Minus six degree weather in Canberra this weekend has many thinking whether being an outside dog is too tough and if there are clues our furry friends are not coping with the cold.
As Belinda Barnier stares into the eyes of her two-year-old cavoodle Loui there is only one answer.
"I wouldn't think of putting them out in sub-zero temperatures," she said.
"He's actually quite nice to cuddle on cold night, a bit like a teddy bear but he is alive. He sleeps on the end of the bed. I never thought I'd been one of those people but he is really tiny."
The Canberra forecast is for minus six degree lows on Saturday and Sunday with areas of frost in the mornings. Saturday is due to reach 12 degrees and Sunday will be slightly warmer with a top of 13.
After a cold snap this weekend cloud cover is set to return and ease temperatures. However, wet weather is predicted for Monday and may linger until mid week.
Little Loui weighs just 5.5 kilograms most of which was fluff, Ms Barnier said.
To get through Canberra's winter the pooch proudly wears his bright red fleece and has a wet weather coat to keep him dry.
The Barnier's previous dog Honey, a large Rotweiler, was let inside during the Canberra winter.
But after hearing miniature dogs needed extra food to compensate from the energy they burnt keeping warm Ms Barnier taken to putting a bit more in Loui's bowl.
Canberra vet Tanya Caltabiano said she only recommended increasing feed when weight loss was observable. When it came to where a dog slept there was no hard-and-fast advice except to make sure the animal was comfortable.
"It is up to the owner, some dogs can live outside their entire life in climates like this and be happy," she said.
"A young, fit, healthy dog with a thick coat is totally fine to be outside if they have a kennel set up and a comfortable bed out of the elements."
Ms Caltabiano urged owners to keep an eye on older dogs and particular breeds such as greyhounds that don't have as much fur.
RSPCA ACT vet Dr. Wye Li Chong said if you feel cold assume your animal does too.
"Ideally it's best to keep your pets inside during the coldest parts of the day and night," he said.
"Keep the heater on, invest in doggy jacket, keep animals indoors when you can. If they are outdoors, invest in a weather proof shelter and make sure any bedding is kept dry."