Re: How cold is too cold for smooth coat JRT

In Reply to: How cold is too cold for smooth coat JRT
Posted by:  Patricia Price
Posted on:  December 28, 2001 at 19:02:57

: We live in Virginia and the temperature in the winter's mostly in the low 30's, but sometimes windchill can be in 20's to 10's. Already our adopted 7 year old does not like to go out when it's in the mid 30's. Our other one who is 2 doesn't seem to mind going out, but comes in if offered. The 7 year old is totally smooth coat/short hair. The 2 year old is mixed smooth/rough coat- some shor hair and some long hair. Do they need coats- like the fleece ones- or do sweaters work just as well? I thought JRT's were outside dogs and loved the outdoors- ours seem to want to stay in all the time now that the weather is getting colder. What are your thoughts???
: Thanks so much..

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Dear Patricia AND Steve (who posted a similar question on 12/27)--

Like us humans, our terriers prefer to be warm when it's cold outside. Some terriers are willing, and able, to tolerate the cold longer then others -- regardless of their coat type. If your terriers are simply going outside to go potty, then they don't really need sweaters or coats. If they're going outside for exercise, then they will generate their own heat.

Though the breed may be hardy, our terriers have no need to adapt to the outdoors after having spent most of their lives in the comfort of our homes. Best to just keep an eye on the ones who don't seem to feel the cold so they don't over-do it...