Brisbane Lions Dog Jumper: Sizes, Styles and Everything Lions Fans Need to Know
Is your four-legged best friend ready to show some serious Lions pride? If you're a Brisbane Lions fan who also happens to be a devoted dog parent, you've probably already considered dressing your pup in the iconic maroon, blue, and gold. And honestly, why should you have the only footy jersey in the house?
A Brisbane Lions dog jumper is one of the most fun and easy ways to include your pet in game day celebrations. Whether you're heading to the Gabba, hosting a footy party, or just watching the match from your couch, your dog can look just as committed to the team as you are.
But if you're new to buying footy gear for your pup, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. What size do you need? What styles are available? Where do you even buy one? Don't stress, we've got you covered. In this guide, we're walking you through everything you need to know about finding the perfect Brisbane Lions dog jumper for your furry teammate.
Knit Jumper or Pet Jersey: What Is the Difference?
Shopping for a Brisbane Lions dog jumper for the first time? The first thing you'll notice is that there are actually two different product types on the market, and they're not the same thing. Understanding the difference will save you from buying the wrong item for your dog.
The Knit Jumper: Built for Warmth and Authenticity
The acrylic knit guernsey-style jumper is exactly what it sounds like. It's designed to look like a miniature version of the classic AFL on-field guernsey, complete with the Lions' iconic maroon, blue and gold colours. The knit construction provides real insulation, making it a practical choice for cooler winter game days or for dogs that genuinely feel the cold. Think smaller or shorter-coated breeds like Whippets, Greyhounds, or Chihuahuas who shiver the moment the temperature drops. Knit jumpers come in Small, Medium and Large, with sizing specs running from a 37cm back length in Small up to a 57cm back length in Large, so they work well for small-to-medium breeds.
The Pet Jersey: Light, Breathable and More Flexible
The mesh pet jersey takes a different approach entirely. The Brisbane Lions Official AFL Pet Jersey is described as a lightweight mesh design with adjustable straps, which makes it far more breathable and comfortable in warmer conditions. If your dog lives in Brisbane or anywhere with a subtropical climate, this style is probably the smarter everyday choice. Jersey-style variants also typically span XS through to XL, giving you more flexibility for very small breeds like Cavoodles or larger dogs like Labradors.
Both Options Nail the Fan Identity
Importantly, both product types carry official Brisbane Lions branding, so you're not sacrificing team pride either way. Whether you go knit or mesh, your dog is still repping the Lions in the right colours. The choice really comes down to three practical factors: your local climate, whether your dog tends to overheat or feel the chill, and whether you're after warmth or just a fun aesthetic. A dog that tolerates clothing happily is a great candidate for either style; a dog that wriggles and resists may do better in the lighter, adjustable jersey format.
It's worth noting that adidas recently launched a FIFA World Cup pet jersey collection, proving that officially licensed pet sports apparel is a growing trend well beyond just AFL. Brisbane Lions fans are already ahead of the curve.
Brisbane Lions Dog Jumper Size Guide
Once you've worked out which style suits your dog, the next step is making sure you get the right size. Getting this wrong is the most common mistake first-time buyers make, so it's worth taking a few minutes to do this properly before you place your order.
The two measurements you need
Two measurements tell you everything: back length and chest circumference. Back length is measured along the spine from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Chest circumference is measured around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Grab a soft tape measure, note both numbers in centimetres, and you're ready to match them against the size guide below.
Small
A Small fits a back length of 37cm and a chest of 48cm. This size works well for smaller breeds including Chihuahuas, toy Poodles and small Terriers. These are compact dogs, but even within small breeds, body proportions can vary quite a bit, so always check your measurements rather than assuming.
Medium
A Medium fits a back length of 47cm and a chest of 63cm. Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and medium Terriers typically fall into this range. The Brisbane Lions Dog Jumper in Medium is a consistently stocked size, which reflects just how popular this range is with fans.
Large
A Large fits a back length of 57cm and a chest of 78cm. This size suits mid-to-large breeds like Labradors and Boxers. At this end of the size range, getting the chest measurement right is especially important because a jumper that's too snug around the chest can restrict your dog's movement and cause real discomfort.
