Best cozy shirt/jacket for a big dog

[Kadenz]

Hi all,
I’m in search of something cozy for my pit bull, who despite his big burly appearance, has very little hair and gets cold very easily. Poor guy!

But he’s big - 80 pounds - and kind of a bruiser. I know from experience that I want something with a closed front. I’m leaning more towards a “shirt” style rather than the horse-blanket style, although it’s not a deal-breaker.

Also, he’s pretty wide in front, even for a bully breed: I’m worried about the legs on a shirt like the fleece RuffWear jackets - anything too constricting around his legs and chest will probably rub (because yes, he’s fairly sensitive-skinned as well:rolleyes:).

I’m currently leaning towards this one, from Motley Mutt. Has anyone tried it?

I checked out the Foggy Mountain Snugglers, which were recommended on another COTH thread, but I’m kinda :eek: at the price. But if they’re really amazing, I’d consider it. Like, lasts forever amazing. :lol:

Any ideas would be happily welcomed by my poor, cold pit bull.

[Simkie]

There’s someone out there who makes clothes that are wider for “bully” breeds. Who is it…?

Ah. The Fido Fleece people offer a “broad chest” in some of their sizes.

I also like RC Pets which could also accommodate a broad chest.

FWIW, I tried Ruff Wear for my broad chested Ridgeback and I HATED it. It rubbed her and it fell apart.

I also have some Foggy Mountain, and love it. It does last forever. But it is costly!! The Fido Fleece and RC Pets is a little more palatable and works just fine

[callmegold]

Anything that will really keep him warm will be $$ to $$$

I just ordered a Hurtta winter jacket. Definitely comes big enough for him (I have dobies) and I like the way it tucks up under their chest. http://leerburg.com/1445.htm I don’t have it yet so I can’t comment on quality or durability but I like the idea that its designed for dogs, and not mini horse blanket.

My favorite dog blankets are the weatherbeeta oricans. They’re available in lots of places like Adam’s Horse Supply and Amazon. 220 fill, waterproof and I have one that lasted for six years and lots and lots of rough play. They’re about $40 and the new ones have a stand up collar and a wider belly band.

Rambo also makes a nice dog coat, and all my dogs have the fleeces to layer under their “turnouts” when its really cold.

Ever read the blog http://pittiesincity.blogspot.com/ ? They have two bully type dogs and there’s several posts where they talk about cold weather wear. Plus its a good read

[Simkie]

@callmegold;7218641

My favorite dog blankets are the weatherbeeta oricans. They’re available in lots of places like Adam’s Horse Supply and Amazon. 220 fill, waterproof and I have one that lasted for six years and lots and lots of rough play. They’re about $40 and the new ones have a stand up collar and a wider belly band.

$20! http://www.doversaddlery.com/weatherbeeta-orican-dog-blanket/p/X1-24792/

I never really liked the way these fit, though. The blanket would lift at the rump when my dogs put their heads down. I find horse-style blankets with a bit more of a constructed shape to work better for me.

Rambo also makes a nice dog coat, and all my dogs have the fleeces to layer under their “turnouts” when its really cold.

I loooove their newmarket fleece.

[WinsomeTK]

I LOVE the Shedrow winter jackets. They’re thick, washing them in Nikwax or a quick spray with Scotch 3m waterproofing once in a while and they’re like 40$ on Greenhawk.com. I’ve had two for years (one of them must be 5-6 years old) and they’re still warm and holding great. I guess they’re similar to the weatherbeetas and other horse blanket style dog coats.

If you have a really cold dog (like my pit bulls in Canadian winter), and money to spend, I’d say go with Chilly dogs coats. The neck and chest/belly are covered in fleece, and the back/sides are nylon and waterproof. They hold up well to rough play and I really think it keeps my guys warmer since they’re more covered, even though the coats don’t have fill. And they were originally designed for greyhounds, pretty much the ultimate skinny & cold dog…

When it’s -22F outside I just layer both. My silly princess dogs also wear boots, real tough pit bulls…

[Kadenz]

@Simkie;7218638

FWIW, I tried Ruff Wear for my broad chested Ridgeback and I HATED it. It rubbed her and it fell apart.

Thanks for this review - I am pretty sure that it would rub my boy too. It’s definitely off the list now!

