DO DOGS NEED CLOTHES? WHICH DOGS SHOULD WEAR COATS IN WINTER

It’s an endless debate.
Do dogs really need clothes, or is it just a fashion trend?

Some people say dog clothes are completely pointless.
Others won’t even take their dog outside without a jacket.

So… what’s the truth?

As always, it’s not black and white.

There’s no universal answer, because not all dogs are the same.
They don’t come from the same parts of the world.
They don’t have the same coat, the same age, or the same health.
And they don’t live in the same conditions.

So let’s clear things up:
which dogs can easily go without a coat – and which ones actually need one.

Dogs That Do NOT Need Clothing

Dogs that come from colder regions have thick, multi-layered coats that work as natural insulation.
Their bodies are built to handle low temperatures – without any help from us.

These dogs do not need coats, even when it’s freezing outside.

Examples include:

• Siberian Husky
• Alaskan Malamute
• Saint Bernard
• Bernese Mountain Dog

If we dress these dogs up, we can actually do more harm than good.

Dogs That DO Need Clothing

Now let’s talk about the dogs where there’s really no debate.

🐾 Small dogs and puppies
They don’t produce or retain heat like adult dogs do.
They get cold fast. And they get sick even faster.

🐾 Short-haired dogs
No matter their size, they have very little natural protection from the cold.

Examples:

• Greyhounds
• Boston Terriers
• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Chihuahuas

🐾 Dogs with health issues
Heart problems, kidney disease, diabetes…
These dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature, especially in cold and damp weather.

🐾 Senior dogs
Weaker immune systems. Chronic conditions. Joint pain.
Cold weather doesn’t make them stronger – it makes things worse.

🐾 Dogs with shortened or shaved coats
When the coat is removed or significantly shortened, the dog loses its natural protection.
A jacket, raincoat, or sweatshirt isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

👉 No matter the dog’s age, breed, or coat length:
if you notice that your dog is:

• shivering
• whining
• stopping during walks
• trying to hide or pull back

The message is clear: your dog is cold.
And that’s not something to argue about.

How to Choose the Right Clothes for Your Dog

First and most important rule: don’t overdo it.
Your dog doesn’t need to look like it’s walking a fashion runway.

You dress your dog according to the weather, not your personal taste.

• A light sweatshirt or sweater is enough for chilly days
• A vest works great on windy days
• A raincoat keeps the coat dry in wet weather
• A winter jacket or snowsuit is for serious cold

What about boots?

Some dogs really need them on snow and ice.
But let’s be honest – not every dog can get used to something on their paws.
And that should be respected.

Fit Matters More Than Looks

Nothing is worse than:

• clothes that are too tight and restrict movement
• clothes that are too big, hang off, slide around, and annoy the dog

Before buying anything – measure your dog.

Basic measurements:

• back length (from the neck to the base of the tail, tail excluded)
• chest girth (just behind the front legs)
• neck girth

If you’re choosing clothes with leg openings, also measure:

• leg length
• leg girth

You can find clothes for dogs of all sizes on the market, but always pay attention to the material quality.
Poor-quality fabrics can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Written by Nataša Miranović, experienced dog trainer and writer