What are the best dog coats and jackets?

Want to know what are the best dog coats for your pup, or if your dog actually needs a dog jacket? Well we’re here to help you along your journey to clothing your little pup.

We all just want what's best for our pup, and high up on the list of priorities is making sure that our pups are warm. We've outlined some important questions to help you decide on the best dog coats for your pup and whether or not your dog actually needs one.

Do dogs need coats?

Yes, and this goes for all sighthounds from Italian greyhounds to lurchers as well as most small breeds and toy breeds. This is especially true during the colder/wetter months, and if you’re from the U.K. (like me) then your warm dog coats will serve you and your pup well for most of the year. Your sighthound will probably be ok if they are just popping outside for a quick potty trip, but if you’re going out for more than a minute or two then you’ll want a dog coat to hand during Winter.

How can you tell if your dog is cold?

The general signs can vary depending on a number of factors including your pup’s breed, size, health & age. Having said that, being able to spot these signs is key to keeping your pup warm and healthy over the course of Winter and the colder months.

• Your pup shaking. Dogs have a tendency to tremble in an attempt to keep warm, but just bear in mind that dogs can also do this when nervous. That’s why it’s important to know your pup.
• Scrunching up or bunching up their bodies. Dogs often pull their head down, put their tail between their legs or curl up into a ball/croissant when they’re cold.
• Standing on three paws. Dogs often tuck their leg into their body to conserve heat. This may also lead to them shifting from one paw to the other.
• Crying or whining. Your dog might start crying or whining, often alongside shaking, when they are cold.
• Searching for warm places to stand or sit.

We have an Italian greyhound ourselves and have first-hand experience knowing just how quickly sighthounds like whippets can get cold. Water-repellent and waterproof dog coats can make all the difference to your pup’s wellbeing on a cold, wet day.

How cold is too cold for a dog?

It depends on the breed. As a general rule for sighthounds, anything in the single digits (celcius) or below 48 degrees (farenheit) and it’s time to open up the doggy wardrobe. Although it depends on a number of factors:

• Is it raining or windy?
• How long are you staying out for?
• Is your pup constantly moving or will they be standing or sitting still?

If it is windy, raining, the temperature is in single digits (celsius) or your pup won't be constantly on the move, then you will need to invest in a dog winter coat. This is certainly the case with short-coated dogs, small breed dogs, dogs with short legs (as their bellies can rub on the cold/wet grass) and older dogs. Small breeds and toy breeds such as Italian greyhounds & whippets, chihuahuas, chinese crested, yorkshire terriers, dachshunds and toy poodles will definitely need small dog coats in these conditions.

Can I walk my dog in the rain?

Our dogs need exercise come rain or shine, so yes, you can walk your dog in the rain. However, you want to make sure that your pup is warm and dogs are smart...If they can see it’s raining outside, they may not even want to step out of the house. That’s where LÈ PUP can ensure you have the right dog clothing to hand. Warm and well-fitted dog clothing will ensure your pup is warm and outside enjoying themselves in no time. We would recommend a large dog coat for your greyhound to keep them warm and dry and we have a variety of sizes and bespoke options available for all breeds.

Does my dog need a coat in the rain, if so which type?

Your dog will be much more comfortable in the rain with a coat on. In fact, it's really necessary in most instances. There are a couple of different types of dog jackets and dog coats for you to consider.

For cold and wet weather or flash-showers, consider fleece-lined waterproof dog coats with harness holes. Any dog coat with a harness hole is designed to be put on top of other layers and a harness, making them perfect for flash showers. That's what makes these coats the ultimate in practical clothing, as they can be added or removed in seconds and can be layered or worn on their own. Removing harnesses also brings an element of risk, as you potentially risk your dog running off if you remove their harness…so dog coats with harness holes are safer too.

If you want something stylish as well as warm, we suggest a waterproof dog coat with legs. These designer dog coats also feature an adjustable hood and tick all the boxes if you need something warm, practical and stylish. Harnesses can be put over the top of a rainsuit when needed.

What’s the best waterproof dog jacket?

Certainly any waterproof dog coats that protect the legs and underbelly are a great start. Running through grass and general exploring can get dogs wet and when they stop moving they really feel the cold. The best dog jacket can vary depending on the conditions and the time of year. The colder it is, the more protection/layers they need. Waterproof dog raincoats with legs can also help keep dogs clean(ish) and dry when walking through muddy/swampy areas. It’s also important to choose a dog jacket that washes well, your dog jacket is going to be going on so many adventures and we want it to stay fabulous for years to come.

If it’s windy as well as wet and cold, your pup will definitely appreciate our waterproof dog coats with legs. These are perfect for those extra cold days, for pups that feel the cold a little more than usual or if you just feel that your pup will appreciate the extra warmth. A fleece-lined dog coat with legs will add that extra bit of warmth in case the temperature drops.

If you are just looking for a light weather coat, perhaps for spring, then go for something breathable. Something warm, with water-resistant properties but lighter than a typical raincoat.

How to measure a dog for a coat?

Getting the exact measurements is so important when buying a fitted coat for your pup, especially for sighthounds as they have such a unique body shape. Many people struggle when attempting to measure sighthounds for a coat, but there are some practical tips to make your life easier.

• Make sure that your pup is standing (and have treats on hand to reward your pup for being still).

• Use a soft measuring tape. Not all dogs are comfortable standing still and being measured, but using a soft tape measure will make your life so much easier (and the measurements more accurate). If you don’t have one, use a piece of string to take the measurement, then place it next to a tape measure.

• Don’t add extra cms to your measurements. Whilst it may be tempting to add a little extra to your measurements to be on the safe side, that will lead to a baggy coat. We already allow extra in our own calculations when reading your pup’s measurements, so there’s no need to add any additional. If you do want your pup’s coat to be baggier than usual or you’d like to customise your pup’s coat, please add a comment in your order notes or send us a message and we will be able to accommodate your request.

• Provide us with as much information as possible including all the requested measurements, as well as the breed and age of your pup, we may want to allow a little extra room for growth. You can even send us a pic of your pup for us to use a reference when creating your pup’s pattern.

• Check and double check the measurements! If you are unable to measure your pup for any reason, please get in touch with us and we will be able to advise on sizing.

It’s so important that we have a separate page dedicated to measuring your dog for clothing. For more information on how to measure your dog for a winter coat (or any clothing for that matter), check our measuring guide here.