Does My Dog Need a Coat? A Practical Winter Guide
Aktie
It's one of the most common questions we're asked every autumn. The honest answer: some dogs are perfectly happy without one, and others are genuinely uncomfortable in the cold and wet. Here's how to tell which your dog is.
Signs Your Dog Is Cold
Dogs can't tell us they're cold, but they show it:
- Shivering or trembling
- A hunched posture or tucked tail
- Slowing down, stopping, or being reluctant to go out at all
- Lifting paws off cold or wet ground
- Looking for warm spots or wanting to be picked up
If you see these on walks, a coat or jumper is likely to make a real difference.
Dogs That Benefit Most From a Coat
- Short or single-coated breeds - whippets, greyhounds, Italian greyhounds, boxers, French bulldogs and smooth dachshunds have little natural insulation.
- Small and toy breeds - chihuahuas, miniature dachshunds and toy poodles lose heat quickly, and their low bodies are close to cold, wet ground.
- Lean dogs with very little body fat.
- Puppies and older dogs, who find it harder to regulate their temperature.
- Clipped dogs - a fresh groom can leave a dog with much less coat than they're used to.
- Dogs who are unwell or recovering - check with your vet if your dog has a health condition.
Dogs that usually don't need one
Thick, double-coated breeds such as huskies, malamutes, Newfoundlands and many collies are built for the cold. They rarely need a coat except in extreme weather - and can overheat in one.
Which Type of Coat?
Fleece jumper - for cold, dry days
Warm, light and easy to wash. A fleece works on its own on cold, dry walks and as a base layer under a waterproof when it's wet. Try our made to measure Fleece Snuggle Jumper (from £28) or browse all fleeces and jumpers.
Waterproof coat - for rain and mud
On wet days, a waterproof outer keeps your dog dry so they stay warm. Our Rainfleece Ultimate Walkies Coat (from £42) is waterproof with a soft polar fleece lining, made to your dog's measurements. Need one quickly? It's also available ready made in standard sizes.
Jumpsuit - for the coldest, muddiest days
A four-leg fleece jumpsuit (from £40) covers the belly and legs too - ideal for small, short-legged and thin-coated dogs, and great for keeping mud off.
Snood - for ears and neck
A fleece snood (from £10) slips over the head with no fastenings and keeps the neck and ears warm - lovely for long-eared breeds and sighthounds.
Getting the Fit Right
A coat only works if it fits. It should cover the back from neck to tail, sit close at the chest without pulling, and let your dog move, sit and toilet freely. Because every dog is a different shape, we make our coats and jumpers to your dog's own measurements. See how to measure your dog, and our fit guides for dachshunds and whippets, greyhounds and lurchers.
Coat FAQs
Should my dog wear a coat indoors?
Generally no. Take coats off when you get home so your dog doesn't overheat, unless they're very small, elderly or unwell and your home is cold.
Can a dog wear a coat over a harness?
Yes, as long as the coat isn't tight over it. Some of our waterproof coats have an optional harness hole so you can clip the lead through.
How do I know if the coat is too tight?
You should be able to slide two fingers under the coat at the chest and neck, and your dog should be able to move their front legs freely.
Read more: The Best Dog Coat Styles for British Weather
Hugo and Ted: handcrafted dog clothing, made in Britain.