Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need winter coats? Since Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred for the hot African climate, they are not impervious to cold weather. In fact, they can get cold very easily, especially if they are not used to it. This is why many Rhodesian Ridgeback owners choose to put their dogs in winter coats during the colder months.
Below you’ll find a full selection of the best winter coats for Rhodesian Ridgebacks as well as more information about why Rhodesian Ridgebacks need winter coats.
Best Winter Coats for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Best Winter Coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Kurgo North Country Dog Coat, Dog Winter Jacket, Waterproof Dog Jacket, Dog Snow Jacket
The Kurgo North Country Dog Coat (Buy Online) is the best way to keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback warm during the winter months. This coat features a soft fleece lining that protects your dog from snow, rain, and wind. The jacket is also windproof & waterproof, so it can be used as a dog rain jacket. The coat is made of durable ripstop and 1200 denier material that is strong for inclement weather. It also features reflective piping for increased visibility when you walk your dog in the dark.
Hurtta Worker Vest, Hunting/Sportsman Dog Vest
The Hurtta Worker Vest (Buy Online) has been designed to protect your dog from branches that may scratch their belly or chest area during outdoor activities and when moving through thick undergrowth. This vest also comes with attachment loops around the neck for a GPS collar (sold separately). And this dog coat is made of weatherproof Houndtex material that does not absorb water so even when wet it won’t weigh down your dog while you’re out on a long hike or hunting game for hours on end in damp conditions.
WeatherBeeta ComfiTec Premier Free Parka Deluxe Dog Coat
WeatherBeeta’s ComfiTec Premier Free Parka Deluxe Dog Coat (Buy Online) provides all-weather protection for your best friend during cold weather. The 1200 denier triple weave outer shell keeps out cold winds and rain while allowing moisture to escape through breathable mesh panels on the sides. And the thick polyfill lining helps retain warmth without adding bulk, so your pup will stay comfortable even when wearing this coat for extended periods of time outside in frigid temperatures. Plus, this coat has adjustable Velcro closures at the belly and chest to ensure a snug fit every time you put it on your dog.
RUFFWEAR Quinzee Jacket
The Ruffwear Quinzee Jacket (Buy Online) is the perfect way to keep your Ridgeback warm during the cold winter months. This jacket features a polyester shell fabric that protects your dog from the wind and rain, as well as a thick layer of high loft polyester insulation to keep them warm when the mercury drops. And this vest-style coat is easy to put on and take off, and the integrated leash portal allows you to easily get access to their harness or collar without having to take their jacket. Plus, the reflective trim helps keep your pup safe during evening walks.
RUFFWEAR, Overcoat Fuse Jacket Harness Combo for Dogs
The Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse Jacket (Buy Online) for dogs is a lightweight, waterproof winter coat that provides warmth and protection from the elements. It features an integrated harness and two leash attachment points so it’s easy to take your dog out on walks even when it’s cold outside.
Overall, this jacket harness combo will keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback warm while he plays outdoors in the snow this winter without adding any weight or bulkiness to his frame. And with its low-profile design, this jacket won’t interfere with your pup’s natural gait or agility as he runs around out in the snow, sleet, or rain.
LUCOLOVE Dog Winter Coat with Smart Heat-Reflective Insulation
The LUCOLOVE Dog Winter Coat (Buy Online) is a great way to keep your furry friend warm during those long winter walks or playing sessions outdoors. With its triple-layer design, water-repellent outer shell, and heat-reflective inner layer, your dog will stay warm and dry no matter how long he stays out in the snow. Plus, this coat’s high collar will protect your dog’s neck from the wind and the full-body coverage will prevent them from catching a chill on their stomach, chest, and sides.
Carhartt Quick Duck Jac, Durable Water Resistant, Weather-proof Jacket for Dogs
The Carhartt Quick Duck Jacket (Buy Online) was designed specifically for active dogs who need protection from cold, wet weather, and windy conditions during outdoor activities like hunting or training. It’s made of durable water-repellent and wind-resistant Rain Defender material bonded with a warm microfleece lining for extra warmth when temps drop below freezing. And this jacket is built to last since it’s made with the same high-quality materials and attention to detail you’d expect from a jacket made by Carhartt.
Didog Waterproof Dog Winter Jackets,Cold Weather Dog Coats with Harness & Furry Collar
The Didog Waterproof Dog Winter Jacket (Buy Online) will keep your dog comfortable while protecting them from snow, rain, or wind all winter long. This waterproof coat features reflective trim so your dog will be clearly visible at night too. And it also has a built-in adjustable harness that makes walking easier for both of you and a zipper guard to prevent the zipper from getting caught on fur or skin when it’s zipped up.
SlowTon Winter Dog Coat, Warm Polar Fleece Lining
The SlowTon Winter Dog Coat (Buy Online) is perfect for keeping your Rhodesian Ridgeback warm and comfortable in cold weather. With a water-resistant and wind-resistant exterior, this coat will keep your dog dry and cozy even in the worst weather conditions. This coat also has a warm turtleneck collar that protects your dog’s neck, making it a great choice for keeping your furry friend warm in blustery freezing conditions.
