Most dogs do not need a coat. A husky, a German shepherd or any well-built double-coated breed carries their own insulation and can overheat inside one. The dogs who genuinely benefit are the thin-coated and the thin-skinned: greyhounds and whippets, short-coated breeds, elderly dogs who have lost condition and anything recovering from illness. For them a cold wet walk is real discomfort rather than a mild inconvenience.

This one is cut as a sports jacket with full sleeves down all four legs, which is the difference between keeping a dog's back dry and keeping the dog dry. It zips up rather than fastening with straps, the cuffs close snugly at the ankle so the sleeves stay where they should, and reflective trim runs across it for dark walks. Two weights are offered, a thicker winter version and a lighter autumn one.

• Zip-up jacket with full sleeves on all four legs
• Snug cuffs to stop the sleeves riding up
• Reflective trim for low light
• Two weights: a thickened winter version and a lighter autumn one
• Sizes S, M, L, XL and 3XL, plus numbered large-breed sizes
• Garment weights from 121g to 410g depending on size

Two things worth knowing. A full-sleeve suit takes practice. Dogs have to be taught to accept one, most need it off before they toilet, and a dog who has never worn clothes will not thank you the first time.

Who it's for: Thin-coated, elderly or recovering dogs who feel the cold, walked by owners who would rather dry one towel than four legs.