Hello, I'm new to this forum & I've really enjoyed reading all the interesting information on it! Wondered whether anyone had an opinion on the doggy coats that are in fashion nowadays. I have a 3 year old shorthaired gundog & he often stands shivering on very cold days. Also his tummy gets really muddy (somehow the local park mud seems to really stick!) The doggy coats I've seen just cover the back & not the tummy. Does anyone know of coats that perhaps zip up at the back & fits snugly around the tummy? This would save a lot of "hosedowns" Cheers Marie. 

I have had shorthaired gundogs and none of them have ever worn coats!

If they are muddy, I just wait for it to dry and then brush off.

If you have a coat you will end up having to wash that! 

My short-haired breed seems to do best if I wait for mud to dry and then brush it off. Unless a dog is old, ill or cannot get out of a draught (such as at some shows) then a coat shouldn't really be necessary, and will prevent him growing his thicker natural coat for winter. (Besides, if the coat is loose around his tummy it may well get peed on! )

Marie

I've just purchased a super dog coat from www.gillrugs.com lovely quality and super company to deal with, plus you have the option to have a tummy protector stitched into the coat of your choice, which I have found absolutely superb todate, couldn't recommend them enough.
HTH.

The shivering may just be excitement at being outside. There are various coats on the market, including a neoprene one which can come in camoflage pattern! lol