Debate.... - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

bjh · 10-27-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Yeah, it's weird. Jackson spent many days out in the snow last year w/o clothes on. He loved it! Even now, we've had a few pretty cold days, the nights getting down to the 30's last week and he did fine w/o a coat or anything. He's 12.5lbs so he's got a bit more "body" to keep him warm, LOL, but his hair is really short now. I noticed the other day, it was pouring rain and in the 40 degree weather, when I put him in the car he started shivering! But when we're walking around outside, he's fine. It's just when we get in the car (the car is often colder than it really is outside, ha!) I think when he's active outside, running around, etc, he just doesn't think about it maybe. I'm going to get him 1 or 2 hoodies to wear for the winter just because I like his hair shorter so I'll keep him warm if he needs it

Most likely he is shivering in the car not because he is cold but because he is apprehensive about the car ride. I have some that will shiver in the car when it is 100 degrees outside.

I think yorkies that have a higher energy level will do better without clothes than those that are more easy going and don't get their metabolism revved up. Of course if they have a full coat I do think that makes a lot of difference too.

Martini19 · 10-27-2009, 06:36 AM

thanks everyone!!! I really wasn't sure...because like my boyfriend...I only ever had german sheps growing up!!!

Britster · 10-27-2009, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjh

Most likely he is shivering in the car not because he is cold but because he is apprehensive about the car ride. I have some that will shiver in the car when it is 100 degrees outside.

I think yorkies that have a higher energy level will do better without clothes than those that are more easy going and don't get their metabolism revved up. Of course if they have a full coat I do think that makes a lot of difference too.

Oh no, he loves the car, LOL. He rides in it daily with me and hops right on up, so I'm pretty sure he was legitimately cold. It just surprised me. He's very high-energy so that's probably why he's not cold so much. He could run around in the snow for hours.

Lee B · 10-27-2009, 06:53 AM

Puddie has a thick cotton coat that would put a ChowChow to shame. It's nearly impossible to groom him - he needs thinning shears. I've never seen him react adversely to weather, but we live in Central FL, so our winters aren't "extreme" by any stretch of the imagination compared to what would be experienced if we lived up North.

Bella has a long thin coat. She's a delicate little dust mop. She likes to play with the boys and will run outside to romp, but doesn't stay long. She just turned 2, so she's only had one winter. When it got cold, she would shiver if she was on the (tile) floor, but would either make a nest of throw blankets on the couch, or sit at my feet and look so pathetic I'd just HAVE to pick her up to cuddle

.

My dogs have the option of using the doggie door to go out into the back yard or piddle pads. If it's cold or wet, the pads get used. If it's nice, they can go DAYS without using them.

But I have sweaters and even heavy jackets for them if we go out. Otherwise, they just pop in and out quickly. But I don't have severe weather here.

Consider: They have very short legs; those short legs put them in very close proximity with the ground. The ground is very cold, and reflects as much. We usually keep their bellies shaved for hygiene purposes, so there's not much protection. Ask your BF if he'd like to lay on the ground, exposing his dangly parts to the cold?

If not, then don't gripe about something to keep the little guy warm. After all, a German Shepherd stands WAY away from the ground as compared to a Yorkie

Darlene68 · 10-27-2009, 06:55 AM

Bailey is tiny and has a thin coat, it's been getting fidgid here with the colder months and I take him with me everywhere and have to bundle him up every time we go outside, otherwise he shakes like crazy

bjh · 10-27-2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Oh no, he loves the car, LOL. He rides in it daily with me and hops right on up, so I'm pretty sure he was legitimately cold. It just surprised me. He's very high-energy so that's probably why he's not cold so much. He could run around in the snow for hours.

I bet that is why he get cold in the car then, because he has to sit still and then he feels the cold because his metabolism is slowed down. Probably all in needs in the car is a nice fleece blank to snuggle up in or draped over him until the heater warms it up.

