Few breeds of dog are truly well-adapted for very cold environments. While some long-haired breeds are extremely well-adapted to the cold, there are many more that don’t do so well in cold weather. Small dogs like the Chihuahua and dachshund, and breeds with low body-fat and thin coats like the greyhound and whippet, are not built to withstand the cold, and they do need extra help staying warm. In fact, most breeds of dog will benefit from a sweater or jacket once the weather gets colder, especially when spending time outside.

 

If your dog is wearing a coat when they go out in wet weather, it’s also typically much easier to clean up after them when they come back inside. 

 

Older dogs of any breed will benefit from a warm sweater or jacket too, as dogs tend to lose coat thickness and body-fat as they age, and have difficulty staying warm. As well as this, dogs with certain health conditions can be made more comfortable. For example, a dog with arthritis will be much more comfortable the warmer they are, and warm clothing will help reduce their pain and improve their comfort level.