Big Eddy Float Coat for Dogs
4.6
5
38
38
She swims!
My two year old golden retriever rescue, Petra, was terrified of the water when we first tried to teach her to swim. She would paddle frantically with her front legs while her hind legs sunk. She whined when I went in the pool but would not come in. My good friend and vet Tammy suggested we get a life jacket. Omg! although Petra was apprehensive at first the Big Eddy gave her the floating confidence to start to paddle on four legs and soon she was off to fetch the ball and other toys in the pool. Life is good again! Now about the Big Eddy: it is well made and sturdy, that's Ruffwear for you. It runs on the smaller size though. Petra is 68 lbs. with a girth of 31" and I had to return the medium and get a large. The large fits her perfectly as you can see in the pictures. Altrec, thank you for selling great products, shipping was fairly fast and returns are so easy.
November 24, 2011
Big Eddy Float Coat for Dogs
This is the best product of it's kind anywhere for a dogs life jacket. The material it is made of is tough, and the stitching is done to last. The way it comes around the neck helps to keep the head up out of the water. My dog did not mind having it on at all. I purchased a small, and it was to small for my 42 pound standard poodle, so I returned it to the company. (My dog is 22 inches long, 27 inches around the chest, and 14 inces around the neck.) The straps would be long enough around the chest, but the jacket was about four inches from coming together under my dogs chest. The company was very nice, and helpfull with the return. I did recieve a refund of the total price. I will buy another one when they have a medium in the red.
November 7, 2011
Looks great, works great, enjoys wearing.
My partner in crime, Slate, a water loving Labrador Retriever, would literally spend his entire life in the water if he could. But the big guy is getting a day older and increasingly after a day out at Lake Michigan, he would be so cramped and tired, that he could barely make it up the steps back to the cottage. Now with the Big Eddy Float Coat, he is able to swim in Lake Michigan all day long and still have the energy to get back up the steps, sleep, and repeat the cycle the next day. I think this product takes a lot of the "umph" it requires out of a dog to keep moving in the water out of it. Now he can just sit in the water and float instead of constantly paddling. My favorite feature is the rugged handle on the top. We took him along on a trip to Florida and rented a boat for the day. A school of dolphins approached our pontoon boat several times and finally the old dog had to go investigate. Sufficed to say it was much easier getting him back in the boat. You could just grab the handle and lift. Normally with his 100 lb frame something like that would have been a nightmare. Love the product. By it. It will change your life.
October 19, 2011
Fit
After purchasing three other floatation vests for my 100 lb Lab, this one finally fits. He is able to move around easily and he doesn't seem to mind having it on. However, one of the main concerns of mine is the fact that the handle is not in a good position if you have to actually lift your dog out of the water. The way this vest fits around the neck, and the placement of the handle, your dog's throat could be harmed while lifting the animal. We are having another handle added further back on the vest so we won't have to worry about harming our pet.
August 16, 2011
Big Eddy Rocks!
I purchased the Big Eddy to be sure my 85lb Golden Retriever stays afloat when swimming around for hours on end or following me on my SUP. We tried for the first time last weekend at Lake Chelan and it worked great. He swam for nearly four hours (w/ small breaks). Once the Big Eddy was on he didn't even notice or miss a beat! I would definitely recommend - for peace of mind for your water hound if nothing else...
August 1, 2011
Solid
I ordered a large for my 66 lb mutt and it fit but since he was right in between sizes I am returning it to get a medium. I think it was just a little too big and was going to hinder his movements. When I measured his girth he was right around 30 which was either a medium or a large so I opted large cause he is a big dog. I guess he is skinny for his size cause I cinched all the straps all the way and there was no more room for adjustment. I'll let you know how the medium goes when I get it.
May 18, 2011
Swimming Anyone?
Just got the Big Eddy Float Coat and it is FANTABULOUS!!! As soon as I put it on my dog, he started going crazy wanting to go play in the water! Best purchase ever! Looking forward to a full summer of fun in the sun with my best bud! Thank you!
May 17, 2011
Dog pfd
Very worth the money. We bought our dog a small even though the sizing had her at the upper end of the girth measurement of the extra small. She is a 30 lbs boarder collie healer mix. Her girth was 21" (long any skinny).
When I fist put it on her, she did not realize she could move. I think she thought someone was holding onto her! However, she quickly forgot she was wearing it.
She is just less than a year and her curiosity has had her fall off our Hyside mini-me raft twice now. both in relatively calm waters. the handle worked great for quickly getting her back in the boat.
