We live in Iowa where winters are brutal. We have tried other winter coats for our 13-year old Golden Retriever (who suffers from arthritis) and none really worked until we bought the Vert. The coat covers his entire back and the side are long, keeping wind out and him warm. The expanded coverage eliminates the need for legs which, in other coats, caused real problems with his arthritis. Ruffwear has redesigned the clips and they are much easier to work.