Why you should think in layers and not in "one jacket for everything"
Technical clothing for people stopped being thought of as a single garment for the whole winter a long time ago, and the same goes for dogs. Each dog loses heat differently depending on its coat, size, and activity level, so the best solution is not a single jacket, but a layering system that you can combine depending on the day.
What is a shell layer?
A shell layer protects from water and wind, but does not provide thermal insulation by itself. It's the layer you use when it's raining but not particularly cold, or as an outer layer over a mid-layer on cold and wet days at the same time. This category includes our raincoats: the Fjord Raincoat 2.0 (back coverage, lightweight), the Fjord Overall Raincoat (full body, for mud and brush), and the Fjord Raincoat WD (reinforced line for working dogs).
What is a mid-layer?
A mid-layer provides dry warmth, but is not waterproof. It is worn alone on cold, dry days, or combined under a shell layer when it's also raining. It's the piece that many owners don't know they need until they experience the difference on a dry but cold winter morning.
What is an insulated layer?
An insulated layer combines thermal warmth and waterproofing in a single garment, designed for real cold accompanied by rain or snow. This category includes the Glacier Jacket 3.0 and the Glacier Wool Jacket 3.0, as well as the Fjord Lined Raincoat, which acts as a hybrid between a raincoat and a warm jacket.
How to tell if your dog has an undercoat
Separate your dog's fur with your fingers on the back area. If beneath the visible fur there is a shorter, denser, and softer layer, your dog has an undercoat (double coat). If you don't find this second layer and only feel skin beneath the fur, your dog does not have an undercoat. This applies to dogs of any breed and size: there are short-haired breeds with and without undercoats, so it's advisable to check directly on your dog instead of just going by the breed.
As a general guide: dogs without an undercoat lose heat more quickly and usually need to switch to an insulated layer sooner as the temperature drops. Dogs with a thick undercoat often tolerate a mid-layer alone, or even no garment at all, for longer before needing an insulated layer.
Summary Table
| Layer | Waterproof | Warmth | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell | Yes | No | Rain without intense cold |
| Mid-layer | No | Yes | Dry cold, or under a shell if it's also raining |
| Insulated | Yes | Yes | Intense cold with rain or snow |
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