[QUOTE=callmegold;7218641]
Ever read the blog http://pittiesincity.blogspot.com/ ? They have two bully type dogs and there’s several posts where they talk about cold weather wear. Plus its a good read :)[/QUOTE]
Oooh thanks! This is a great blog! Definitely bookmarking that one. I’m looking at the hoodies they bought and they look promising. Price is good too!

[QUOTE=WinsomeTK;7218725]If you have a really cold dog (like my pit bulls in Canadian winter), and money to spend, I’d say go with Chilly dogs coats. The neck and chest/belly are covered in fleece, and the back/sides are nylon and waterproof. They hold up well to rough play and I really think it keeps my guys warmer since they’re more covered, even though the coats don’t have fill. And they were originally designed for greyhounds, pretty much the ultimate skinny & cold dog…

When it’s -22F outside I just layer both. My silly princess dogs also wear boots, real tough pit bulls…[/QUOTE]
Ooh, I really like these. Especially love how they fasten! Unfortunately with the shipping to the US, that puts them over $75 gulp

Thanks for the ideas, everyone! My princess pitbull thanks you too.

[WinsomeTK]

Actually, I just found out Greenhawk has a Chillydogs knockoff for 40$! http://greenhawk.com/wdItemDesc.asp?strilhID=Web&strmdNumber=BLS4009&stricSKU=BLS4009

I’d just be worried about fit buying from Greenhawk especially if your pit bull is chesty, Chillydogs has a really specific chest and neck sizing chart to help get the right sized coat, vs. Greenhawk that has back measurements only for sizing.

[Kadenz]

Well, although they were adorable, I backed off the hoodies on the Pitties in the City blog. According to (many) reviews, they just don’t work for male dogs, as they come WAY too far back, under the belly. :dead:

So, I eventually bought the Motley Mutt fleece vest, as well as the Schneider’s Tekno-fleece and insulated blanket.

I’ll update when I get them, if anybody’s interested!

[wendy]

these are nice, easy on-off, made to fit labs who tend to be fairly solid:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=5C86

if you want really nice, breed-specific or custom-designed clothing, check out this store:

http://k9apparel.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=132_141

their raincoats are the best I’ve ever seen.

[BostonBanker]

@callmegold;7218641

I just ordered a Hurtta winter jacket. Definitely comes big enough for him (I have dobies) and I like the way it tucks up under their chest. http://leerburg.com/1445.htm I don’t have it yet so I can’t comment on quality or durability but I like the idea that its designed for dogs, and not mini horse blanket.

You got a great coat. I have those for both my dogs, and they are well worth the money. My young dog did manage to break a leg strap (while in the midst of a 90 minute wrestling match), but otherwise the coats have been sturdy and they STAY IN PLACE which the horse blankets never do on my guys. They are also warm (I like things that cover the belly for my thin coated boy especially) and very easy to get on, even with my young dog who thinks he is half monkey.

[dsouth]

avoid Motley Mutt

My wife and I ordered items from this company for our Dobie and they did not fit. I think their size charts are off and they will not take a return. I would avoid any purchase from this company if you are concerned about fit.:no:

[adelmo95]

I second the suggestion to get the Chilly dogs jackets. The price is a tough pill to swallow but they last! This is the 6th winter my dog has worn her jacket and it still looks new. I tried to get a couple less expensive options for my other dog and just caved and got him a Chilly dogs jacket as well because the cheaper ones didn’t seem as warm and ended up rubbing his hair off… Since getting the jacket he is much happier to go out and play in the -20 weather we have been having in Calgary. He also seems more comfortable leaping and bounding in it with the improved fit, and he is FAST and the jacket has never shifted when playing.

[cindy2]

YES!!! They are crazy and their size charts are WAY OFF! AND they are CRANKY!

[cindy2]

The Motley Mutt vests are nice but their size charts are WAY OFF!

[vxf111]

Hello random new users?!

[Bluey]

I wonder if that is a spammer advertising it’s business?

Reported, let the Moderator decide what it is.

[mountainhorse]

Foggy Mountain is definitely worth the $$. I have one jacket that has lasted for almost 10 years and 3 dogs-they are really fantastic.

[SonnysMom]

FYI the original thread is from over 2 years ago.