How to Keep a Short-Coated Dog Warm This Autumn

Oct 9

3 min read

If your dog has started curling into a tight ball at night or stealing your spot on the sofa, autumn has arrived in their world too. Short-coated dogs feel the drop in temperature long before we do. The good news: a few small changes at home make a big difference.

Here's why short-coated breeds get cold so quickly, how to tell when your dog is chilly, and simple ways to keep them warm all season.

Why short-coated dogs feel the cold first

Breeds like vizslas, whippets, greyhounds, Weimaraners, pointers and French Bulldogs have a single, short coat with little or no undercoat. That undercoat is what keeps many other breeds insulated.

Many of these dogs are also lean and athletic, with little body fat to hold in warmth. And because they rest close to the floor, they feel every draught and cold tile in the house.

Signs your dog is feeling cold

Curling up into a tight ball with the nose tucked under the tail
Shivering or trembling, especially after a walk
Burrowing under blankets, cushions or your duvet
Leaning against you or seeking out warm spots like radiators and sunny patches
Reluctance to go outside on wet, windy days

Some dogs will also suddenly abandon their bed for the sofa or your bed. If your dog usually sleeps on the floor, our post on why dogs sleep on the floor instead of their bed explains what is going on.

6 ways to keep a short-coated dog warm this autumn

1. Give them a bed they can burrow into

Short-coated dogs love to tuck themselves in. A cave bed has a soft cover that rests over your dog like a blanket, so their own body heat stays around them. It also gives them a calm, sheltered spot to rest on long autumn nights. Not sure which style suits your dog? Read cave bed vs regular dog bed.

2. Move the bed away from draughts

Doors, large windows and cold tiled floors steal warmth. Place the bed against an inside wall, on a rug if possible, and away from the front door.

3. Choose the right size

A bed that is too big lets warmth escape, while a bed that is too small means your dog can't stretch out. Your dog should be able to curl up comfortably and still lie on their side when they want to. Our size guide helps you choose by breed:

S · 70 cm – Jack Russell, Chihuahua, Mini Pinscher
M · 85 cm – French Bulldog, Mini Bull Terrier
L · 100 cm – Basenji, Whippet
XL · 115 cm – Vizsla, Weimaraner, Pointer

4. Add a blanket they can rearrange

Many short-coated dogs like to nest. A soft blanket inside or next to the bed lets them build their own warm spot.

5. Dry them properly after walks

A wet coat cools a dog down fast. Towel your dog dry after rainy walks, paying attention to the belly and legs, before they settle in for a nap.

6. Consider a coat for cold, wet walks

Thin-coated breeds often benefit from a light, waterproof coat on cold or windy days, especially early in the morning and in the evening.

The best bed for vizslas and other short-coated breeds

Vizslas are the classic example of a dog that loves warmth: they burrow under blankets, curl up as small as possible and always find the warmest spot in the house. We wrote a whole guide about it: Best dog bed for vizslas: what actually works for this sensitive breed.

Every Twovizslas cave bed is handmade by our small team in Lithuania, with a soft cover in bouclé or our classic fabric.

FAQ

Do short-coated dogs need a warmer bed in autumn and winter?

Usually, yes. Without an undercoat, they lose heat quickly, especially when resting close to the floor. A covered or cave-style bed helps them stay warm without extra heating.

What size bed does a vizsla need?

Most adult vizslas are comfortable in an XL (115 cm) cave bed, which gives them room to curl up or stretch out. Check our size guide if your dog is smaller or larger than average.

Why does my dog sleep under the blankets?

Burrowing is natural behaviour for many dogs, and short-coated breeds do it even more when they feel cold. A cave bed gives them that same feeling in a space of their own.

Is a cave bed too warm for my dog?

Your dog can choose to lie under the cover or on top of it, so they can regulate their own temperature. Many dogs use their cave bed all year round.

Find a warm place for your dog this autumn → Shop cave beds