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Baby, It's Cold Outside!

© Deborah J. Myers

Winter is coming soon and with it, the blustery weather that makes curling up indoors with your Doberman more inviting than a walk through the cold wet stuff.

If you and your Doberman want to stay fit, you can’t do that all winter long. But you can help your Dobie bundle up by buying him a dog coat.

Dog outerwear has come a long way in fit, style, and material. Instead of being just a cute accessory, today’s dog coats provide real protection for wintertime fun to dogs with not-so-plush coats as Dobermans. There are plenty of coats available to ensure the right choice for your Dobe.

Make sure you have the right fit by measuring your Doberman carefully. Most Web sites and catalogs that sell dog coats give recommendations as to how to measure. Usually, it’s around the neck and from collar to top of tail, around the ribs, and around the flanks. If possible, buy at a local pet store where your Dobe can try on her new coat before you buy.

Because Dobermans have such deep rib cages and high flanks, it’s important to find a coat that fits right. The coat should wrap around the chest, under the rib cage, and extend as far as possible down the back and, on the underside, to the flanks, allowing room for the dog to relieve himself without soiling the coat. A few dog coats fit like long underwear, extending down the legs.

Although cute knitted sweaters may seem festive for the season, they really aren’t all that protective. Look for material such as GoreTex, Polar Fleece, or, ideally, a combination of both to provide a water-repellant shell and a warm inside layer. Wool and nylon are also good combinations.

Consider a dog hat to keep her ears warm. Whether cropped or natural, Doberman ears can get really cold if you take a long hike. Look for a style that holds the ears close to the head for maximum warmth. Standing ears can be in the down and folded position for hats like this.

If you don’t go for a dog hat, check your Dobe’s ears every fifteen minutes while you’re out to make sure the ears warm enough. In a pinch, you can always wrap your scarf around the dog’s ears and throat and tie it snugly to keep the dog warm.

Snowball fights, frosty hikes, and just romping in the snow make wintertime fun. Don’t miss out because of the cold. Check out the dozens of dog coats that can keep your dog part of the action.