IREENUO Dog Raincoat, 100% Waterproof Dog Warm Jacket for Fall Winter, Rainproof Coat with Adjustable Velcro & Reflective Stripes
The IREENUO Dog Raincoat (Buy Online) is a waterproof dog coat that will keep your pet dry on rainy days. This dog raincoat comes with an adjustable belt for a tight fit, and it has a built-in leash hole for quick control of your pooch when running around outside during inclement weather conditions.
It’s made from water-resistant Nylon fabric material which makes it durable enough to withstand everyday use while at the same time keeping your pup warm inside due to its fleece lining. And if you’re looking for an affordable raincoat that can protect your pet from getting wet during rainy days, then this one is worth checking out.
My Canine Kids Jacket for All Dogs, Fleece-Lined, Waterproof Doggie Vest, Reflective Pet Parka
The My Canine Kids Jacket for All Dogs (Buy Online) is a great solution to keeping your dog safe and comfortable in the cold weather. This jacket has a waterproof exterior that will keep your pet dry even when it’s pouring outside. It also has an insulated lining that will help keep them warm, no matter how low temperatures drop. The chest protector offers extra protection against snow and rain, and the reflective strips on this coat are designed to make sure you’re noticed by drivers so both you and your pet stay safe while out in bad weather conditions together.
ROZKITCH Dog Winter Coat Soft Fleece Pullover Pajamas, Pet Windproof Warm Cold Weather Jacket
ROZKITCH Dog Winter Coat Soft Fleece Pullover Pajamas (Buy Online) will keep your pet cozy and comfortable in any weather condition. It’s made from high-quality polar fleece material that is thick enough to insulate their body completely, but not too thick for them to move around freely or feel uncomfortable. The pullover design makes it easy for you to slip on over their heads without a fuss, and the full-body coverage will keep their entire bodies warm all day long.
Why Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Need Winter Coats
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are short-haired dogs that were bred to hunt large game in warm African climates. They can handle cold weather for a short time, but they need a winter coat to keep them warm because their short fur doesn’t provide much protection from the cold. Plus, a properly fitting coat will also help reduce any wind or water that reaches your dog’s skin, which can cause frostbite.
How to Measure a Rhodesian Ridgebacfor for a Winter Coats
Measure the length of your dog’s back, from their neck to the base of their tail. Then wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest. This will give you the two measurements that are commonly used to size most dog coats.
TIP: Use a fabric measuring tape that is at least 3-4 inches wide so you can get an accurate measurement without too much difficulty.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Neck Size
The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s neck size ranges from 16 to 20 inches. Males are typically larger than females, and their necks are also generally thicker.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Chest Size
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog with a muscular and powerful build. It’s not uncommon for them to have a chest size of 28 to 32 inches or more, but some may be smaller or larger depending on the individual dog’s age, weight, and gender.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Neck & Chest Measurement
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Neck Size: 16 to 20 inches
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Chest Size: 28 to 32 inches
Rhodesian Ridgeback Coat Type
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a short coat with a characteristic raised section on their back. This ridge is caused by the direction of the hair growth, which is crisscrossed in opposite directions on either side of the spine.
Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coats can come in a variety of colors including red, wheaten, brown, black, and blue. And they shed a little bit throughout the year but more heavily twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall.
What To Look for in a Winter Coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Size & Length
When looking for a winter coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you’ll want to measure the dog’s neck size, chest girth, and length. You’ll also want to make sure that the coat is big enough to fit over the dog’s shoulders and has an adjustable closure at the waist.
Material
A good winter coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a waterproof outer shell to keep them warm and dry in the snow and rain. It should also be lined with a thick layer of insulation to keep them warm on cold days. And, it’s always a plus if the coat has a hood or collar to protect their neck, head, and ears from the cold weather.
Machine Washable
A winter coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback should be machine washable. This is important because your dog’s coat will need to be cleaned at some point during the winter season, and if it is not machine washable it will need to be hand-washed to freshen it up and remove any stuck-on dirt or debris.
Easy to Get On and Off
A winter coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback should be easy to get on and off. The best choice is one with elastic with Velcro closures. You also want something insulated enough so he can’t feel cold air when it blows against him while he walks outside during the cold winter months.
Leash Port
A good winter coat for a Rhodesian Ridgeback will have a leash port. This is a hole at the top of the coat where you can put your hand through to grab onto your dog’s collar without having to take off the coat every time you need to attach or detach your dog’s leash.
Why Dogs Need Winter Coats
Fur Length & Thickness
Dogs need winter coats when their fur length and thickness are not sufficient to protect them from the cold weather. Dogs with short fur are more susceptible to the cold weather than dogs with long fur, and dogs with an undercoat are less susceptible to the cold weather than dogs with thinner fur.
Age
Age is another factor that determines how well a dog can tolerate the cold. Puppies and elderly dogs are both more susceptible to the effects of cold weather. So it’s important to keep your dog warm during the winter by dressing them in a coat when necessary and keeping them indoors in sub-zero temperatures.
