Anyone recomment buying a coat for a Great Dane for the winter months?

Question

I was looking at purchasing an Alpensitze winter coat for my dane, but they are awfully expensive. They are very nice though.

Answer 1

Most dogs are fine when they are moving but become cold when lying around. If your dog is curled up in a tight ball and his ears are cold then I would get him a coat. You can find the horse blanket style (or get a small horse blanket) that is easy to put on and take off. Most dog clothes are made for tiny dogs and many of the coats for dogs aren't that warm.

You can also make one out of a blanket if you can sew or know someone who does. This type of coat is just a rectangle over the back with a strap in front and one around the belly just to keep it on. There is no lifting of legs to try to get them into sleeves.

http://www.theequestriancorner.com/product/20-3577-100366-344

Dogs aren't natural in many ways and short coated dogs, very young ones, very old ones and sick ones can be stressed from exposure to cold. You also do not want to have to heat up an entire house just to keep the dog warm.

If your dog rejects coats then he probably isn't that cold.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Anyone recomment buying a coat for a Great Dane for the winter months?
I was looking at purchasing an Alpensitze winter coat for my dane, but they are awfully expensive. They are very nice though.

Answer 3

If your Dane is full grown and it's a well made coat, I would shell out the cash for it. If it looks like it will fall apart in a year or two or you live somewhere that it isn't all that cold, I wouldn't bother.

If the dog is fully grown the same coat could easily last the dogs entire life if it's well made.

Edit: Wow, it's amazing how many people seem to think their dogs no longer need exersize just because it's cold outside.

Answer 4

Since Danes are a short coated breed and can't handle a lot of cold or a lot of heat..I highly recommend a coat when your Dane goes out during the winter months if the temp goes below 35 - 40 degrees.
I bought foal blankets from a tack shop for my babies. They fit good, are very durable and are adjustable. They also aren't that expensive.
I ordered mine from State Line Tack... www.statelinetack.com Since I've owned horses my entire life it was just a natural thought to get foal blankets for my "house Ponies". :)

Answer 5

Sweaters For Great Danes

Answer 6

Great Danes should not be left out in cold weather for long periods of time. They do not have enough hair to keep them warm. Some owners purchase sweaters for their Danes for when they are outside or when they go for walks.

I've never heard of a Alpensitze winter coat.

Here's a link for sweaters and dog coats http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_supplies.cfm?c=3307+1298

Answer 7

They do have short coats, so a coat could be handy for walks, but it would be best just to keep them inside during the colder months. My Dane spends all day and night inside during the fall and winter, only going out for potty breaks. Instead, invest in a comfy couch for them to snooze on :)

Answer 8

Great Dane Sweater

Answer 9

I have owned, bred and shown Great Danes since 1966, and never had a coat for any of them. Whenever I tried to put anything on my dogs they'd just tear it off..so unless you are planning to walk your dog for more than a 1/2 hour or so, a coat wouldn't be necessary.

Answer 10

depends on where you live and how cold it gets. We usually blanket horses at around 40 degrees. For a quick outside to potty, I probaly wouldn't bother, but for a longer walk it couldn't hurt if it's freezing. Danes don't have much of a coat.