Winter Jackets

Tis the season for bundling up the hounds.

Just like we appreciate wearing an extra layer, or two, so will your hounds appreciate an added layer. This is about the time of the year to start putting a layer of polar fleece on your hounds inside the house, and to start wearing jackets outside.

If your hound needs a jacket or boots or some other item to stay warm. . . . . .Your hound is so in luck! The boutique is this Saturday, and next Saturday, that is the 7^th and 14^th from 10:00AM til 3:00PM .  If you are unable to attend, you can order these items from the online store.

Conner is modeling an outside winter coat--in the comfort of his nice warm house.

There are lots of choices in the world of greyhound apparel. There are coats for cool weather, coats for cold weather, polar fleece liners, snoods or neck warmers, tummy warmers, wind/water resistant coats, hats, rain coats, thunder shirts and even pajamas can be used as an added layer of winter wear. Because of its durability, wash-ability, and ability to stretch, most tummy warmers and liners are made of polar fleece. The outer shell of coats are typically a cotton/poly blend fabric.

 

There is an opening on the coat to hook the leash on the collar.

 

Because there are so many options let’s start describing each option beginning with the lightest coats. The lightest coat my hounds wear is a tummy warmer. This coat does exactly what its name describes, wraps around the hound’s torso and keeps the body core warm. There is a strap that crosses the chest and attaches to the fabric that wraps around the body, and typically attaches with Velcro. A tummy warmer can be single or double layers polar fleece fabric. Tummy warmers are a good option by themselves on a cool day or as a second layer under a coat in cooler weather.

Warmer than a tummy warmer is a body liner, which covers the entire trunk of the dog, rather than just the mid section. Body liners, which cover the entire torso, tail to chest, can have a snood, like a turtleneck, that covers the dog’s neck. Typically there is a strap that crosses under the hound, across the abdomen, using Velcro as a fastener

Beth is modeling a polar fleece coat that is much too large for her.

Light coats and heavier coats are basically similar, they are usually polar fleece lined and have a windproof outer shell. There could be a difference in the amount of insulating material used in the coat. Some coats, like the coats made by Voyager, have reflective stripes on them.

Does this make my butt look big??
 

No matter what coat or liner you purchase for your hound, it should be not too small, and not too big, it should fit just right. The tail end should be a bit rounded and cover the hound’s buns of steel, and bulging thigh muscles. The strap that crosses under the hound’s abdomen and attaches with Velcro should fit snugly and cover their bare belly. The Voyager’s coat also has a 1 inch strap that prevents the coat from sliding to one side. The snood should be long enough to cover their neck and ears.

Companies who make extreme weather apparel for the two-leggers make outerwear that can be worn separately or in combination. When the weather gets really cold, we add layers to our winter gear, it’s a good idea to add layers to your hound’s attire as well. In addition to hat and boots, it is possible to put a body liner or pajamas, a tummy warmer, and a winter coat on your dog, all at the same time.