I often get asked which breeds feel the cold and actually need a dog coat. 

To help in choosing the best type of coat for your dog, we first need to understand more about our dog breed. Their age and activity level are also really important but I cover that in a different blog article that you can read more about here. In short any dog breed that is young or old will require some support to maintain their warmth in colder weather. Even some mid aged active breeds require a coat to stay warm as they warm up on their walk. You can always take it off once they are bombing about!

In this article I will share the top 10 dog breeds that need something to fend off the chilly weather. This discusses the issue around warmth and which breeds need support in this area. Many dog breeds have short, thin coats, or are small or slight in build. All of these require additional warmth on cold or windy days in the UK.

Breeds that feel the cold and need a warm dog coat this winter

1. Great Dane

One of the largest breeds in the UK, this breed has short hair over their huge body so are not great at all at tolerating the cold. Any padded coat, parka, body warmer or jumper will help this breed. A windproof coat is also beneficial as they will feel every gust on cool windy days.

2. Beagle

A very popular UK dog breed, that is historically used to warmth. They have low tolerance to the cold due to their short coat. A warm, windproof and waterproof coat is best for Beagles

3. Poodle

Poodles are deceptive as their coat (and all those breeds that are bred from Poodles such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Groodles etc) doesn’t really keep them that warm. And indeed if they get wet then they get cold down to their skin very quickly. A coat is a must for any “poodle” type breed to ensure they do not get too wet, plus an warmth will be appreciated by this breed in the form of a jumper, hoodies, body warmer or coat.

4. Pug

Pugs originate from China and with their short coat are susceptible to getting cold easily in cooler weather. Pugs don’t tolerate hot weather either due to their short noses as they cannot pant properly. Therefore you must keep an eye on Pugs in all extreme weathers and when dressing them. The perfect products are layers for Pugs rather than one thick coat so you can increase and decrease them appropriately.

5. Chihuahua

One of the smallest breeds in the UK the Chihuahua originates from Mexico and as such are used to the warmth. They do not tolerate cold conditions well due to their slight frame, and short and think coat. The Chihuahua was the inspiration behind the Weepet Waterproof dog coats, allowing a sensible amount of padding and waterproof and windproof properties. On really cold days they would also place a jumper or hoodie underneath.

6. French Bulldog

Another popular breed in the UK that like the Pug doesn’t regulate hot or cold conditions easily. They have a short and thin coat and require layers so you can help them regulate their body temperature due to being a brachycephalic breed. Ideally a jumper/hoodies teamed with a padded windproof/waterproof coat would be best for this breed in winter.

7. Greyhound

The greyhound feels the cold due to their think body frame, along with their short and thin coat. Greyhounds require a jumper/hoody when outdoors from Autumn until Spring and a windproof/waterproof coat on top in bad conditions or extreme cold weather. Not all dog coats will suit this breed due to their slight frame so it is always worth checking which coats are best. This one would be our suggestion

8. Shih Tzu

Despite their longer coat this breed only has one layer within their coat. Thus meaning they do not tolerate colder conditions. Therefore this breed will love a cuddly jumper and definitely will appreciate a windproof and waterproof coat. Be careful not to over clothe them though as they do not tolerate the heat either.

9. Yorkshire Terriers

Due to their slight frame and think coat this breed require warmth in dog coats and clothing. Parkas and bodywarmers work well for this breed.

10. Boxer

Like pugs and bulldogs this breed feels the cold due to their short coat. They will appreciate all types of warmth but again be careful on overheating, layers are best.

There are other breeds such as Whippets, Basset Hounds and other bull terriers that sit in this top list but you will see the resemblance with breeds above and hopefully this provides guidance.

The list above is all about the cold and not around water repellency. If you would like to read more about this please see Does my Dog Need A dog Coat

In you are in doubt about the best way to keep your dog warm, or whether you need to offer them additional warmth, please get in touch with us. We will happily guide you