Posted on December 01, 2009 by: WayCoolDogs

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Most people think that all dogs have a fur coat already built in and do not need any more protection from the wind, cold and outdoor elements. And truth be known, many long haired dogs such as Miniature American Eskimos or Shiba Inus prefer to play in the snow than in front of a hot fire in the winter, as compared to rambunctious Rat Terriers, short-legged Dachshunds or tiny Chihuahuas, along with many other short-haired or smaller breeds. But for long walks or play time, most dogs are better off with perfect-fitting winter dog coats.

When choosing a winter dog coat, choosing one for a particular breed is very important.  Materials made from high quality and superior workmanship makes a difference in a dog staying warm outside or getting colder than their owner would think. Companies such as Foggy Mountain design their winter dog coats for exceptional fit, ease of movement, and maximum durability while being testing with rigorous standards as compared to some of the lower quality companies of winter dog coats and winter pet coats.

Makers of high quality winter coats for dogs, such as  Brinell Design, Foggy Mountain Dog Coats,  L.L. Bean Dog Coats, and  Dogs and Their People,  provide a wide amount of variety in choices for dog coats for the winter with many companies  focusing on certain breed specialties:

• Nylon Turnouts
• Plaid Turnouts
• Snuggler Coats
• Rain Coats
• Varieties of Overcoats
• Versatile Lightweight Coats
• Polar Coats

MEASURING WINTER DOG COATS

When you begin to measure your dog for his new coat, begin from the base of its neck to the base of its tail (where it is attached to the body).  Have the dog stand squarely as if it were entering a dog show, with its head held up and proud pertaining to its breed. Once the dog is looking firmly ahead, begin the measurement from the joint where the head is attached to the body to the tail attachment area. Sizes are all even numbers except for 13″ (the rest are size 8″ to 28″). For example, beagles may run from sizes 14″, 16″ to 18″ while a bloodhound will run from size 26″ to 28″.

If the numbers measured are not even, the tail will determine the size. If the direction of the dog’s tail goes up, then round the number downwards—a measurement of 14 1/5″ will be rounded to 14″. But if the tail goes down, then round  the number upward.

Some dog coats, such as at Foggy Mountain, have exceptional cuts and designs for different breeds, such as the greyhound, basset/doxie cut, whippet cut, or bull terriers. This way the coat will not shift and move as the dog runs and plays, but are held firm. (All photographs and measurements are from Foggy Mountain Dog Coats).

DIRECT ORDERS OF AMAZON WINTER DOG COATS

Ordering for Christmas? Based on the shipping schedule of Pets Pro Shop, choose Standard Shipping at checkout for delivery by December 24. See Pets Pro Shop shipping details.

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