Some dogs are built for the cold. Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Saint Bernards, and other large, thick-coated dog breeds have natural insulation that makes them well-suited to cold climates.
Other dog breeds need coats and jackets to stay warm and protected during the winter. Dog coats provide protection and warmth for breeds without natural insulation so they can safely enjoy outdoor activities with their owners.
Keep reading to learn more about which dog breeds need coats in the winter.
Small and Toy Dogs
Due to their small size, toy dog breeds cannot maintain their body temperature in cold weather. Since they can quickly lose body heat, it can be dangerous for smaller dogs to go outside in frigid temperatures without appropriate outerwear.
These breeds include:
- Chihuahuas
- Pugs
- Yorkshire Terriers
Short Dogs
Dog breeds with short legs often struggle with the cold because their bellies can become wet from touching the ground. Even short dog breeds with thicker fur can benefit from wearing a coat for extra protection from snow and ice.
These breeds include:
- Basset Hounds
- Dachsunds
- Corgis
Hairless Dogs
Hairless dog breeds lack fur to protect skin and insulate body heat in cold weather. Because of this, hairless dogs can be very sensitive to the cold and typically need to wear jackets when they go outside in the winter.
These breeds include:
- American Hairless Terriers
- Xoloitzcuintlis
- Chinese Cresteds
Lean Dogs
Dog breeds that are naturally lean don't have the extra insulation of increased muscle mass and fat to keep them warm in the winter. Lean breeds with short coats are especially prone to heat loss in cold weather if they don't wear a coat.
These breeds include:
- Greyhounds
- Whippets
- Azawakhs
Sporting Dogs With Short Coats
High-energy dogs with short coats can quickly become cold while walking outside in cold weather. Short-coated sporting breeds enjoy playing in the snow but lack protection against the wet and cold if they don't wear a coat.
These breeds include:
- German Shorthaired Pointers
- Vizslas
- Weimaraner
Dogs With Clipped
Breeds that are traditionally clipped, or any dog with their natural fur shaved, lack the insulation typically provided by longer coats. A clipped coat can cause these dogs to become cold quickly, so they usually need coats for extra protection during the winter.
These breeds include:
- Poodles
- Portuguese Water Dogs
Back on Track Dog Coats
Every dog is an individual. Dogs of all breeds may benefit from wearing a coat for different reasons. For example, older dogs and dogs with health conditions may struggle to stay comfortable in the cold. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about keeping your dog warm this winter.
Back on Track dog coats offer additional benefits beyond keeping your dog warm and protected. All coats include Welltex® technology, which creates a soothing far-infrared thermal effect to stimulate circulation, relieve discomfort, and support well-being.
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References
- Kwon, C. et al. Quantifying body surface temperature differences in canine coat types using infrared thermography. J Therm Biol. 2019.
- Hall, E. et al. Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human–Canine Relationships. Animals. 2021.
- Jimenez, A. et al. Effect of different masses, ages, and coats on the thermoregulation of dogs before and after exercise across different seasons. Vet Res Comm. 2022.