A few things to keep in mind
Breed names are a helpful starting point, but they shouldn't be your only guide. Body shape varies significantly between individual dogs of the same breed. A Cocker Spaniel with a deeper-than-average chest, for example, may need a Large despite fitting the Medium back length. If your dog's measurements sit between two sizes on either reading, size up. A slightly roomier fit is always more comfortable than one that's too tight around the chest or shoulders.
Which Size Suits Your Dog's Breed and Body Shape?
Once you've taken your measurements, it helps to think about how your dog's breed and body shape typically fits into standard sizing. Not every breed fits neatly into a size chart, so here's a practical breed-by-breed breakdown to point you in the right direction.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers
These popular Aussie family dogs tend to land in the Large, mostly because of their broad, deep chests. A Large in the Brisbane Lions knit jumper covers a 78cm chest and a 57cm back length, which suits most adult Labs and Goldens reasonably well. That said, back length can vary quite a bit between individual dogs, especially between males and females. Always confirm both measurements before ordering rather than assuming a Large will work just because of the breed.
Dachshunds (Sausage Dogs)
Dachshunds are the trickiest breed to size. Their long back can push them toward a Medium in terms of back length, while their chest measurement often sits closer to Small territory. These two dimensions can pull in completely opposite directions, which makes the structured three-size knit jumper a frustrating fit. The jersey-style product, which runs from XS to XL, tends to be a more forgiving option for sausage dogs thanks to its wider size range and more flexible construction.
Bulldogs and Pugs
With Bulldogs and Pugs, the chest measurement is everything. These breeds have wide, deep chests that are large relative to their overall body length. Always size to the chest first, and if you're sitting between sizes, go up. A jumper that's slightly long in the body is far more comfortable than one that pulls tight across the chest.
Whippets and Greyhounds
Whippets and Greyhounds have a deep chest combined with a very narrow waist, which can make standard sizing grids awkward. The good news is that the acrylic knit jumper has natural stretch in the fabric, which helps accommodate that chest-to-waist difference without the fit looking bunched or strained.
Smaller Companion Breeds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maltese and Shih Tzus generally have well-proportioned bodies and tend to fit comfortably into Small or the XS to S end of the jersey-style range. These breeds are usually the most straightforward to size, though individual variation still applies. It's always worth measuring your dog properly rather than guessing based on size alone.
Buying as a Gift
If you're picking up a Brisbane Lions dog jumper as a gift for a fellow Lions fan, don't ask what breed their dog is. Ask for the back length and chest measurement in centimetres. Two dogs of the same breed can vary significantly in both dimensions, and a measurement takes the guesswork out of it entirely.
Game Day Moments, Gifts and Why Lions Fans Love This
There has never been a better time to be a Brisbane Lions fan. Back-to-back AFL Premiers heading into 2026, the Lions are living through a genuine golden era, and supporter enthusiasm is at an all-time high. For fans who own dogs, dressing their pet in maroon, blue and gold is a completely natural extension of that supporter identity. It is not just a novelty item. It is a statement that the whole household is behind the Lions, four legs included.
From a gifting perspective, the Brisbane Lions dog jumper is one of those rare finds that hits the sweet spot. Priced at around $28.95 for the Large size, it sits comfortably in the impulse-gift range without feeling cheap or throwaway. If you know a Lions supporter who owns a dog, this is a genuinely thoughtful present that they probably would not think to buy themselves. That combination of personal, practical and affordable is hard to beat.
Then there is the social media angle. Photos of dogs wearing AFL jumpers consistently generate strong engagement across Facebook and Instagram, and Lions fans are no exception. A snap of your dog in full Lions colours on game day is an instant conversation starter and a piece of shareable content that fellow supporters genuinely enjoy seeing. The jumper earns its keep well beyond matchday.
For a more complete gift, consider pairing the dog jumper with a Brisbane Lions beanie, scarf or supporter throw. You can browse the Brisbane Lions Pets collection at The AFL Store to explore what is available alongside complementary supporter items. A coordinated gift set covering both the owner and their pet is a thoughtful touch that makes the whole thing feel curated rather than last-minute.
One practical tip worth keeping in mind: stock on officially licensed pet products tends to run low around the AFL season opener, finals time and premiership anniversary periods. If you are buying as a gift, ordering ahead of those peak moments is a smart move rather than leaving it until the last minute.
