Willa the Dalmatian has a short coat with no thick undercoat, so once autumn brings wind and the evenings cool down, she feels the chill fast. This early fall, Willa put on a PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker in Coal Black and pulled up the hood, which wraps and protects her head completely. Walking the neighborhood with her owner is her favorite thing in the world.
PETT2GO Field Report
- Dog Profile: Willa, Dalmatian (short coat)
- Location: A suburban neighborhood, USA
- Season: Early fall — noticeably cooler nights that left Willa less active
- PETT2GO Gear: PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker, Coal Black
- Test Setting: Willa’s first time wearing a jacket — with her owner encouraging her all the way, she adapted beautifully
💬 In a Full-Coverage Suit, How Do Dogs Go Potty?
The first question most people ask about a full-body suit: “How does my dog go to the bathroom in that?” Willa’s owner brought it up, too:
“This full coverage jacket features a four-legged design, ensuring your dog stays dry and cozy while still allowing them to use the bathroom with ease.”
— Willa’s owner
For households that take their dogs out several times a day, how easily a jacket goes on and off — and whether it gets in the way of potty breaks — matters more than looks. It’s also the question we hear most from owners of male dogs: the windbreaker uses a dedicated Male Cut, with a raised belly line and an optional opening along the black binding on the belly that you can cut open if needed, so male dogs can relieve themselves without splash-back or wetting the suit. The full-coverage design covers about 80% of the body — protecting what needs protecting, and leaving open what needs to stay open.
🐾 Why Does a Short-Coated Dalmatian Need a Windbreaker?
Double-coated dogs have an undercoat that holds in body heat. Short-coated breeds like Dalmatians have almost none of that buffer, so once the wind picks up or the coat gets damp, warmth drains away quickly. For short-coated dogs, a jacket doesn’t need to be thick — it needs to block the wind first.
That’s what the Lightweight Windbreaker does: light and thin, with no bulk to drag along. Once it’s on, Willa sniffs around and moves freely; the leash clips to her collar through the opening without taking the suit off, and the hood can go up or down. “Willa is so cute with the hood on,” her owner says.
💧 Her Owner Says Waterproof. Is It?
“It’s easy to put on, comfortable, and best of all, waterproof,” Willa’s owner says.
An honest note here: the Lightweight Windbreaker has a water-repellent (DWR) finish — it isn’t a raincoat. PETT2GO tested the fabric with AATCC 35 (a rain-penetration test that simulates steady rainfall): it absorbed just 0.2 g of water, one-fifth of the 1.0 g threshold the industry uses for waterproof ratings. That’s more than enough for drizzle and quick showers; if you expect steady rain for more than 20–30 minutes, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.
🖤 Coal Black, Matching Her Owner
On their walks, Willa’s owner dresses head to toe in black, with Willa in matching black alongside. “This super stylish look is perfect for both of us, and we can match,” her owner says with a smile.
Coal Black goes with everything, hides dirt, and is made from 100% recycled polyester — the most eco-conscious color in the Lightweight Windbreaker lineup.

Wind Layer for Short Coats | PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker
Light and wind-blocking, sheds drizzle, with a leash opening and adjustable hood. Coal Black is made from 100% recycled polyester — easy to match and easy to keep clean.
Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dalmatians need a jacket?
Dalmatians have a short coat with no undercoat, so in wind, rain or falling temperatures they need a wind layer more than double-coated dogs do. It doesn’t have to be heavy — just blocking the wind makes a difference.
Is the Lightweight Windbreaker waterproof?
It has a water-repellent (DWR) finish; in third-party AATCC 35 testing the fabric absorbed only 0.2 g of water, so it handles drizzle and brief showers. If you expect steady rain for more than 20–30 minutes, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.
Can male dogs pee comfortably in a full-coverage suit?
Yes. The windbreaker uses a dedicated Male Cut: the belly line is raised, and an optional opening runs along the black binding on the belly that you can cut open if needed — so male dogs can relieve themselves naturally without splash-back or wetting the suit.
My short-coated dog has sensitive skin. Is the fabric safe?
Yes. PETT2GO’s fabric is sourced from bluesign® system partner mills and factories certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and Intertek — meaning the chemicals and production process behind the fabric are independently audited, not just a brand claim. Third-party testing also confirms PFOS and PFOA were not detected. It’s naturally breathable too, so it’s less likely to overheat active dogs.
How is Coal Black different from the other colors?
Coal Black is made from 100% recycled polyester; all other features and design details are the same as the other colors.
Related Reading
- Is PETT2GO's Lightweight Windbreaker Really Water-Resistant and Safe? Reading the Third-Party Test Data
- DWR Windbreaker vs Spring Drizzle: Enough or Need Raincoat?
- Can I Use the Same Dog Jacket for Hiking and Rainy City Walks?
Looking good and fitting just right — so every walk is a person and a dog, side by side.
Video shared by Willa’s owner in the USA, used with permission.
Your adventure is our best design brief 🐾
Tag #PETT2GOAdventure to share your outdoor story —
your photo might inspire the next design.