We know: sometimes we smile when we see the dogs in coats in winter. But if in fact such hilarity could be justified in the case of a Maremma Shepherd with a coat, it is not so in the case of some dog breeds that do not tolerate the cold at any level, for one reason or another.
So what are the dog breeds that suffer the cold most?
There are some dog breeds that suffer a lot from the cold. Usually they are small, short-haired dog breeds: not having enough protective covering, they are bound to suffer from the cold. But sometimes there are also large dogs, with short hair, who could suffer more from the cold.
Not to mention elderly or sick dogs who may need additional coverage in winter. But let’s see what are these dog breeds that suffer so much from the cold.
Chihuahua
Even if the Chihuahua Long-haired, this breed’s small size means it loses heat very quickly when it’s cold outside. Then consider that they are dogs of Mexican origin, therefore genetically adapted to the hot climate (although, however, not free from core blows) and not for the cold climate. So for those who have a Chihuahua it is essential to protect him from the cold both outside and at home, sometimes.
Miniature pinscher
Exactly as above. The Pinscher he is small, has short hair and therefore it is inevitable that he suffers from the cold. It quickly disperses body heat, so it also needs adequate protection from the cold both outside and at home. (READ also: Miniature Pinscher: 10 things to know before adopting one)
Chinese naked dog
Well, there’s little to say here: the Chinese Crested Dog he has practically no hair. Those residual tufts on the head, legs and tail are completely insufficient to protect him from the cold. And like the Chihuahua, not being large, they quickly disperse heat. In this case not only do they need a coat for outside (we recommend: warm inside and waterproof outside), but sometimes you also need one at home.
French bulldog
Let’s say that from a climatic point of view i French bulldogs they’re not exactly a canine example of adaptability and versatility. We know that they don’t tolerate heat well since, due to their flattened muzzle, they are often victims of heat stroke. But in reality they don’t even tolerate the cold well as they have short hair which does not provide them with adequate protection. So even with him, avoid keeping him out of the house for too many hours in the winter, especially if he doesn’t have a coat.
Pug
The same things we said for the French Bulldog also apply to the very nice one Pug. Adorable, but at risk of both heat stroke due to his typical flattened muzzle of a brachycephalic dog, and at risk of frostbite as he has a short coat that does not provide adequate protection from the cold.
Yorkshire Terriers
Technically speaking, yes Yorkshire Terriers he has a good long coat, so in theory he should be well protected from the cold. But no: it’s small, it disperses heat and the undercoat is nowhere near thick enough to allow it to stay in the cold for too long. In fact it is another of those dog breeds in which the risks of hypothermia they are tall. Even just when he falls asleep on the cold floor in winter.
Small Italian Greyhound
This miniature greyhound absolutely does not tolerate the cold. The Small Italian greyhound he has short hair, doesn’t have a wisp of skin fat on him and is small: he therefore disperses heat and is unable to protect himself in any way. Therefore he needs adequate protection both inside the house (in winter he tends to stay close to his humans even more than usual, just to stay warm) and outside the house.
Whippets
It may be a little bigger than the previous one, but the Whippets he doesn’t have an extra bit of subcutaneous fat and he has short hair: he has practically nothing that can insulate him from the cold. Therefore, be careful to protect them in winter with a coat and, if the cold is excessive, also with shoes for their paws to avoid injuries to the fingertips caused by the cold, snow and ice.
Greyhound
We go up in size, but the basic problems of greyhounds always remain the same. Even the biggest one Greyhound he has no body fat and has short hair: therefore nothing protects him from the cold. Which explains why you often see them walking around in winter with coats.
Basenji
Finally we end with the Basenji. Very athletic and agile dog, he does not tolerate the cold for two reasons. The first is that he has a short coat that is completely inadequate to protect him from the cold. The second is that it is native to Africa, so it is genetically structured to better tolerate the heat, not the cold.
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