Quality dog coat recommendations?

[•Poppy•]

I have a little dog and need a new coat for her badly. She's been through a couple, though, and it's been really hard to find something that will hold up AND that will fit her right.

She's about 15 lbs and has a greyhound body. Deep chest, but slender everywhere else. Her chest makes it hard to find a coat that will velcro over her properly, and I'm afraid if I size up the coat will be too big and snow will get into it.

She only wears the coat when we are going outside for exercise (not for potty breaks). She has thin, wiry hair so she wears it out even when it's about 40 degrees and the snow is melting, because usually there's a chilly wind. BUT the snow and the slush gets into her coat and she gets cold, and the velcro won't stick together anymore because it gets wet as well.

She is also VERY active - running and jumping and sliding - which makes it even harder to keep the coat on her.

So..you can see I have a dilemma here . It may be impossible to find that "perfect coat" but one that stays on and keeps her as warm as possible would be great. Does anyone else have small dogs that wear coats, and could anyone provide recommendations?

[Almin]

Any coat will do

[poggle]

I learned to make my own, its a bit fiddly but I enjoy sewing and knitting and like a challenge.
Google for whippet coat patterns and theres load of free ones, heres a link to one;
http://www.thewhippet.net/whippet-dog-coats.html

You also want to look at your other coats that don't fit, and patterns for horse rugs to get an idea of the general shape.
Find a market stall that sells cheap fabric. I'm lucky, I can get it for less than £2 a metre. Practice with the cheapest fabric you can until you get the shape and construction right.

Another good tip is to use Butchers Block paper, also known as blank newsprint, for your paper patterns. I can buy a big block of the stuff for under £20, you get hundreds of A2 sheets, and we use it for everything from kids giant origami and drawing paper to paper mache.
If you get through a lot it also comes on a roll.

Brown paper also works
http://www.amazon.com/Pacon-5850-Kraft-W...B000NDKVJY

[philospher77]

I'm liking my coat from Voyagers K9 Apparel. They will do custom work, if your dog doesn't fit one of their breeds.

[Luna Is A Sibe]

http://www.bwdogcoats.com/dog-raincoats.html

"The Rain Chaser 2-layer Goretex and fleece dog rain coat is beautiful, lightweight and weather resistant. Custom made to your measurements, with the very highest standards of quality craftsmanship. This raincoat is serious about keeping your dog warm and dry!
•The OUTER LAYER is a Waterproof/Breathable™ fabric: waterproof, wind-resistant, and breathable.
•The INSIDE FLEECE is manufactured by the mill that makes PolarTec™ fleece - four times more wind-resistant than standard fleece and very warm. This is a luscious, thick fleece. More about our fabrics.
•Raincoats are comfortable in dry, chilly weather too! Great for spring and autumn.
•Prices are depending on the size.

The Rain Chaser comes with these options:
•Tummy warmer or simple band - no extra charge.
•Turtleneck collar or turnback collar. The turtleneck provides a lot of warmth but has to be put over the head, which can slow down the on-off process. Without the turtleneck collar option it has a simple turnback flap, which can be fipped up and secured with velcro, as shown on the red coat, below.
•If you anticipate prolonged exposure to heavy rain, we recommend the added seam sealer for $20.
•more fabrics and options including reflective strips, trims, special fleece interior, and more."

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http://taylormadecoats.com/whippetcoats.html
http://www.taylormadecoats.com/wistwindwarmups.html

“Wistwind Warm-Ups” are lined with a faux sherpa lambs wool or fleece. You can choose from a variety of water proof or water repellent fabrics.

There are two different styles of coats available

Regular Warm-ups suggested for Whippets,
Ibizan, Saluki, Pharoah, and Greyhounds

Engish Style suggested for Whippets
and Italian Greyhounds

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http://www.chillydogs.ca/index.php/product/index/30

The Great White North™ Winter Coat is designed for maximum warmth, durability and safety in mind. Experience the quality and fit of a Chilly Dogs® coat.

All our coats feature an "Easy On, Easy Off" design. The coat is simply slipped over the dog's head then the "Y" shaped belly panel is pulled down and back between the front legs, then pulled up over the dog's back where the buckles are fastened and the webbing is adjusted.

Harnesses: Our coats do not allow for a harness to be worn under the coat. There is no hole in the coat for a D-ring connection to your leash. The reason for this is the fact that there are many varieties and styles of harnesses on the market. Each one having a different location of the D-ring. We suggest that you adjust your favourite Harness to be worn over the coat.

Details
•Skillfully designed and manufactured here in Ottawa, Canada using Canadian materials.
•Constructed of super warm but lightweight 12oz non-pilling Canadian polyester Fleece.
•100% wind and waterproof 200 Denier polyurethane coated nylon outer shell.
•3M Scotchlite™ reflective piping around the neck and rear for night visibility and safety.
•Ajustable nylon webbing and a smooth shaped buckle system is used to securely fasten the coat around the body of your dog.
•3M Scotchlite™ reflective loop at the rear of the coat for hanging/storage purposes. This loop is not for the tail!

[Lauren]

I had trouble finding a coat for my great dane two winters ago, so I made my own! People liked hers so much that I actually started selling them. I have a Facebook page you can check out if you would like me to make you one, otherwise my pattern is fairly simple so you could make your own (although I would recommend buying a pattern for sleeved coats!)! I use fleece which is really good at keeping the wind off (I double layer it) and then long strips of velcro so it can be adjusted easily. I've also done ties at the ends for extra secure fastening Good Luck!

http://www.facebook.com/EchoRoseInc