret mistreating you because you've gone on to accomplish everything they said you wouldn't.

Whatever your reason for chasing the next thing is, we want you slow down and look around you. If you're able to afford your rent or mortgage, have a car to get you from point A to B, or have received work accolades, you're not failing. You are doing so much better than you give yourself credit for and it's time to recognize that.

Every time you feel like you have to chase the next big thing, you're signaling to yourself that what you have done is insignificant and it's not. The fact you get up every day to try counts so it's time to give yourself more credit!

cottonbro studio

7. Pushing Your Partner Away Because You're Afraid Of Being Hurt

Eh, we're calling ourselves out big time here. Sadly, we're guilty of being mean to our partners because we've kissed a few snakes in the past and found ourselves nursing broken hearts after getting wounded. Unfortunately, this made us carry fear from past situations into our current relationships.

If this tune sounds familiar then you're probably guilty of starting drama with your partner before they can even think about playing with your feelings. But, what if they're a genuine person who cares about you and you're just being mean? Does that seem fair? Chances are you don't even realize you're doing it which makes this one of the trickier self-sabotaging things you've been doing.

We're not here to berate you for it though because —like we said — we've been there. If you want a shot at having the healthy relationship you want, you have to put down your proverbial fists though — trust us.

Christina Morillo

8. Being Afraid To Speak Up Work Because You Think Your Ideas Are "Stupid"

Hey, Ms. "I Want A Successful Career!" You're not going to get there if you bite your tongue whenever your boss asks if anyone has fresh ideas to share. We're guilty of sitting on things too because we've been overlooked in the past, but all jobs aren't like that.

If you work with a collaborative team where people genuinely care about your input, don't be afraid to speak up. Even if all your ideas don't come to fruition, it still helps when you actively bounce ideas off your co-workers.

This is the only time you'll hear us say this, but teamwork really does make the dream work.

Vlada Karpovich

9. Turning Down Event Invites Because You're Nervous To Be Yourself

Who made you feel like you have to hide from the world when you have so much greatness inside of you? Point them out so we can have a word with them. Just kidding, sort of.

Really, we're more concerned about how many opportunities you're letting pass by because it means you'll have to actually talk to people and let them see you. It's obvious someone wants to see you if you're receiving invitations to pop-up shops, NYFW shows, and even just a friend's birthday dinner!

If you've been dreaming about rubbing shoulders with certain people in the industry you work in, put your best foot forward and show up! You've been doing the work to get to this point so don't hold back.

We promise you've got this!

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