Before you head out on a winter walk or a hike in nature with your family and your dog, it is worth considering that your furry friend may need clothing.
Some owners may find a sweater or coat on their dog a bit exaggerated, but the truth is that it is useful and not just a silly trend. While some dog breeds have a natural outer layer that keeps them warm in cold weather, many other breeds do not, and they absolutely need clothing that helps keep them warm in the winter cold.
Some breeds react much more sensitively to sudden temperature changes when they step out of the cozy warmth of their home to go for a walk on a cold winter day.
There are dogs that like to wear sweaters not only during outdoor walks but also inside, especially if the indoor temperature is quite low.
Which types of dogs need coats in the cold?
1. Toy-type and small dogs like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Terriers. – Although many of these dogs have sufficiently thick fur or thicker skin, their small size means body heat is easily lost, and they do not produce enough heat during walks to keep their body consistently warm.
2. Thin-bodied, short-haired, or hairless dogs like Great Danes and Greyhounds. – Due to their thin body build and lack of insulating fur, they need clothing during the cold season.
3. Dogs with single-layer coats (without undercoat) like the Maltese or Poodle. – While some single-layer breeds may have long fur that looks warm enough for cold weather, they lack a second layer and therefore need additional insulation.
4. Dogs living indoors who spend most of their time inside. – For example, Labradors or Border Collies, if they are typically indoor dogs, may need an additional layer when they go outside in winter.
5. Sick or elderly dogs. – All dogs who are older or ill, or both, need extra protection in cold weather.
6. Dogs with diseases that affect fur growth. – Diseases such as Cushing’s disease or hyperthyroidism in dogs hinder fur growth; without proper clothing, your dog may be too cold outside during winter.
Which types of dogs do not need coats in winter?
1. Large dogs with thick, dense, or double coats like Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and Saint Bernards. – These dogs are well equipped against cold weather. Putting a coat on such a dog risks overheating!
2. Larger, thick-coated dogs like German Shepherds, Collies, or Golden Retrievers. – These dogs may only need a coat if they are exposed to harsh cold weather for a long time.
How to choose the best coat
When choosing a coat for your dog, make sure that the selected coat not only reflects fashion but is also suitably warm for the purpose. Dog coats are now available in all colors and styles, but the most important thing—and always keep this in mind—is that the coat should be the most comfortable attire possible for your dog.
To determine the exact coat size, you need to know your dog's measurements. First, measure your dog's back along the spine from the neck to the beginning of the tail, as well as around the chest and neck to get the numbers needed to determine the coat size. It is important that you do not put on your dog clothes that are too large or too small, only the size that fits them properly!
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