Cold Weather Walks

Hi guys,

Jax is now 7.5 months old and like every staffy I've met, he absolutely loves his daily walks. We live in Canada, so the weather lately has been very snowy and chilly (-10 Celsius). I was just wondering, how cold do you think is too cold to walk a staffy, since they are short-coated? We plan on getting Jax a winter coat (suggestions?) and perhaps some boots (still not confident he will keep those on his feet), although I just wanted to get some opinions as to how cold is really too cold? I took him out the other day in -8 Celsius (the path was very snowy and icy still) and we only made it about 10 minutes before he decided his feet were too cold and he wanted to run back home.
Also, I'm open to lots of suggestions for things can I do with him when the weather is really bad! The other day it was windy freezing rain so he missed going out and he sulks like no other if he doesn't get his walks, which makes me feel like a horrible mummy lol! Also, he's in the teenager phase so if he isn't exercised enough, he is a bit of a nightmare and I of course want to avoid this when the weather is poor 

You are quite right Staffies do have short coats and would probably feel the cold before another breed of dog, we have a coat for Rocky for when it is windy and cold like the one in the link below:

http://www.muddypaws.co.uk/dog-coats-clothing/dog-coats/stormguard-dog-coat

Boots are a good choice at that temp. Both mine love the cold but im getting them some for when I run them out. Snowpaws store is a good place to go.
Mine dont need coats but my ext wifes boy a mastiff cross staff needs a coat to keep the wind off him which resembles a hourse coat lol.

Booties and a coat are needed for your boy I think darcy has a 2in1 danish design on its fab

Living in a country with a temperate climate I wouldn't venture to guess how cold is too cold. I took Bacchus out in all weathers last winter and never felt the need for a coat or footwear for him but that's just my opinion, formed by observing his behaviour. He doesn't like when we get wind and rain together but has only once shown reluctance to go for his walk. He loves going out in the snow and doesn't seem to feel the cold when running around. But then it is nowhere near as cold here as in Canada ( any minus figure here is exceptional ).

You can get BOOTS for dogs?!!!!!!!  

jo garnett wrote:You can get BOOTS for dogs?!!!!!!!  

Yes Jo   and quite a selection too:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=dog+boots

We live in Canada ..

" Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, .. "
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mushers-Secret-Invisible-Shield-Boots/dp/B003UCKP0A/ref=sr_1_13/276-1539253-9200827?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1383481034&sr=1-13&keywords=dog+boots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

btw: as for dog coats .. this lot are from Finland .. ( so similar temps. to Canada )
http://www.hurttacollection.com/en/research/

they cost a bit ..

surly they'd be similar designs from Canada for the winter temps there ..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i'm putting some £ aside to get one of these for Lady
http://www.equafleece.co.uk/store/dog_coats.html
as they look suitable for u.k. temps.

Kathy wrote:

jo garnett wrote:You can get BOOTS for dogs?!!!!!!!  

Yes Jo   and quite a selection too:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=dog+boots

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!! 

kozmos wrote:

We live in Canada ..

" Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, .. "
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mushers-Secret-Invisible-Shield-Boots/dp/B003UCKP0A/ref=sr_1_13/276-1539253-9200827?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1383481034&sr=1-13&keywords=dog+boots

This stuff looks like a good alternative to boots especially if your dog doesn't like wearing boots.

This stuff looks like a good alternative to boots

given i've a couple of tins of this
i might try it for Lady .. when the snow hits yorkshire

http://www.burtsbees.co.uk/natural-products/body-hands-and-feet/hand-salve.html

as .. it's really good for human skin ..
and has some healing properties for minor cuts .. etc ..
(found that out by chance )
just got to research the ingredients to make sure they're safe
for dogs ..

With cold weather, it's more important to provide insulation to the trunk, rather than the paws. Dog paws have a special blood supply and heat exchange system to prevent them from becoming cold and transferring cold blood to the rest of the body. They also have a high fat content in the paws, as fat withstands cold temperatures very well.

Never knew such things existed could do with anti getting dirty dog solutions!!!

Thanks for all your suggestions guys! I appreciate it. We ended up getting Jax this coat in red: 
http://canadapooch.com/products/north-pole-parka/

He seems to like it and I must say he does look absolutely adorable in it. I haven't decided on boots yet... it's still only about -5 Celsius now, so I don't think he requires them yet. Maybe when the weather gets down to -20 to -30 Celsius... which I'm sure isn't too far away. Although I'll have to see if he is still as willing to venture outside then. The joys of living in Canada, haha.

I'm sure he looks great in the coat, would be great to see a picture:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t12017-how-to-post-a-photos-onto-the-forum

Here he is  

Aww gorgeous coat and gorgeous jax

ahh he looks gorgeous in his coat  ,- 20 to -30 thats way to cold  

Awww well cute  

Had to include this... have just been out with him and I caught him winking!! I think it's safe to say he loves his new coat too... he was rolling around in the snow like a mad man. 

Aww that's so cute I want a cost for darcy like jax has but don't think they supply the uk

 Awww Jax you little cutie pie! You look very handsome in your new coat!

Oh bless him! He looks lovely in his new coat Biscuit is RUBBISH in the cold, and shakes like a leaf crouching down to the floor It breaks my heart, so she has a selection of coats for the winter..

Wow Jax you look stunning in your new coat    It looks very warm