You may be doing your dog a disservice if you think that people who buy their dog a coat are over-indulgent and silly.
But dogs are descended from wolves aren't they? It's needless pampering to imagine they need extra layers and cold weather coddling, isn't it? Today's breeds of dog mostly bear little resemblance to their lupine ancestors, largely because humans have bred out these hardy characteristic; their needs, therefore have changed substantially over the centuries.
So which dogs actually need a coat? Little dogs suffer most from the cold.
Breeds like Chihuahuas and small terriers simply don't have the body mass to beat the chill.
Lean, short-haired dogs like greyhounds and whippets can also get the shivers.
Dogs that spend a lot of time outside or which live out should also have extra protection against the elements - remember that even large breeds will lose heat through their less furry bellies.
Older dogs and dogs recuperating from illness are definitely more susceptible to cold - give some thought to buying a winter coat for these poor chaps to make their lives a little more comfortable.
What sort of dog coat to buy? The fabrics used today for dog coats are as technical as those used in human clothing - it's possible to buy dog coats that are breathable, waterproof and wind-proof, so for top of the range protection for your dog, look for dog coats with some of these properties.
Give some thought to routine maintenance, too.
If your dog is pretty active, their winter coat could quickly become muddy, so check that any dog coat you buy can be washed at home and won't need too much time to dry.
Getting a good fit Good quality brands sell dog coats in a variety of sizes; it's important to get as good a fit as possible.
You dog must have freedom of movement and be able to walk, run and relieve himself easily.
The best way to measure your dog for a coat is to make sure they're standing squarely and looking straight ahead.
Measure from the point where the head joins the neck to the point where the body joins the tail.
For deep-chested breeds like Staffies, measure around their chest at the deepest point and also check the measurement around the dog's neck.
With all these measurements, you should be able to check that any coat you buy will be long enough to cover your dog's back, deep enough to cover their sides and not too tight a fit around their neck.
Winter can be a great time for getting outdoors with your dog.
Make sure he's as warm and comfortable as you are and you'll both have a fun and happy walk.