For the most part this is true. Dogs are genetically set up to build a nice winter coat as the temperatures drop. But one of the breeds in my dog's background is the Basenji, which comes from Africa, where it is very warm and dry. Because of this, my dog avoids water, and does not develop a "winter coat," as it is not in his genetic make up. His coat is very short and thin. There are places on him where he has almost no hair at all. Again, due to his genetic makeup. The current temperatures here are just below freezing, and this week, evening temps are predicted to get below zero. He just wears the sweater when he goes outside. Some Basenji owners keep a sweater on their dog all through the winter.
