Many factors affect whether a dog needs a jacket in winter, and while it might be easy to assume large dogs are always better equipped to handle the cold, size alone is not a reliable indicator of a dog's tolerance for low temperatures.
It might seem counterintuitive that a large dog would need additional protection from the cold, but not all dogs are equally equipped to handle low temperatures, especially those with single coats or low body fat.
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Double-coated breeds
Double-coated breeds have a dense, warm undercoat that provides insulation and an outer coat that repels water, making them well-suited to cold weather as their coat keeps them warm and dry.
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Double-coated breeds include Siberian huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Labradors, golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, border collies, beagles and German shepherds.
Double-coated dogs do not usually need a jacket in winter.
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Single-coated breeds
Single-coated breeds, on the other hand, lack this dense undercoat, and regardless of their coat length, they feel the cold more than their double-coated counterparts.
Their coat is often insufficient to provide sufficient insulation when outdoors in winter, and these dogs benefit from a winter jacket for the extra warmth they need to stay comfortable.
Always remove their coat when indoors, if the house is heated.
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Large single-coated breeds include greyhounds, Dobermans, great Danes, Dalmatians, ridgebacks, boxers, vizslas, Weimaraner, basenjis and poodles.
Choosing a coat
When selecting a winter coat for your large dog, it must be comfortable and functional. It should fit snugly without being too tight, allowing your dog to move comfortably. Some coats also come with reflective strips for added safety at night.
Remember, just like humans, dogs need extra protection from the cold, and a well-chosen winter coat can make all the difference in their health and happiness during winter.
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