I would buy this product again.
May 16, 2011
Great Product!
My 100 pound lab was outside with me when the delivery truck showed up with her new vest. I made a big deal out of opening up the box with her so she was already excited by the time we got the vest opened up. I immediately put the vest on her and went into the creek behind the house to play with a couple of her toys in the water. She doesn't seem to notice that anything is different; she was running around and swimming with full range of movement. We haven't had a chance yet to test the vest too much in deep waters but from what I have seen so far it looks like it will work great on my "slightly plump" black lab. We love this product!
May 13, 2011
Ruffwear Big Eddy
I have used Ruffwear products for approximately 4 years. I encountered Altrec while searching for a vendor from which to obtain another Big Eddy PFD for a new dog. The Ruffwear product is the best made item available in any category, PFD, harness, vest, booties, etc. Their quality essentially unmatched and the product engineering excellent. The "economy" PFDs out there do not fit or work well and serve to increase the animal's discomfort and anxiety, not so with the Big Eddy. Very well engineered to fit and function while allowing comfort and freedom of movement with natural mechanics. If you are looking for a quality built item which will work and last, look no more.
May 9, 2011
GREAT Life Jacket !
This is by far the best canine life jacket I have seen. It is strong, but light and very durable. It seems comfortable to wear - my Britanny Spaniel doesn't complain; in fact, he comes running when the jacket comes out of the closet. There is a solid loop to connect a leash when needed. The jacket also has a very sturdy "handle" that is great for retrieving the dog from outside a boat. BUY this jacket!!!
February 8, 2011
Love the
This coat is fabulous!. We have a 12 year old lab and while she is a good swimmer this coat lets her swim so much longer. We also have a 19 lb. labradoodle and she LOVES it. She can keep up with the big lab and they fetch in the water all day long. Great construction. Worth the money. Thank you.
August 31, 2010
Good quality
We haven't had a chance to use the product yet, but are impressed by the build quality and overall appearance of the float coat. We will be exchanging for the XS however, so we'd encourage any buyers to purchase the jacket that is smaller if you are in between sizes.
July 31, 2010
Big Eddy float coat
My 75 lb Chocolate lab loves to swim, now she can swim all day without getting in the boat, Great product..
July 5, 2010
Dog Life Jacket!!
This was a great purchase for me! I have a boxer that is spoiled rotten and very picky. This jacket fits her perfect (Thanks to the sizing chart) and works even better. It was a little pricey but very well built. I am overall very pleased and would recommend to any and all dog owners. Very Fast shipping as well!! A++++++
June 28, 2010
Excellent product and service
I have a very active 75lb yellow lab. Though he's a great swimmer, I wanted something extra for him as he follows me on land and water while I kayak. The float coat has a tough outer shell to protect it from tears on trees, etc. Ray can swim great worry-free distances now.
June 15, 2010
Great looking and comfortable vest EVER!
our dogs love this vest, look cool, comfortable and everyone loves it. This is the very best vest I have ever seem.
June 15, 2010
A life saver
I bought this PFD for my 20 lb. dog (who is NOT a swimmer), and at first I thought it wasn't going to work. The vest fits up under his front legs but not over his rib cage, so when you lift him up by the handle on the back, the vest slides forward like it's going to slide off over his head. However, this weekend on a river trip, he fell out in some rapids and was in the water for about 5 minutes. The vest kept him above water and when I was able to get to him, I could easily grab the handle on the back and pull him into the duckie.
June 7, 2010
Great life vest!
We ordered the float coat for our cock-a-poo and are very pleased. We have tried several other life vests and this one is by far the best. It is well-made, easy to put on, and the dog appears comfortable. It may be a bit more expensive than others, but its worth every penny.
June 1, 2010
fits great
We also were hesitant about sizing and on line purchase, however this float coat fits perfect and our dog appears to be comfortable in it. The color is also nice and bright. We will be trying it out this summer!
May 24, 2010
I would definetly recommend this dog pfd.
I gave it four stars based on quality and fit. I would probably have given it five stars but my dog hasn't used it in the water yet.
May 18, 2010
Well made dog pfd.
When I received the Big Eddy and put it on my dog,it felt tight around the neck, but the more my dog moved around and wore it for a while, it started to loosen up. I read on the ruffwear website that it's supposed to feel snug, so your dog can't fall out of it when he's in the water. It's very well made, like a human pfd is made of, strong nylon. Alot stronger than the ruffwear portage pfd material. Great quality.
