A dog coat isn't just about looks. For some dogs, it makes the difference between a pleasant walk and a dog who shivers and wants to go home. For others, it's unnecessary. Here's how to tell which one yours is.
Which dogs really need one?
- Short-haired dogs or dogs without an undercoat: French bulldog, pug, beagle, greyhound, chihuahua, smooth-haired dachshund.
- Small dogs, closer to the cold, wet ground.
- Older, young or very lean dogs, who hold their heat less well.
- Dogs clipped short in winter.
On the other hand, a husky, a German shepherd or a Bernese mountain dog has a coat made for the cold: a coat often adds little, except maybe in the rain.
How can I tell he's cold?
He shivers, walks with a hunched back, lifts his paws, slows down or pulls to go home. If you see these signs in the first few minutes of the walk, a coat will help.
What to look for in a coat
- Waterproof or water-repellent: in Switzerland, winter is often wetter than freezing. A wet dog gets cold fast.
- A warm lining for insulation.
- Belly and chest covered, where small dogs catch the most splashes.
- Reflective strips for walks when it's already dark at 5 pm.
- Easy to put on, otherwise you won't use it.
Handy extra: a coat with a built-in harness saves layering a harness over a coat. You clip the lead straight onto the coat.
How to measure
- Chest girth: the most important measurement, at the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.
- Back length: from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Neck girth: where the collar sits.
Use a soft tape measure with your dog standing. If you're between two sizes, take the larger one: a coat that's too tight restricts movement.
Ours
Our winter coat with built-in harness is water-repellent, lined, with reflective strips, and comes in 7 sizes from S to 4XL and 5 colours. The detailed size guide is on the product page. Free shipping to Switzerland and Europe, 30 days to change your mind.
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