When I was a child dogs rarely wore dog coats. There was a wide spread myth that a dog?s fur was enough to keep them warm on cold winter days. Clearly, this was false as some dogs are simply not naturally suited for colder climates. The dog coats that were available were generally pretty ugly and generally pretty difficult to put on.

Times have changed and there are now a plethora of dog coat options ranging from the practical to the ridiculous, from the inexpensive to the uber-pricey. There are models that the dog can step into, models that wrap around, and models that are similar to a cape with an elastic waist band. There are water-proof models and insulated models and light weight models. There are models suitable to short haired dogs and models suitable to longer haired dogs. Some of the coats for larger dogs have pockets for owners to carry small items such as books or water.

Dog coat designs come in a wide range of colours and styles. There are so many different dog coats on the market that it can be difficult to choose the right coat for your dog. The four most important considerations in choosing a coat for your dog are outlined below.

1. Climate. Is the coat intended to protect your dog from the elements or is it more of a fashion statement? If you live in a temperate climate and the temperature rarely goes below freezing then you needn?t worry too much about the insulation factor of the coat. However, if you live in an area that has severe winters then you must really be careful to choose a coat that will protect your beloved pooch. Look for a coat that is both insulated and wind proof. You may also want to find a coat that is also water proof. Many coats use gortex and thinsulate and these coats work well.

2. Machine washable. All dogs get dirty, even those who are on a leash and particularly in the spring thaw. Do yourself a favor and only consider getting a dog coat that is machine washable. Dog coats don?t need to be washed as much as people clothes but you should count on washing the dog coat in the mid-season and at the end of every winter.

3. How easy is it to dress your dog. If the coat is too difficult to put on then it will spend the winter in the closet and your dogg will have a chilly winter. It is helpful to look for a coat with Velcro strip fasteners as these seem to be the easiest manner of dressing your dog. Also look for a coat that fastens at the back or side of the dog.

4. Size. Before shopping for your dog coat make sure you measure your dog. Measure the dog from the base of his neck to the start of his tail. Measure again the circumference if his neck and add 1 inch. Measure again around the broadest part of his chest and add one inch. With these measurements in hand you should be able to to choose a coat that will fit your dog appropriately.

Posted under Dogs

Every home needs a dog as most probably they are the most adorable and enjoyable companions one could hope for. Though all dogs are loyal and lovable, some people come to a conclusion that only a thoroughbred, complete with papers would do for them and go through classified and pet shops to find a picture perfect dog.

Off they go, searching through the classifieds and pet shops for that paragon of a dog. While I like thoroughbreds too, I find that a visit to a pet shelter tugs at my heartstrings. Most often, these dogs aren't thoroughbreds, but what we commonly refer to as 'mutts', a mix of breeds. To my mind, these mutts are the best!

While a thoroughbred can be a perfect show pet, most often they are neurotic and temperamental, which are not the desirable qualities one would want in a family pet. But a shelter on the other hand houses some of the most adorable and unique characters of lovable mutts from which you are sure to find one that you love.

Another factor to consider is that, while the 'fancy' puppies in the pet shops and from dog breeders advertising in the classifieds will always find a buyer and will never end up in a shelter, shelter puppies are in danger of being put down if they don't find a home. Of course, the shelter dog is not aware of his or her impending doom, but you are! When you adopt a puppy, you're literally saving his life!

This reminds me of the Disney classic, 'Lady and the Tramp'. Tramp was the pirate, the adventurer, full of fun, daring and with personality to burn. When Tramp and his friends stole some sausages from the butcher, where did they end up? In the pound. Fortunately, he was broken out and escaped his otherwise inevitable fate. In the end, the family of thoroughbred Lady 'adopted' Tramp and they all lived happily ever after. Now how cute were their puppies? When you adopt a puppy from the shelter, you're giving a big thumbs up to the puppies borne by Lady!

Choosing between a thoroughbred and shelter puppy is like choosing between a dress with an $8000 designer tag and a retro dress form a consignment outlet. While the designer label will look stunning under limelight, you will personally love a retro dress that has charm, appeal and a character of its own.

If you are still in dilemma about adopting a shelter puppy, here are some more fact to tilt your scale in favor of a mutt: that picture perfect thoroughbred is definitely going to cost you a fortune. A shelter puppy on the other hand, is going to become the most loved member of you family for a song.

If you are still doubtful about adopting a puppy from the pound, here is something to think about: a thoroughbred can put quite a big dent in your pocket. But in addition to picking up a mutt for a pittance, you will be bringing home a friend who will become a most loved member of your family in no time at all. Whats more, he is so darn irresistible, that if you take the time to step inside a shelter, you will never leave without adopting one.

Posted under Dogs