Is Your Dog Prepared for Winter? The 15 Breeds That Need Coats
It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing color, pumpkin spice everything is back in stores, and winter is just around the corner! For many people in the country, this means colder temperatures and bundling up to stay warm. But don’t forget about your pup!
Many dogs get chilly during winter months when walking and playing outside. If you’re not sure if your dog needs a coat for winter, take a look at our list of 15 breeds that definitely need coats to stay warm!
Winter Coats for Dogs
Depending on your dog and the average temperature in your home, you may find they may even benefit from wearing a sweater throughout the night.
Benefits of Dog Coats
There are a few key benefits that dog coats provide during the winter months. First, they help to keep your pup warm, obviously! But they also help protect their skin from the cold weather and dry air. And if your dog has any health issues like arthritis, a coat can help to keep its muscles and joints warm, which can provide some pain relief.
How To Fit Your Dog For A Coat
When you’re ready to buy a coat for your pup, you’ll want to make sure you get the right size. The best way to do this is to measure your dog from the base of its neck to the base of its tail.
- The first step is to measure your dog from the base of its neck to the base of its tail.
- The second step is to measure your dog’s girth. This is the measurement around the widest part of your dog’s chest.
- The third step is to measure your dog’s neck. This is the measurement around the neck.
Once you have these three measurements, you can consult a size chart to find the right coat for your pup!
Remember, the material of the coat is important, too. You’ll want to make sure you choose a coat that is water-resistant and windproof. And if you live in an area with a lot of snow, you may even want to consider a coat that is specifically designed for dogs who play in the snow.
Small (Toy) Dog Breeds
If you have a toy dog breed, they will likely need a coat for winter. This is because they have very short fur that does not provide much insulation from the cold. Some of the most popular toy dog breeds include:
French Bulldog
If you live in a city and are looking for a great small breed, the French Bulldog is perfect for you! They’re lovable, affectionate, and low-energy – but they hate cold weather. So if you take them outside during winter in a colder climate, make sure they’re bundled up with a coat or sweater.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, and they are also one of the breeds that need coats in winter. They are very loyal and loving dogs, but their small size makes them susceptible to cold weather. If you have a Chihuahua, make sure to put a coat on them any time they go outside in the cold!
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are a small, furry breed loved by many as pets. Though they are friendly and have endearing personalities, their fur is not thick enough to keep them warm in colder weather conditions. If you live somewhere with chilly winters, make sure your Pomeranian has an extra coat or sweater for when they go outside!
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, despite its small stature, is an incredibly brave and loyal breed. They make for excellent pets but because of their size, they are more susceptible to cold weather. If you live in a place with harsh winters, it’s important to dress your Yorkie in a coat or sweater before taking them outside!
Dachshund
Dachshunds are a popular pet breed that is small and long-bodied. They make great companions because they are loving and friendly, but their short fur leaves them susceptible to colder weather conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s important to keep your Dachshund warm by ensuring they have a coat or sweater to wear when going outside.
Medium Dog Breeds
Just because a dog is medium-sized does not mean they don’t need a coat in winter! Some medium dog breeds have short fur that does not provide much insulation, while others are simply more sensitive to cold weather. If you have a medium dog breed, they may need a coat for winter, depending on the climate you live in. Some of the most popular medium dog breeds include:
Pit Bull
The Pit Bull is a medium-sized breed with a reputation for being loyal and affable. They make excellent pets, though their short fur does not provide much warmth in cold weather. If you live in an area with chilly winters, be sure your Pit Bull has a coat or sweater to wear when they go outside!
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a beloved family pet that comes in three colors- black, chocolate, and yellow. They weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Labs are an active breed, bred originally as gun dogs to assist hunters in bringing down waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Nowadays they excel in obedience competitions, and field trials and make loyal companions for people of all ages!
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a go-to breed for many families because they are affable and loyal. However, since they have shorter fur, the cold affects them more than thick-coated breeds. If your winters are chilly where you live, make sure to invest in some outerwear for your furry friend!
Boxer
The Boxer is a medium-sized breed that tends to be loyal and amicable. They make for excellent pets; however, their short fur does not provide much insulation from the cold weather. If you reside in an area with snowy winters, ensure your Boxer has a coat or sweater to wear whenever they go outside!
Bulldog
The Bulldog is a UK indigenous dog that is known for being friendly and fiercely loyal. They make great pets despite their short fur coats not providing much insulation against the cold- especially during those nippy winter months! If you’re considering adoption or already have one as part of your family, living in an area with colder climates- make sure your Bulldog has a coat or sweater to wear whenever they go outside so they can stay warm and comfortable!
Large Dog Breeds
Some large dog breeds may not need a coat in winter, but others will benefit from having one. If you have a large dog breed, they may need a coat for winter, depending on the climate you live in. Some of the most popular large dog breeds include:
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large breed that is known for being loyal and protective. They are great pets, but their short fur does not provide much insulation from the cold. If you live in an area with cold winters, make sure your German Shepherd has a coat or sweater to wear when they go outside!
Rottweiler
Although Rottweilers are fiercely loyal and make great pets, their short fur doesn’t protect them well from cold weather. So if you live in a place with colder winters, be sure to dress your Rottweiler in a coat or sweater before they go outside!
Great Dane
The Great Dane is an affectionate giant of a dog, but its single layer of short fur does little to protect against the cold. If you’re thinking about getting one and living in a colder climate, buy your Great Dane a coat or sweater for when they go outside!
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is not only a great loyal and protective pet, but their size also provides extra warmth in the colder months. Due to their short fur coats, however, they are susceptible to feeling the cold more than others. If you live in an area with harsh winters, make sure your Dobermans have a coat or sweater available to them when they go outside!
Boxer
Boxers are lovely, large pets that typically bond closely with their families. They don’t have very thick fur coats though, so if you live in a cold climate make sure your dog has a coat or sweater for walks outside!
Conclusion
Many dog breeds need coats in winter, especially those with short fur. If you live in an area with cold winters, make sure your dog has a coat or sweater to wear when they go outside!
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