All About Dog Coats !

There are several features that make Wool unique.  Our ancestors knew about them too as wool was being used for clothing as early as the Stone Age!

~Wool is warm

~Wool is water resistant

~Wool is moisture wicking

~Wool is resilient and elastic

~Wool is dirt-resistant

Wool is a wonderful insulator. Cloth woven from wool is naturally insulating and contains up to 80% air. The crimp of the wool produces insulating air spaces which retain body heat. The air forms an insulating layer along the skin and prevents heat from escaping. These warm air pockets next to the skin are kept dry while the hollow wool fibers absorb moisture vapors and the hard outer surface moves liquid moisture away from the body.  This warms a cold dog.

Wool fibers are naturally water resistant---a fact well known by mountain climbers and sailors. The first rain coat (before the invention of rubber and plastic) was made of wool. Wool can absorb up to a third of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. Each wool fiber has a hard water repellent outer layer made up of scales that overlap each other like shingles on a roof. This hard outer layer surrounds each hollow fiber. The fiber's core absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture vapor without becoming damp or clammy while the hard outer layer protects from liquids. Your dog can wear a Good Shepherd Dog Coat in a light rain and still be warm and dry. The coat can be dried in the dryer.

Wool is moisture wicking. Garments made from wool are not only warm, but also wick moisture away from the skin and allow water vapor to pass through the wool fiber-without losing their thermal properties. The ability to wick moisture helps heat ventilation during physical activity and keeps the skin dry. This feature keeps a sweaty dog from being chilled after exercise.

The wool fiber is resilient and elastic. Each wool fiber can be bent 30,000 times without breakage or damage. Wool stretches and molds to the body of the lamb or dog. When it is washed and dried, it returns to its normal shape. It does not bind movement and flexes and stretches with the animal's movement. This feature makes it perfect for the active animal.

Wool is also dirt resistant. The crimp and the scales of the wool fiber prevent dirt from penetrating the surface of the wool fiber and its natural static resistance helps to resist dust and lint from the air. Good Shepherd Dog Coats may be worm many times before washing is needed.

All of these features, plus that fact that it is a natural, reusable fabric, makes wool the perfect choice for warming active dogs.

Why don't you use Velcro (hook and loop) fasteners on your coats?

We have tried velcro fasteners on our coats and they were not successful over time. Animals shed hair. The outdoor environment has grass, leaves and seeds. The barn environment has hay seeds and flakes, grain chaff, sawdust, wood chips, cob webs, animal hair---all of which become embedded in the hook part of the fastener preventing it from securely holding the belt around the dog. 

Even when the fastener is closed before washing, the fibers and debris in the washing machine bind to the hook part of the closure and diminish its function. Its ability to securely hold the belt around the coat decreases with every washing. Over time, the velcro fastener becomes filled with debris and hardly stays closed at all.

All of us have had the experience of having a sports glove or purse latch with a velcro fastener---and over time it no longer latches securely. Unless one is willing to clean out the hook closure with a brush on a regular basis, the velcro fasteners are not suitable for heavy duty use by active hairy animals in an outdoor or barn environment or in a garment that is made to be washed many, many times.

Why dogs need coats?

If you've ever saw a dog shiver in the cold, you know how important it is to keep dogs warm. What could be natural than wool for warmth?

Good Shepherd Dog Coats are designed to be used in a chilly house or for periodic jaunts outside. They can also be used as "sick coats" for ill or recuperating dogs that are unable to maintain their body temperature, or for those "athletic" dogs that need a wrap after intense exercise so they do not become chilled. Good Shepherd Dog Coats keep old arthritic dogs on cold floors warm.

 We understand that dogs, like people, do not come in standard shapes or sizes. Every dog is unique. A well fitted coat is essential for the comfort and appearance of your dog.

If you require a custom-made coat, please contact us. Our charges for custom garments are very reasonable.

We charge $10.00 for minor adjustments (< 2 inches)  in the size of the neck, the chest measurement, the drop (length from the backbone down the side of the coat,  or the length of the back. We will send you photos of the blankets on hand so you may choose your color and trim.

We also make coats for large dogs. When the length of the coat exceeds 15 inches or so, an additional belt is required in front of the hind legs to keep the back of the coat from falling off the rump of the dog. The charge for custom coats is roughly $40.00 plus $1.50 to $2.00 per inch over 15 inches in length depending on the type of fabric selected and if a new pattern has to be developed or use of an existing one is possible.

We can custom make a tab closure with a snap for dogs with very large heads and small necks. The coat is made with a "V" opening at the top of the chest piece, and a snap closure fastens it once it is over the dog's head.

Turn-around time for custom coats is usually 2-3 weeks or less depending on the number of orders outstanding and the time of year. The onset of cold weather is a busy time for us.

We usually have a variety of blankets---solid colors, patterns, stripes, Hudson Bay styles and plaids on hand. Call or email for what's available. There is variety in weave, texture and thickness.

All blankets have been washed and preshrunk (felted) and are guaranteed machine wash and dryable. We only use vintage blankets because they are superior in quality and the dyes are colorfast in the wash.

If you have questions or want an estimate on a custom coat, please contact us.