This is a jacket we just bought most of our crew from Poochtini.com (They didn't have Risa's size in stock at the moment. Natalie was kind enough to bring the coats over and have a play date with her Rex. It was fun and the coats are great. They will help save the coat, protect from ice balls and cut your time down in grooming - well worth it - in my opinion.

When you live in a city or suburb, does your dog really need a jacket and pair of boots?

If you think it's cold outside, consider whether your dog shares your shivers. This time of year, many dog owners put coats and other rugged outwear on their pets before heading outdoors.

Like their humans, urban dogs grow accustomed to a warm house. Their own coats may not be as thick as their rural cousins' coats might be, making it more difficult for the animals to adapt to the cold.

Footwear may be necessary in some cities to protect tender paws from de-icing salts and chemicals. We opt for the no boots route except for our show dogs on show days but if your dawg is a city dawg, if you go the 'no boot' route, you need to clean the salt and chemicals off their feet. You should also take care of their pads.

If you're not sure whether your city dog needs a coat, look for shivering during or after exercise. Just how cold are we talking? How long will the dog be out for? How typically active is the dog?

What is shivering? Muscular activity that increases as your dawg works to keep their body temperature up.

If this is your first winter with your Havanese, the snow when wet - that nice heavy snow - well it sticks to their hair, forms snow balls and downright is cold for them and painful. Put your stomach on snow bare and leave it there. Then tell me how it feels.

Plus - it's not fun to take out. You have to dry it or wash it out or brush it out but if left you will have an amazing amount of mats. Some can be prevented by shaving their tummies down but you still have to protect that bare skin.

Bottom line? Pay attention. Your dog's behavior will likely tell you when and whether he's uncomfortable. That's your cue to act.

If you're at all embarrassed by the notion of dog outerwear, it's typically the toughest of dogs who wear boots and coats. It's not just your fou fou dogs. Police and military K-9's and search-and rescue dogs all need foot protection. Search and rescue dogs that brave the elements use coats. Plus agility and games people suit their dogs up after a hard day on the run.
Real dogs do wear coats.