Woolen Coat for dog! - Page 1

If a dog has a good undercoat and goes outside during the winter to work and play there should be no need to a coat.
Even short haired breeds that are kept moving ( hunting breeds) will build body heat and stay warm. I had a protective vest on my shorthair pointer years ago because she hunted the underbrush for grouse. Sabin has a great undercoat and loves to sit in the snow and make sure all is right in his world.  Many times he will be out most of the day until his tummy alarm goes off.  Jami ( mal ) has a reflective raincoat when we stand at the bus stop first thing in the morning, it is very dark and around 10 degrees F now with the bitter wind blowing. We are there about 20 minutes to 30 minutes standing. From there the coat comes off because once we are off the bus we are walking. I hope this gives you and idea.
Always,
Cee

Malshep, is Jami a service dog? Just wondering why he's with you at the bus stop at that hour...

My SD's vest has a reflective stripe on it, and at this time of year (dark by 5 pm) I'll often put it on him just for a regular walk, to keep us safe.

Years ago, my mom knitted my GSD a sweater. We would use it if she had to wait for us in the car for a long period in cold weather. A dog that's inside a lot will not grow a heavy enough coat to keep it warm if it's just lying waiting for you. If it's active, fine. Movement will keep it warm enough. The dog will let you know. A cold dog will bark to come back inside, and you may even notice it shivering.

Some dogs have more undercoat than others. With my 2 GSD's, it's quite obvious at this time of year. I can completely bury my fingers in the coat on Ranger's back, now he  has his full winter coat in. With Star, my female, I can't, as she doesn't have nearly as much undercoat as he does.

It all boils down to using common sense, and watching your dog to see if it looks happy and comfortable.

 

She is in training as an service dog.
Always,
Cee

A dog who is inside might not build a coat and tolerance for extended cold.  An older dog loses ability to regulate temp as well and might benefit from coat.  I like to put one on my Catahoula as he has very little hair and I always wanted a dog to dress!  He is pretty dapper in his wool argyle sweater.  The GSDs, no clothes.