Britster · 10-27-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjh

I bet that is why he get cold in the car then, because he has to sit still and then he feels the cold because his metabolism is slowed down. Probably all in needs in the car is a nice fleece blank to snuggle up in or draped over him until the heater warms it up.

So true! You're probably exactly right.

Nancy1999 · 10-27-2009, 09:22 AM

While there are great individual differences between yorkies for some have a higher metabolism than others, it's important to remember, that all Yorkies have "hair" not "fur." Fur is different in that it has an undercoat that's raises slightly when the dog get cold, much like when a human gets "goose pimples." This undercoat, acts like an insulator and can keep a dog warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Dogs who have fur, don't need any extra clothing, but they do tend to shed year-round adjusting the texture of the undercoat, depending on weather conditions. Joey's breeder said, "if you need a sweater, Joey will need a sweater, and this is a good rule to go by.

Martini19 · 10-27-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

. Joey's breeder said, "if you need a sweater, Joey will need a sweater, and this is a good rule to go by.

oooh thank you! that right there helps alot...because i was also afraid that if i felt a lil chilly and put a sweater on her..but its not COOOOOOLD...then she might get too hot!! haha cuz i wanna dress her up..but i dont wanna make her uncomfortable! So thanks a lot!!!

JoshieBoy · 10-27-2009, 12:55 PM

I think everybody should do what is best for their dog. As owners, we have the right to decide when our dogs should wear clothes. My Yorkie has not worn a sweater when it is cold outside, because he does not need it. His thick long coat helps keep him warm. All dogs are individuals. My opinions are based on my experience with my dog. I think doggy clothes make dogs look cute. Josh might wear a sweater in the future, especially if he all of a sudden gets cold.

blynne · 10-28-2009, 08:41 AM

Both of my boys have cotton coats and they still get cold. I live in the middle of the snow belt so not only are sweaters and coats adorable on them, the are a must! I always feel their feet and ears, if they are cold I put a shirt or a sweater on all of them.

RachelandSadie · 10-28-2009, 08:47 AM

yup, she could get hypothermia easily from rain, wind, and cold or snow....coats and sweaters wins!! tell him to go research it.

they don't grow an undercoat, they have hair much like our own, if you are cold and need a sweater or coat, he/she's a lot colder than you are and needs one too...

JoshieBoy · 10-30-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blynne

Both of my boys have cotton coats and they still get cold. I live in the middle of the snow belt so not only are sweaters and coats adorable on them, the are a must! I always feel their feet and ears, if they are cold I put a shirt or a sweater on all of them.

I agree. We have to do what is best for our dogs.

Lovetodream88 · 10-30-2009, 08:05 AM

My yorkie is a teapot about 15 and I keep her hair short due to her liking to be outside so much and she gets cold where she will actually shake so she wears clothes shirts and sweeters mostly all year long except during the summer days but at night in the summer with the ac on she gets cold and needs a little shirt. My dad and grandpa didnt get it at first but when they saw her shaking when she was cold and that she will put her head and arms in the shirt so it not "torture" they understood. They both have dressed her on some occasions and laugh at how she pretty much dresses herself.

GrayC25 · 10-30-2009, 08:24 AM

We've never really put a coat on our Yorkie. I was at the vet last week, getting him trimmed, and asked the groomer how short we should go since it's getting colder. She said as long as he is moving around while outside (walking, running around, etc), he should be fine. I think that probably explains why the sometimes shiver while in the car - they are sitting and not moving around.

