Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, coat types, and lifestyles, which means one size does not fit all when it comes to dog apparel.

In New Zealand’s varied climate, knowing your breed’s needs helps you pick coats, harnesses, rainwear and accessories that are both comfortable and functional. Below are some common breeds in NZ, what to look out for when dressing them, and suggestions from Paris Doggie Ware that suit them well.

Bulldogs, French Bulldogs & Other Broad‑Chested Breeds

What to watch for:

• Wide chest, short back.
• Sensitive to overheating, especially in humid or warm weather.
• Need apparel that doesn’t rub under the chest or restrict breathing.

Best features:

• Adjustable straps around chest and neck.
• Lightweight, breathable materials.
• Stretch or quick‑release fasteners.

Good picks:

• American River Choke‑Free Dog Harness — avoids neck pressure.
• Alpine All Weather Dog Coat — waterproof with reflective straps, adjustable to give some slack in chest.
• Chest Extension Straps for Alpine Coats — especially useful for these breeds to add width over the chest area.
• Alpine Tuff Terrain Dog Coat - perfect for larger breeds.
  
• Highland Fleece Dog Coat - great for those chilly days and nights, with sizes to fit all.

Whippets, Greyhounds & Sighthounds (Long, Slender Builds)

What to watch for:

• Deep chest, but very narrow silhouette.
• Long backs, sloping toplines.
• Minimal body fat; get cold easily.

Best features:

• Long back length but narrow chest cut.
• Light but wind‑proof or insulated fabrics.
• Snug neck or collar attachments; avoid baggy cut that flaps.

Good picks:

• Alpine Extreme Weather Dog Puffer Coat — long back lengths, insulated, waterproof. Great for when the cold hits.
• Packable Dog Raincoat — lighter, great for wind or rain without overheating.
• Alpine All Weather Dog Coat in longer sizes; again, the fit with narrow chest combined with back coverage.
• Alpine Tuff Terrain Dog Coat - perfect for larger breeds.
  
• Highland Fleece Dog Coat - great for those chilly days and nights, with sizes to fit all.
  

Small Toy Breeds (Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, etc.)

What to watch for:

• Very low body weight; need insulation even when it’s only mildly cold.
• Sometimes a short or fragile neck.
• Short backs.

Best features:

• Small sizes (XS, S) with gentle closures (Velcro, touch fasteners).
• Lightweight fleece or sherpa lining.
• Don’t overwhelm them with bulky styles.

Good picks:

• Sherpa‑Lined Dog Harness Coat – Brown & White Plaid — nice and warm without being heavy; smaller sizes down to XS.
• Brown and Black Faux Leather Bomber Dog Coat Harness and Leash — small sizes; the lining helps in cooler weather and the design is stylish without being overly bulky.
• Non‑Skid Dog Socks in small sizes — helpful for walking on slippery surfaces and protecting paws.

Working & Outdoor Breeds (Border Collies, Huntaways, Kelpies, etc.)

What to watch for:

• High activity, exposure to wet, wind, brush.
• Need rugged, durable fabrics, reliable closures.
• Sometimes need harnesses that won’t snag on underbrush.

Best features:

• Waterproof or weather‑proof coats; puffer or heavy‑fill insulation if cold.
• Reinforced stitching; durable harnesses with multiple leash attachment points.
• Functional designs over purely decorative ones.

Good picks:

• Alpine Extreme Weather Dog Puffer Coat — rugged and warm.
• Venture Paw Pull Control Dog Harness — heavy‑duty, adjustable at both neck & chest, with dual leash‑attachment options.
• Brown & White Plaid Sherpa Coat Harness — warmth + harness integration helps avoid having both a coat and a separate harness.

Short‑Legged, Compact Breeds (Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, etc.)

What to watch for:

• Long body but very low clearance; coat/back coverage is more important than leg coverage.
• Stress on back joints; avoid pulling or pressure on the spine.
• Neck/chest sizing matters because many garments pull from the front.

Best features:

• Slip‑over coats or coats that fasten at the neck and belly, not ones that pull along the belly or legs.
• Soft lining for comfort.
• Lightweight waterproof protection.

Good picks:

• Alpine All Weather Dog Coat — works if the back length is sufficient; watch the back length measurement.
• Packable Dog Raincoat — covers back, light, easy to stow.
• Sherpa‑Lined Harness Coat — gentle harness integration and warmth without restricting legs.

Quick Tips to Get the Right Fit (for Any Breed)

• Always measure back length, chest girth, and neck circumference.
• Consider the breed’s coat type. Dogs with thick undercoats might need looser fit; short‑haired dogs may need something warmer.
• Check the closures: Velcro or touch fastener chest/neck is easier for many breeds; adjustable buckles and straps for varying body shapes.
• If your breed is broad‑chested, see if there are chest extension options. (We have Chest Extension Straps for Alpine coats.)
• Prioritise safety features: reflective strips, leash holes or D‑rings placed well so the leash doesn’t tug awkwardly.

NZ’s climate ranges from wet, windy, and cold to mild and rainy, so choosing gear that matches your dog’s breed, temperament, body shape, and how much time you spend outside will make a big difference. When your dog is comfy, you’ll both enjoy walks more, and the gear lasts longer.

If you’re unsure what to get, feel free to reach out via email with your dog’s measurements (back, chest, neck) and breed, we can recommend specific products from the store that will suit. Happy walks! 🐾