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Cold noses need warm bodies... does your dog need a winter coat?
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Long ago the only dogs you saw walking around with sweaters were Chihauhaus and the scruffy mutt owned by the little old lady down the street. Times have changed as people come to see that just because a dog does not show signs of discomfort, doesn't mean he is not suffering in some way.
Some dogs really don't need winter protection but most could benefit from something when out on walks, or even a potty break in the yard, when the temperature falls below 50F degrees. Different breeds of dog and dogs with varied lifestyles call for different approaches to staying warm.
Dogs who DON"T need duds:
Most sled-pulling and cart-pulling breeds will never need a sweater, Malamutes, Huskies, Samoyeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards and dogs with a similar coat to these breeds. The only exception is if these dogs are shaved for some reason, in which case they certainly need protection.
Large double coated dogs who live outside (don't get me started on that) for the most part do not need winter wear if they have a proper shelter. They build up extra fur and fat layers that act like insulation. Indoor dogs with thick coats like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Collies and Golden Retrievers who have thick fur will only need extra apparel if they are exposed to bad weather for long periods.
Dogs who MIGHT need an extra layer:
Larger dogs who have a double coat like Labs and Border Collies, but spend all day inside, will need some extra heat on long walks. Any dog over 45lbs that has a slight coat and little body fat (like an elderly dog) should be evaluated when outside to see if they are shivering or if they seem to want to go back inside too fast.
Small dogs who have thick coats sometimes dont produce enough body heat and will need extra layers. Pomeranians, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels and dogs with similar coats may seem protected but may need extra help especially if clipped short during cool weather.
Some dogs who NEED a sweater... NOW:
Any breed with a smooth coat really should have a sweater if they live indoors and go out for walks. They are so far removed from wolves that they just dont put on the extra fat and fur needed to keep thier bodies warm. Most won't die if you dont accomodate them but they will suffer and may lose the desire to go outside and use the frozen toilet when there is a soft warm carpeted one upstairs in the hall.
Whippets, Great Danes, Doberman Pinchers, Greyhounds, Chihauhaus, Chinese Cresteds, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers and Pittbulls NEED coats, they truly suffer without winter care and will appreciate the warmest duds that can be found when the weather calls for it.
Small dogs with lots of coat such as Maltese, Yorkies, Toy Poodles and Shih Tzus most likely need a light coat even if they have hair to the floor, because they don't produce enough heat to keep them fully charged on long walks.
Next time... Choosing the correct coat without tossing money in the wind.
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