December in Long Beach, California, is anything but cold — afternoons reach the upper 60s°F (around 20°C), but mornings often sit under a gray marine layer, and the rainy season starts around now. Lexi is a white Husky × German Shepherd mix who already carries her own double-coat insulation; all she needs is one more layer to block wind and light rain. Elena zips her into a PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker, so when Lexi sniffs her way through the neighborhood with her nose in the grass and gravel, her white coat picks up a lot less dust and damp — and a little drizzle is no reason to head home early.
PETT2GO Field Report
- Dog Profile: Lexi is a white Husky × German Shepherd mix, a girl with a double coat, who loves sniffing her way along every walk
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Season: Early December, a mild Southern California winter: around 64–68°F (18–20°C) during the day and about 50°F (10°C) in the morning and evening, with frequent marine-layer gray in the morning and the start of the rainy season. Double-coated Lexi doesn’t mind the cool air, but in gray, damp weather her white coat picks up dust and moisture easily
- PETT2GO Gear: PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker · Coal Black, size L at 36 lb (16.33 kg).
- Test Setting: A walk along the neighborhood sidewalks near home, with Lexi sniffing the grass, the gravel, and the plants by the neighbors’ front doors
💬 Does double-coated Lexi need a jacket in a mild California winter?
“Lexi just got herself a brand-new dog outdoor jacket, and oh boy, does she love it. It’s more than just a layer.”
— Elena, Lexi’s owner
Huskies and German Shepherds both have double coats: a soft undercoat that holds in warmth and an outer coat of guard hairs that sheds wind and water. In a mild Long Beach winter, Lexi doesn’t need a heavy insulated coat — that would only make her too warm. What she needs is one more outer layer to block wind and light rain.
The Lightweight Windbreaker is exactly that layer: light and breathable, it blocks wind and drizzle so her double coat can do its job. The full-coverage suit covers about 80% of the body — back, belly, and all four legs sit behind a water-repellent shell — so as Lexi noses through the grass along the sidewalk and steps over gravel and fallen leaves, her white coat is far less likely to pick up dust, dirt, and morning dew. Back home, the jacket comes off and her fur is still clean and fluffy.
🐕 Sniffing every corner — can Lexi still explore the neighborhood freely?
“Whether it’s a stroll around the block or an adventurous hike, Lexi’s outdoor jacket is the perfect blend of comfort and glam.”
— Elena
Lexi walks with her head low, sniffing everything, and often turns or speeds up without warning. The Lightweight Windbreaker uses PETT2GO’s Run-Free Cut, with the pattern built outward from the shoulder joint, so reaching forward, lowering her head, and spinning around never pull. The leash runs through the opening on the back to her collar or harness, so the walk goes on as usual with the jacket on.
✨ A black jacket on white fur — easier to spot on gray days
“It complements her fur like peanut butter complements jelly.”
— Elena
Coal Black makes Lexi’s white face and tail stand out, and the reflective trim across her shoulders and back adds visibility on gray mornings and at dusk, which makes sidewalks and crossings feel safer. Coal Black is made from 100% recycled polyester, and the fabric is especially light and soft — you can’t hear any rustling at all when she walks.
Made for Double-Coated Dogs Too | PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker
The perfect winter helper for long-coated dogs: light wind protection that’s water-repellent and breathable, about 80% full-body coverage to keep dust and damp off the coat, and reflective trim for gray-day walks.
Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will a double-coated dog overheat in a windbreaker?
No. The Lightweight Windbreaker is light and breathable, so it doesn’t feel stuffy on the move. For long-coated dogs, a windbreaker is the perfect winter helper: their coat is already a built-in insulating layer, so all they need on top is a layer that blocks wind and light rain.
Can my dog wear the Lightweight Windbreaker in the rain? Is it waterproof?
It has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and passed the AATCC 35 rain test, so drizzle and brief showers are no problem. If you expect steady rain for more than 20–30 minutes, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.
My dog wears a collar or harness. Can the windbreaker go over it?
Yes. It’s designed to go over your dog’s existing collar or harness. There’s a leash opening for collars, and the 3-way waterproof zipper on the back lets you line the opening up with your harness D-ring — no need to change your walking routine.
How do I choose a size for a dog with a thick coat?
PETT2GO sizing is based on weight and body measurements. Lexi, for example, would be an M by weight, but because she has a long coat, she went up one size to an L. Use the PETT2GO Size Assistant on the product page: enter your dog’s weight and coat length for a personalized recommendation. For double-coated or heavily coated dogs, be sure to select the right coat length so the jacket doesn’t flatten the fur.
Is the fabric safe for dogs with sensitive skin?
The fabric comes from a bluesign® system partner and an OEKO-TEX®-certified mill, and the finished windbreaker was tested by a third-party lab with PFOS/PFOA not detected. It’s also naturally breathable, so active dogs are less likely to overheat.
Related Reading
- Double-Coated Dog on a Mountain Ridgeline in Autumn — Does She Actually Need a Jacket?
- Can Dogs Overheat in Winter?
- Can I Use the Same Dog Jacket for Hiking and Rainy City Walks?
Mild or gray, a daily loop around the neighborhood is where Lexi and Elena spend their favorite time together.
Video and Lexi’s details shared by Elena in California and used with permission. Quotes are from the original video audio.
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