May 18, 2010
item received seems to be defective
I was disappointed in the float coat I received, because the flap that goes around the neck only has velcro on one side, and has nothing to attach to on the other flap. The strap and buckle alone will not keep the neck portion securely and comfortably attached. I will e-mail customer service to see if it can be returned.
May 13, 2010
High Quality, Good fit
Bought life jackets for my yellow lab (Med) and my broad-chested, but short beagle/bulldog mix (Small) and was hopeful that the athletic cut/design would accommodate both dogs. It did - perfectly on the Lab, but was a little tight around the neck on the beagle. But they both wore them all day without complaints on our recent canoe trip. Definitely increases their buoyancy. Reflective details are a nice touch. I would buy it again.
May 8, 2010
Fits perfectly
I was hesitant about buying dog products on the internet as they generally don't fit correctly. To my extreme pleasure, this product not only fit as described, it looks as described also. Now if it functions as described, I will be a happy customer.
April 2, 2010
Awesome
Great fit, I have an english bulldog and she loves it..
March 22, 2010
best life jacket yet
Great life jackets for your field lab or gordon setter who love to be in the water all day. Is comfortable and well-made, love the handle on the back and the slim lines. Will use for mountain lakes canoeing (cold water), and sea kayaking (waves and warm water).
February 18, 2010
GREAT LIFE JACKET
This is the best-made, most supportive canine pfd I have seen. I have had others in the past, but they were not nearly as substantial. Great fit - after a few minutes, our dog didn't even notice it.
February 10, 2010
Too narrow in the neck
I have a 41 lb setter mix mongrel with maximum chest circumference of 27 inches. The product is too tight in the dog's neck region. Other reviewers have made similar complaints regarding the sizing of this product for their pets. Other than the sizing the product is well made.
January 27, 2010
Great quality
Bought the Big Eddy Float coat for my dog who loves to swim so she can go kayaking with us. She can swim for 10 minutes without a pfd, but was worried she would tire on longer jaunts. Quality is great and the fit (large) is perfect.
January 26, 2010
Performs well and looks good while doing it!
I've tried other dog life jackets and never was able to find one that fits as well as the Big Eddy Float Coat. Not only does it fit well, it looks very sporty and stylish when on my Doberman.
November 4, 2009
Big Eddy is great for most pups
The Big Eddy is an excellent PFD, very very well made. My only complaint would be that the neck circumference opening should be bigger. My newfoundland girth fits perfect, but the neck was not as compatible. I exchanged the Big Eddy for the Portage model, which fits great. same great craftsmanship - a little more neck room.
August 13, 2009
Neck is tight
My dog is a 45lb border lab mix. He takes a small in all Ruffwear gear ordered a small trunk still has 3-4 more inches play in adjustment but neck is tight. His neck is 16 and back length 19in. There is a patch together so they overlap then an additional cinch strap over that the extra material makes it very snug. Overall quality was outstanding.
August 12, 2009
Really nice flotation coat
I have a doberman, 65-70lb, and bought a large. It fits good, a tad big in his tiny waist (but everything is), but great in chest and shoulders. This is a really nice coat that you can pick the dog up with the handle. It seems comfortable for him, and certainly helps him swim.
June 12, 2009
great
Even if it looks very very nice, the most important thing is the quality it has: super! very well made. the small size for our border collie was ok but he is not one the biggest border collies.
June 5, 2009
Too Bulky, Neck Too Small
Not a good fit (L) for my 95 pound Chesapeake- the girth fit as indicated on size chart, but the neck was way too small-couldn't even get the velcro fastened- a real choker! Very disappointed, as I have the Web Master Harness by Ruff Wear (size L) and it fits great, (neck is cut alot lower). Also, this Big Eddy is really bulky/uncomfortable. My dog did not want it on. Maybe the Big Eddy works better for slender or small dogs (?)
May 30, 2009
Great investment, high quality!
Very well made. Ordered the large for our 90 lb. boxer and it fits great. Already ordered another for our other dog. Great, fast service from altrec.com!
May 11, 2009
Good flotation in the right places
This vest puts the flotation in all the right places so that the dog's head is out of the water. There was some confusion about what size to buy because there wasn't a size chart for the Big Eddy, but once correctly sized, the vest offers freedom of movement, a handy grab loop, and great flotation. Recommended for any dog swimming in rivers or the ocean.
May 6, 2009
