Need Help - Consumer Product Opinions - Dog Coats

[kdhawks]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Thank you! Definitely some commonalities that will help me. Does anyone have a larger breed dog to offer advice as well? Ideally I'd like to find jackets that come in several sizes that will work for all size dogs rather than Small Breed Jackets / Large Breed Jackets.

My one larger-breed tip: no attached D-ring with a velcro jacket. My brother's dog can un-velcro his jacket by pulling on his leash when it is attached to the jacket's D-ring. Then we have a naked, non-leashed, non-harnessed dog on the loose! That jacket wasn't sturdy enough at all...

[Maximo]

1. Do you prefer a hood? Hoods are not functional, but they can be cute decoration like on the Christmas sweaters I had for my boys.

2. Must it have a D-Ring attachment on the jacket itself? I won't use D-Rings. Wish more coats came with an opening for harness rings, but our Buddy Belts fit over coats nicely.

3. Do you like sleeves?Sleeves are warmer, but they can make for more tangles depending on the lining of the coat. I like having both sleeves, and sleeveless.

4. Velcro or zipper closure? Velcro. Back or side enclosures are nice for full coated dogs.

5. If attached around dog's belly do you prefer full coverage or one strap under the belly?One strap is easier to put on, but full coverage of chest area is warmer.

[P Hudson]

Sometimes a hood is good on a raincoat, but I always have to fold the top back so he can see. How about a detachable hood?

Prefer an opening to a D ring

I like the idea of a removable lining.

Wide strap with Velcro.

I used to have a dog (R.I.P. Macho) who hated anything over his head, and a little coat with wide Velcro around the neck and a wide Velcro strap underneath was my favorite for him. It had waterproof fabric on the outside and a soft, warm fabric next to his skin. So in cooler weather it doubled as a raincoat and regular coat.

Velcro also allows for individual fit--He was a BIG boy.

[Baroness]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Thank you! Definitely some commonalities that will help me. Does anyone have a larger breed dog to offer advice as well? Ideally I'd like to find jackets that come in several sizes that will work for all size dogs rather than Small Breed Jackets / Large Breed Jackets.

I have two large breeds. One German shepherd mix and one VERY large black lab. I prefer velcro for them since they are short haired, snaps would be good for a dog with long hair (my pom) otherwise the velcro will mess with his hair and pull. Short sleeves, no hat, one band around waist. Never thought much about an insert for colder weather, but then we have lived in Southern states since we got the crew.

As for little dogs, I concur with most everyone else for my pom and yorkie baby.

[Darlene68]

1. I have no preference, I like jackets with hoods and without!
2. I like either a Dring or a slot for harness underneath.
3. I love sleeves for Bailey because he is shaved and it's warmer, but no sleeves for Jesse because his hair is so long, sleeves tangle his hair
4. Zippers!
5. Full coverage for winter coats.

[AllDogBoots]

Thanks again everyone!

[trin7]

Ok, so I'm a bit different with my choices:

1) Love hoods
2) Love D-rings - wish everything had them!
3) Don't mind sleeves but not too necessary
4) Zippers - don't like velcro - too easy to come off!
5) One strap - too messy with full coverage!

Great post!

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

1. No, like you said they are just a nuisance.

2. Prefer no D-ring, because I don't feel they are really safe enough, but like the little hole, so you can pull the d-ring from the harness through.

3. Yes- more warmth.

4. Both are good.

5. One strap is easiest to put on, but a very wide strap still allows for warmth.

Hope this helps- can't wait to see what you get.

I'm going to be lazy and just copy the above.

My favorite coat the boys have also has a drawstring by the tail area of the jacket and I love that idea.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

I'm going to be lazy and just copy the above.

My favorite coat the boys have also has a drawstring by the tail area of the jacket and I love that idea.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I know that probably sounds crazy so I will try to explain. It's very similar to this coat. The back of the coat has an elastic drawstring to snug the coat so that it's closer to the body. Kind of like the bottom of NorthFace hoodie.

Kwigy-Bo green parka jacket puffer coat fur hood XS | eBay

[AllDogBoots]

2 full years have passed and I want to thank everyone for their input! I had jackets custom made and will be adding them to my website this week! They have a detachable hood, leash hole, sleeves, button closure and are adorable!

I'll post a thread when I'm ready to sell. Thanks again for everyone's help!

[Doodlebug]

I am looking forward to seeing them.

[Hrossen11]

1. No hood or hood just for looks, pup won't wear
2. Prefer d-ring slot
3. No sleeves, matts hair
4. Velcro, zipper gets caught in hair
5. One strap wide

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I'm currently researching adding dog coats and jackets to my accessories product line. With that being said, I live in a very warm climate and don't have much experience with dog coats, except for the occasional rain. Cooper has a jacket with a hood, which I thought would be a good idea to protect his head, however it's more of a nuisance because it falls over his eyes.

I would really appreciate any input you can provide as to what you look for in a dog winter snow/rain jacket. I have a couple of questions posted below. I'm interested in ideas for coats for both small and large dogs.

1. Do you prefer a hood? No - I don't like hoods, but I do like knit turtleneck collars.

2. Must it have a D-Ring attachment on the jacket itself? No - I prefer a harness hole.

3. Do you like sleeves? Sleeves are great IF the coat is an exact fit. Otherwise they pull their legs out - especially the back legs.

4. Velcro or zipper closure? I like zipper closures at center back IF they have the extra fabric flap under the zipper that keeps hair from getting tangled.

5. If attached around dog's belly do you prefer full coverage or one strap under the belly? I much prefer full coverage with at "T" strap that is attached at the neck and velcros or snaps at the sides.

Thanks again.

I'm sorry for my pickeyooney replies. Since I am a seamstress, I am very demanding with my likes and dislikes.

[Teegy]

I like a hood but often they are too big and don't fit properly, I like legs and body covered for rain and snow. I would prefer a hole for a harness, but often the ones available aren't suitable for buddy belts