How to Care for Your Brisbane Lions Dog Jumper
Your Brisbane Lions dog jumper is made from acrylic knit fabric, which does a great job holding those iconic maroon, blue and gold colours. That said, acrylic knit is a bit particular when it comes to care. Treat it gently and it will last season after season. Treat it roughly and you'll find it loses its shape faster than you'd like.
Washing is where most people go wrong. Hand washing in cold water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent is the safest option. A fragrance-free detergent matters here because the jumper sits close against your dog's skin, and scented products can cause irritation. If hand washing feels like too much effort, a delicate or wool machine cycle works well as a practical alternative. Pop the jumper inside a laundry bag first to protect it from snagging or stretching during the cycle. You can find solid general guidance on washing dog clothing at Maytag's dog clothes washing guide.
Drying is the next critical step. Never put an acrylic knit item in the tumble dryer. Heat causes the fibres to shrink and lose elasticity, which means the fit you worked so hard to get right simply disappears. Instead, lay the jumper flat on a clean towel and dry it in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade the club colours over time.
Ironing should be avoided over any printed or embroidered branding. Heat damages official club logos and colour detailing in a way that cannot be undone.
After each wear, take a quick look at the neck and leg openings for any early signs of stretching or loose threads. Catching small issues early makes a real difference to how long the garment lasts. Between uses, fold the jumper flat rather than hanging it, as gravity will gradually pull a knit garment out of shape on a hanger.
Why Shop Brisbane Lions Pet Gear at Exclusive Collections Australia?
There are plenty of places to buy Brisbane Lions pet gear online, so it's worth explaining why Exclusive Collections Australia is worth your business specifically.
Officially licensed products you can trust. Every Brisbane Lions item sold through Exclusive Collections Australia carries genuine AFL club licensing. That means the maroon, blue and gold branding on your dog's jumper meets the AFL's own quality and authenticity standards. You're not taking a chance on a knockoff with faded colours or poorly stitched logos.
A family business that actually cares. Exclusive Collections is a proudly Australian, family-owned small business run by Karen, Mark and the family out of Victoria. When you shop here, you're dealing with real people who are passionate about Australian sport, not a faceless corporate warehouse. If you have a question about sizing or want to know whether the knit jumper or jersey style is the better pick for your dog, you can expect a genuine, helpful response from the team directly.
Build a full Lions order in one place. The store carries a broad Brisbane Lions merchandise range covering apparel, accessories and pet products. It's easy to kit out both yourself and your dog in matching Lions colours from a single order, which keeps things simple and can help you hit the free shipping threshold faster.
Your purchase supports a local Australian family. Shopping here means your money goes directly to a small independent business, not a corporate chain. That's something worth thinking about when you have a genuine choice.
Get Your Dog Game Day Ready in Lions Colours
You've now got everything you need to make a confident, well-informed decision. To quickly recap: the knit guernsey-style jumper is your go-to for cooler game days and that classic AFL look, while the fabric jersey suits everyday wear or warmer weather. Before you order either, take two measurements: back length along the spine, and chest just behind the front legs. When your dog sits between sizes, always size up. A little extra room is far more comfortable than a jumper that's too snug.
With Brisbane Lions riding the momentum of back-to-back AFL Premiers heading into 2026, Lions merchandise has never felt more meaningful. A Brisbane Lions dog jumper makes a genuinely thoughtful gift for any Lions household.
Head over to Exclusive Collections Australia to browse the Brisbane Lions pet merchandise range and place your order. As an officially licensed retailer, every product you buy there carries proper AFL authorisation, meaning accurate maroon, blue and gold colours, correct club branding, and real support going back to the Lions. Shopping licensed is always the smarter choice for fans who care about quality and club support.
Conclusion
Getting your dog kitted out in Brisbane Lions colours is easier than you might think. To recap the key points: choose between a knit jumper for warmth and a pet jersey for lightweight everyday wear, measure your dog carefully before buying to get the right fit, and always shop from official or reputable retailers to guarantee quality AFL-licensed gear.
Your pup deserves to be part of the game day action, and a Brisbane Lions dog jumper is the perfect way to make that happen. Whether you're heading to the Gabba or cheering from the lounge, matching your dog's outfit to the team brings the whole family into the celebration.
Ready to find the perfect fit? Browse the official AFL store or your local licensed retailer today and let your four-legged Lions fan show their true colours this season.