Some dogs can handle cold weather just fine — but many cannot.
Small and short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, Pomeranians, Yorkies, French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Great Danes, and Chinese Crested dogs tend to lose heat faster and feel cold easily.
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs recovering from illness also have a harder time regulating body temperature and often need extra protection outdoors.
Putting a coat on your dog isn't just about making them look cute.
A well-fitted dog coat helps keep their muscles warm, protects joints from cold wind, prevents fur from getting soaked in rain or snow, and reduces the chance of irritation or discomfort.
So when choosing a coat, focus on fit, warmth, and breathability rather than just appearance — comfort always comes first.
I used to assume dogs didn’t really need coats — after all, they already have fur, right?
But once I started paying attention to how different breeds react in cold or wet weather, I realized that not all fur provides enough insulation. Some dogs get cold very quickly, especially when there’s wind or moisture in the air.
I noticed that certain dogs would slow down on walks, lean closer to people for warmth, or try to head back home sooner. Those were the signs that they weren’t comfortable outside.
So whether a dog needs a coat is not about the season or fashion — it depends on the dog’s body type and how well they retain heat.
Reference Table
Dog Type | Coat Needed? | Reason |
Short-haired breeds (French Bulldog, Doberman, Chihuahua, Whippet) | ✅ Strongly recommended | Low natural insulation; lose heat quickly |
Senior dogs / Dogs with joint discomfort | ✅ Recommended | Maintaining body warmth can help reduce stiffness |
Small breeds (Pomeranian, Bichon, Yorkie) | ✅ Important in winter | Small body → heat escapes more quickly |
Medium/Large long-haired breeds (Husky, Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute) | ❌ Depends on weather | They generate heat during movement; exception: wet & windy conditions |
So now, when I’m deciding whether a dog needs a coat, I don’t just look at the temperature — I look at the dog.
If they shiver, slow down, avoid walking, curl up quickly, or take a long time to dry after getting wet, then that usually tells me they need a coat to stay comfortable outdoors.
When I first started looking at dog coats, I honestly thought they were mostly about style. Later, I realized that each coat is actually designed for a different kind of weather — some are made to keep dogs dry, some to keep them warm, and some to keep them safe during night walks. Once I understood these differences, choosing the right coat became much simpler and my dog was noticeably more comfortable outside.
Suitable Weather | Key Function | Why It Matters |
Rainy or humid days | Water-resistant, mud-resistant surface | Keeps the dog’s fur dry and prevents long drying time |
Description:
Waterproof raincoats are all about blocking moisture, not adding warmth. They’re ideal for drizzles, wet grass, coastal climates, and rainy seasons. Keeping the fur dry is what truly prevents dogs from feeling cold and uncomfortable.
Suitable Weather | Key Function | Why It Matters |
Cold weather, snow, winter walks | Wind protection + warmth retention | Helps dogs maintain stable body temperature outdoors |
Description:
These coats combine a windproof outer layer with a soft insulating lining. They’re especially helpful for small dogs, senior dogs, and short-haired breeds, who lose heat faster. A good winter coat keeps the dog warm without restricting movement.
Suitable Weather | Key Function | Why It Matters |
Night walks, foggy mornings, low visibility | Increased visibility | Helps vehicles and pedestrians spot the dog |
Description:
Reflective coats function as safety gear. If you walk your dog early in the morning or after sunset, reflective panels help ensure your dog can be seen from a distance.
Suitable Weather | Key Function | Why It Matters |
Cool spring/autumn days, breezy conditions | Wind resistance without added heat | Protects chest and belly from cold air |
Description:
Windbreakers are great when it's not cold enough for fleece but still too chilly for short-haired dogs to be comfortable. They maintain comfort without adding bulk.
Suitable Weather | Key Function | Why It Matters |
Hot summer weather, strong sun exposure | Heat dissipation and moisture evaporation | Helps prevent overheating and heat stress |
Description:
Cooling vests use controlled evaporation to help dogs cool down naturally. They’re especially helpful for dogs who struggle with heat or live in warm climates.
