Does a Bichon really need a jacket?

Question
My bichon is a year old and we just moved from the south to a colder climate.  My neighbor said my bichon should wear a coat because it was cold.  We're only outside for a few minutes up to about a half-hour.  I think she has enough fur to keep her warm.  Does she need a coat?  

Answer
Hi Leela
well that deoends on how short the coat is and how the dogs lives generally. So, if the coat is short then yes and if the dog is kept all day inside a heated home then it would be normal for them to feel the cold if left outside so in that case yes,having said that my bichons have short coats and they hunt in the woods with me for several hours, they love to run after squirrels , that level of activity keeps them warm so if your dogs are running around then it would be silly to put a coat on because they will soon overheat and then have hot spots.

This I am afraid is the choice of the owner, but if they were my dogs they would not be wearing  a coat as they are very active.