10-27-2009, 06:55 AM	#20
Darlene68 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 4,923	Bailey is tiny and has a thin coat, it's been getting fidgid here with the colder months and I take him with me everywhere and have to bundle him up every time we go outside, otherwise he shakes like crazy __________________ Darlene Bailey Blu & Jesse Bee

10-27-2009, 09:22 AM	#23
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	While there are great individual differences between yorkies for some have a higher metabolism than others, it's important to remember, that all Yorkies have "hair" not "fur." Fur is different in that it has an undercoat that's raises slightly when the dog get cold, much like when a human gets "goose pimples." This undercoat, acts like an insulator and can keep a dog warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Dogs who have fur, don't need any extra clothing, but they do tend to shed year-round adjusting the texture of the undercoat, depending on weather conditions. Joey's breeder said, "if you need a sweater, Joey will need a sweater, and this is a good rule to go by. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

10-30-2009, 08:05 AM	#29
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,249	My yorkie is a teapot about 15 and I keep her hair short due to her liking to be outside so much and she gets cold where she will actually shake so she wears clothes shirts and sweeters mostly all year long except during the summer days but at night in the summer with the ac on she gets cold and needs a little shirt. My dad and grandpa didnt get it at first but when they saw her shaking when she was cold and that she will put her head and arms in the shirt so it not "torture" they understood. They both have dressed her on some occasions and laugh at how she pretty much dresses herself. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

10-27-2009, 06:36 AM	#17
Martini19 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 98	thanks everyone!!! I really wasn't sure...because like my boyfriend...I only ever had german sheps growing up!!!

10-27-2009, 06:53 AM	#19
Lee B YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Land O' Lakes, FL Posts: 735	Puddie has a thick cotton coat that would put a ChowChow to shame. It's nearly impossible to groom him - he needs thinning shears. I've never seen him react adversely to weather, but we live in Central FL, so our winters aren't "extreme" by any stretch of the imagination compared to what would be experienced if we lived up North. Bella has a long thin coat. She's a delicate little dust mop. She likes to play with the boys and will run outside to romp, but doesn't stay long. She just turned 2, so she's only had one winter. When it got cold, she would shiver if she was on the (tile) floor, but would either make a nest of throw blankets on the couch, or sit at my feet and look so pathetic I'd just HAVE to pick her up to cuddle . My dogs have the option of using the doggie door to go out into the back yard or piddle pads. If it's cold or wet, the pads get used. If it's nice, they can go DAYS without using them. But I have sweaters and even heavy jackets for them if we go out. Otherwise, they just pop in and out quickly. But I don't have severe weather here. Consider: They have very short legs; those short legs put them in very close proximity with the ground. The ground is very cold, and reflects as much. We usually keep their bellies shaved for hygiene purposes, so there's not much protection. Ask your BF if he'd like to lay on the ground, exposing his dangly parts to the cold? If not, then don't gripe about something to keep the little guy warm. After all, a German Shepherd stands WAY away from the ground as compared to a Yorkie

10-27-2009, 12:55 PM	#25
JoshieBoy No Longer a Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 2,114	I think everybody should do what is best for their dog. As owners, we have the right to decide when our dogs should wear clothes. My Yorkie has not worn a sweater when it is cold outside, because he does not need it. His thick long coat helps keep him warm. All dogs are individuals. My opinions are based on my experience with my dog. I think doggy clothes make dogs look cute. Josh might wear a sweater in the future, especially if he all of a sudden gets cold.

10-28-2009, 08:41 AM	#26
blynne Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 195	Both of my boys have cotton coats and they still get cold. I live in the middle of the snow belt so not only are sweaters and coats adorable on them, the are a must! I always feel their feet and ears, if they are cold I put a shirt or a sweater on all of them.

10-28-2009, 08:47 AM	#27
RachelandSadie No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 5,748	yup, she could get hypothermia easily from rain, wind, and cold or snow....coats and sweaters wins!! tell him to go research it. they don't grow an undercoat, they have hair much like our own, if you are cold and need a sweater or coat, he/she's a lot colder than you are and needs one too...

10-30-2009, 08:24 AM	#30
GrayC25 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2008 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 57	We've never really put a coat on our Yorkie. I was at the vet last week, getting him trimmed, and asked the groomer how short we should go since it's getting colder. She said as long as he is moving around while outside (walking, running around, etc), he should be fine. I think that probably explains why the sometimes shiver while in the car - they are sitting and not moving around.