The very first time I bought a coat for my dog, I realized that sizing can be tricky — especially because every brand measures a little differently. So now, before I choose any coat, I always take three measurements: back length, chest girth, and neck girth. Once you get these right, the coat will fit comfortably and won’t restrict movement.
This is the most important measurement — and the one most people accidentally get wrong.
Place the measuring tape at the shoulder blades (not the base of the neck).
Measure straight along the spine to the base of the tail.
Tip: Many owners start measuring from the top of the neck, which makes the coat appear longer than it should be.
Starting at the shoulder blades ensures the coat sits correctly and doesn’t slide backward.
This is the same spot where your dog’s collar naturally sits.
Wrap the measuring tape around the base of the neck (the thickest part).
Keep the tape snug but not tight — you should be able to slide one finger underneath.
This prevents the coat collar from rubbing, shifting, or restricting breathing.
Chest girth is the widest part of your dog’s chest, usually located just behind the front legs.
Wrap the tape around the chest at its fullest point.
Make sure the tape stays perpendicular to the body (don’t angle upward or downward).
A good fit here prevents the coat from being too tight when the dog moves, breathes, or runs.
Once the coat is on:
lYou should be able to fit one or two fingers comfortably between the coat and the dog.
lIf you see pulling, gaping, or shifting — try adjusting size up or down.
Even when measurements are correct, small fit issues can affect how comfortable the coat feels during movement. Here are the most common sizing problems to watch for:
Fit Issue | How It Looks | Why It Matters | What to Do |
Back length too short | Coat rides up toward the shoulders or bunches near the middle of the back | The coat won’t stay in place and offers less coverage, especially in rain or wind | Re-measure from shoulder blades → base of tail, not from the top of the neck |
Chest girth too tight | Coat looks strained or you see wrinkles pulling across the chest | Can restrict breathing and natural movement, especially during walking or running | Size up one or choose coats with adjustable chest straps |
Armhole / leg opening too low | Dog’s front legs appear restricted or stride becomes shorter | Limits shoulder movement and can cause rubbing or discomfort | Choose coats with a higher-cut armhole or try a different pattern design |
I’ve learned that even when the measurements look “correct,” the chest fit and leg opening make the biggest difference in comfort. If a dog can walk freely, stretch forward, and move without hesitation — that’s when I know the coat fits well.
Choosing the right fabric matters just as much as choosing the right style. Different materials offer different levels of warmth, weather protection, and comfort. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what works best for your dog.
Fabric Type | Advantages | Drawbacks | Best For |
Cotton | Soft, breathable, comfortable for daily wear and indoor use | Absorbs moisture, can shrink after washing, gets dirty easily | Mild weather or indoor layering |
Fleece / Plush | Excellent warmth and insulation; very soft and cozy to the touch | Attracts hair and static; may require frequent cleaning | Winter walks for short-haired or small dogs |
Polyester | Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to maintain; commonly used in outdoor coats | Breathability varies; can feel warm and slightly synthetic on very active dogs | Everyday outdoor coats, especially for active dogs |
Nylon | Lightweight, strong, and abrasion-resistant; many nylon coats are windproof or waterproof | Lower breathability; may create static in dry climates | Rainy or windy weather; outdoor adventures |
Wool | Natural fiber with strong heat-retention; keeps dogs warm in cold climates | Requires gentle washing; may shrink; not ideal for very active outdoor play | Dry winter conditions or indoor warmth
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Optional Natural Summary Sentence
Each material performs differently depending on weather, activity level, and your dog’s coat type, so the best dog coat is the one that keeps your dog warm, dry, and comfortable without restricting movement.
Choosing the right dog coat is really about comfort, weather protection, and movement. Once you understand your dog’s body shape and the climate you're dealing with, finding the right coat becomes much easier — and your dog will feel much happier on walks.
If you’d like, I can help recommend styles based on breed, climate, and coat type.
Contact us and just tell me your dog’s size or your brand needs — I’m happy to share options or send a quick catalog preview.
Amy
Amy Wang