Carlos shivers at the first hint of frost. Diego marches through puddles with great enthusiasm and then sulks about being wet. Two dachshunds, two opinions, one shared problem: they were not built for cold, wet walks. Here is why a well-fitting coat is more than a fashion choice.
1. A long body, very close to the ground
A dachshund's belly sits only a few centimetres above the ground, so it brushes frozen grass, wet pavement and snow with every step. Add a long back with plenty of surface to keep warm, and you can see why a coat made for a square-shaped dog simply does not work. A coat for a dachshund has to reach over the back and hips and protect the belly, not just cover the shoulders. That is exactly what we design for: long backs and short legs.
2. A thin coat with little insulation
Smooth-haired dachshunds have one short layer of fur and very little undercoat, so there is not much between them and the weather. Wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds are better padded, but wet fur stops insulating quite quickly. The UK charity PDSA advises that dogs with fine or thin fur, and dogs that are very young, old, underweight or unwell, feel the cold faster and benefit from a warm coat (PDSA).
3. Wet and wind are worse than cold
A dry dachshund on a crisp, sunny day can be perfectly happy. A wet one in a gentle breeze is not. That is why our parkas are rainproof, extra long over the hips and lined with soft fleece, and why our softshell coats are light, rainproof and soft on the inside. Rain runs off and your dog stays dry underneath.
4. Age changes everything
Puppies and senior dogs regulate their temperature less well. Carlos and Diego are 15 now, and they notice the cold much sooner than they used to. For an older dog who still needs his walk, a coat is often what makes it possible at all. If your dachshund is not yet a fan of wearing clothes, our step-by-step guide to getting used to a coat will help.
5. Backs: a coat is not a cure, but comfort counts
Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Research suggests they are around 10 to 12 times more likely to develop it than other breeds (Canine Medicine and Genetics), and a 2018 survey by the breed council found IVDD reported in 21.1 % of dachshunds over three years old (The Kennel Club). A coat cannot prevent IVDD. Genetics, a healthy weight and not jumping off furniture matter far more. But a dog who is warm and dry is simply more comfortable on his walk. Any concerns about your dog's back belong with your vet.
6. Know when to put it on
As a rule of thumb, many small, short-haired dogs start to feel the cold somewhere around 7 to 10 °C, and sooner when it is wet or windy. Your dog is the best guide: shivering, a hunched back, slowing down or lifting paws all mean "please take me home". Take the coat off indoors and on mild days, because overheating is no fun either. In hard frost, a shorter walk is usually kinder than a long one in any coat.
7. And yes, they look great
A well-cut coat does not hide a dachshund, it shows off that long, elegant shape. We believe in coats that work hard and still look like something you would happily wear yourself: good fabrics, a proper fit and colours that make a grey November day a little more interesting.
Not sure which size? Have a look at our size guide, or tell us your dachshund's type and weight via chat or email and we'll help you choose. No tape measure needed.
Leave a comment