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The Debate: Necessity or Trend?

See dogs on social media in coats, booties, even "space suits". Typical reactions:

"Ridiculous!" or "Cute!"

More nuanced reality:

  • For some breeds and situations: really useful.
  • For others: useless or harmful.

Let's see when they are really needed.

When Clothes Are Useful

1. Short-haired Breeds + Cold

Breeds sensitive to cold:

  • Brachycephalic:
    • French Bulldog.
    • Pug.
    • English Bulldog.
  • Short-haired:
    • Chihuahua.
    • Whippet.
    • Greyhound.
    • Miniature Pinscher.
  • Skinny with little fat:
    • Very little natural "insulation".
    • Suffer below 10°C.

Solution: coat.

2. Puppies

Under 3-4 months:

  • Immature thermoregulation system.
  • Warm coat in winter.

3. Seniors

Muscle mass reduction = less body heat.

Below 15°C it can be useful.

4. Dogs with Illnesses

Heart diseases, osteoarthritis, endocrinopathies:

  • Compromised thermoregulation.

5. Groomed Dogs

Dogs normally furry that have been groomed:

  • Cocker, Poodle, Schnauzer after grooming.
  • Temporarily sensitive to cold.

6. Dogs in the Rain

Raincoat:

  • Keeps dry.
  • See dedicated article.

7. Dogs in Areas with Salt

Winter in the city:

  • De-icing salt irritates paws.
  • Booties protect.

8. Dogs Exposed to the Sun

Breeds sensitive to the sun (white dogs):

  • Need sunscreen.

When Clothes Are NOT Useful (and can be Harmful)

1. Northern Breeds

Husky, Malamute, Samoyed:

  • Perfect natural fur.
  • Clothes = overheating.
  • Useless and harmful.

2. Thick Double-coated Breeds

German Shepherd, Border Collie, Golden Retriever:

  • Fur is sufficient.

3. Dogs in Mild Climates

Central-southern Italy:

  • Mild winters.
  • Healthy dog with medium fur: no clothes.

4. In Heated Homes

Never coats indoors:

  • Overheating.

5. For "Aesthetics"

Dressing for "cute photos" that the dog hates:

  • Stress.
  • Indignity.

Types of Clothes

Coats

Types:

  • Padded:
    • For intense cold.
    • Winter.
    • 30-80 €.
  • Waterproof:
    • For rain.
    • 20-60 €.
  • Fleece/sweater:
    • For medium cold.
    • 15-40 €.
  • Full suits:
    • Maximum protection.
    • 50-150 €.

Booties

For:

  • De-icing salt.
  • Scorching asphalt.
  • Sensitive pads.

Materials:

  • Neoprene.
  • Rubber sole.

Cost: 20-60 € for a set of 4.

Adjustment:

  • Slow.
  • Weeks.
  • Many dogs refuse them.

Bandanas

Aesthetic + slightly functional (cooling when wet).

Hats

For sun protection in rare cases.

Often useless or poorly accepted.

How to Choose the Size

Measurement:

  • Back length:
    • From the neck to the base of the tail.
  • Chest circumference:
    • Max.
  • Neck circumference.

Never tight coat:

  • Limits movement.
  • Compresses.

Never too loose:

  • Ineffective.
  • Causes tripping.

Recommended Products

Top Brands

  • Ruffwear:
    • Premium.
    • Coats, waterproofs, booties.
    • 50-150 €.
  • Hurtta:
    • Finnish.
    • Robust, extreme cold.
    • 40-100 €.
  • Trixie:
    • Affordable, good quality.
    • 20-50 €.
  • Camon, Ferplast:
    • Italian, accessible.

What to Look For

Coats:

  • Easy opening (dog doesn't like to be dressed).
  • Stable belly strap.
  • Washable material.
  • Leash hole (if dog uses a harness underneath).
  • Reflective band (visibility).

Booties:

  • Robust sole.
  • Secure closure.
  • Breathable material.

Adjustment

For a dog that has never worn

  • Step 1: show the garment, reward.
  • Step 2: briefly place on the back, reward.
  • Step 3: wear for 30 seconds, reward.
  • Step 4: gradually increase time.
  • Step 5: wear inside normally.
  • Step 6: go outside with coat.

Time: 1-2 weeks.

For a resistant dog

  • Very brief sessions.
  • High rewards.
  • Never force.
  • Eventually: give up.

What NOT to Do

  • ❌ Force a dog that refuses.
  • ❌ Tight/uncomfortable decorative coats.
  • ❌ Dress a dog already warm.
  • ❌ Coat always even at home.
  • ❌ Leave a dressed dog unsupervised (can get tangled).

The Signs of "Wrong Outfit"

Indicators:

  • Dog tries to take off the coat.
  • Walks stiff.
  • Reluctance to go out.
  • Overheating (panting heavily).

What to do:

  • Check the size.
  • Check the temperature.
  • Consider giving up.

Reference Temperatures

When to dress (sensitive dogs):

  • Below 10°C: light coat.
  • Below 5°C: padded coat.
  • Below 0°C: full suit, booties.
  • Below -10°C: maximum protection.

Non-sensitive breeds:

  • Dress only below 0°C if necessary.

Special Situations

Heavy Rain

Waterproof:

  • Keeps dry.
  • Reduces drying time.

Snow

Coat + booties:

  • De-icing salt.
  • Intense cold.

Freezing Wind

Full suit:

  • Complete protection.

Intense Sun (white dogs)

UV T-shirt for the scalp:

  • Anti-melanoma protection.

Myths to Bust

  • Myth 1: "All dogs need to be dressed in winter". False: depends on the breed.
  • Myth 2: "Dogs don't feel cold". False: some breeds yes, others no.
  • Myth 3: "Clothes make the dog less masculine". Anthropomorphism: no meaning to the dog.
  • Myth 4: "All dogs hate dressing up". False: many accept after adjustment.
  • Myth 5: "A coat is enough". False: booties may also be needed in some cases.

Annual Costs

For a sensitive dog:

  • Winter coat: 30-80 € (lasting 2-3 years).
  • Waterproof: 20-50 € (lasting 2-3 years).
  • Booties: 30-50 € (lasting 1-2 years).

Total: 80-180 € spread over 2-3 years.

Benefit: healthy dog, comfort, safety.

The Truth

Dog clothes:

  • ✅ Necessary for sensitive breeds in cold climates.
  • ✅ Useful in extreme conditions (rain, snow, salt).
  • ❌ Useless for northern/thick-furred breeds.
  • ❌ Only "aesthetic" can be stressful.

Strategy:

  • Know your breed.
  • Assess the climate.
  • Invest in quality if needed.
  • Gradual adjustment.
  • Respect if the dog refuses.

Your dog in the rain with a raincoat: useful. Your dog in a ballerina tutu: pet shaming.

Key difference: functionality vs aesthetics. Always prioritize the first.

And remember: the dog doesn't understand "cute" like we do. It only understands "comfortable or not". Respect its "no".

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