Best dog coats for cold weather, winter is coming

Even though our dogs wear fur coats throughout the year, it just isn’t enough to keep some dog breeds warm in winter. In contrast, many dogs with thick or double coats like Huskies or Labradors enjoy the cooler months. Dog breeds with single coats like Yorkies or short fur like Greyhounds struggle to maintain enough heat to keep them comfortable in freezing temperatures.

So what are the best dog coats for cold weather that ensure your dog is happy and warm even when it’s cold? We’ve chosen the best winter dog coats so that you and your dog can enjoy the winter months together.

What to look for in a dog coat for cold weather

There’s an enormous amount of choice when it comes to buying a winter dog coat. With a vast array of designs, materials, and functions, it can be frustrating to work out the best option for you and your dog. But choosing a winter coat for your dog need not be difficult, although there are a few things to consider before you invest.

Material

Perhaps the most important consideration is the material of the coat. Winter coats need to be warm and dry. Winter dog coats need to provide sound insulation, contend with wind and water as well as snow and ice. Look for durability, water-resistant materials, and layers.

Design

There are lots of very cute coats out there, and it’s tempting to choose one that will make your dog look even more adorable than they already are, but think about what you will be using the coat for.

Trail or woodland walks require a dog jacket that’s durable but lightweight that will keep your dog warm without restricting their movement. A quiet stroll around town might need a winter coat with reflective piping, harness access, or more coverage.

Comfort

Some dog coats are more practical than others. Irrespective of what we want to see our dogs wearing, our dogs must find the winter coat comfortable. Just like us, dogs have preferences. Many dogs prefer soft, non-bulky coats with little or no noise as they move.

Whatever type of jacket you choose, it should not restrict your dog’s natural movement even if it provides full-body coverage. Straps, buckles, and fastenings need to be both durable and secure without causing chafing.

Fit

Getting a good fit is essential for a comfortable winter dog coat, especially if it has an integrated harness. Unfortunately, dog coat manufacturers often have their bespoke measurement system to fit dogs, so it’s worth spending the time to read their measuring guides carefully.

Despite this, three main measurements make it easy to get the right size dog coat for your chilly chum.

Back -Usually measured from the withers (the highest point of your dog’s shoulders) to the tail’s base.

​Girth – This is your dog’s chest measurement.  From just behind the shoulder blades, around the chest, just behind your dog’s front legs, and up again

​Neck – Right around your dog’s neck, where a collar would naturally sit

If your dog falls between measurements, it’s better to opt for the larger size so that your dog is comfortable.

Now you’re armed with our top tips for choosing the right dog coat, here are our top picks for the best winter coat, no matter what type of dog you have.

Best dog coats for cold weather

If you want a quick pick, we like the Hurtta Ultimate warmer winter coat, but if you want more details, read on;

Kuoser Cozy dog vest

• 7 SIZES AVAILABLE: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL dog winter coat fits small medium large dogs. Such as Yorkie, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, Maltese, Miniature, Dachshund, Fox Terrier, Jack Russell,...
• WINDPROOF, WATERPROOF & WARM DOG COAT: All of Kuoser dog coats outside are made of waterproof & windproof polyester, durable and will provide a perfect protection for your dog during the bad weather....
• REVERSIBLE & ADJUSTABLE: The dog winter jackets can be double-sided worn, with the magic sticker closures around the neck & belly that can easy to adjust the size to fit your dog, also easy to put and...

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The Kuoser Cozy dog vest features a warm, water-resistant, and windproof coat for your dog. With a secure velcro belly strap and simple hook and loop neck and chest, it’s easy to put on and take off, although it does require your dog to step into it with one foot.

The Cozy dog vest has a warm Polyester outer layer combined with a fleece-lined inner and is reversible for additional flexibility. There’s a handy buttonhole for collar or harness, and this winter coat is available in an impressive six colors and seven sizes.

Pros

• Warm
• Wind-proof
• Easy to put on and take off
• Reversible
• Seven sizes and six colors

Cons

• Water repellent rather than fully waterproof
• The Velcro isn’t very robust
• Sizing comes up small – measure your dog carefully

PetCee dog jacket

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PetCee’s dog jacket is fleece-lined for extra warmth and has a polyester outer shell to protect your dog from wet and windy weather.

It features a reflective strip for dog safety at night, and a loft collar that can be worn up or down that protects your dog’s neck from the worse of the elements. Not only that, but it has a rubber band for the tail, elasticated chest strap, and a flexible Velcro fastening on the neck, all contributing to a better overall fit.

With velcro straps for ease of use, it’s available in a wide range of sizes and three colors.

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Covers dog’s belly for extra warmth
• The collar protects your dog’s neck
• Reflective strip for low-light visibility

Cons

• The neck collar doesn’t fit well on a lot of dogs
• Velcro straps are not very robust
• The coat is long, which means that dogs may accidentally pee in the coat if it’s not a good fit.

Zack & Zoey Nor'easter blanket coat

• Measures 24-inch length
• Made of 100-percent polyester
• Available in x-large size and orange color

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This option from Zack and Zoey is bound to keep your dog warm and dry. It features a lined water-resistant polyester shell and warm inner fleece, and it’s perfect for cool weather.

With reflective trim for improved safety and adjustable velcro chest and belly closures, it’s perfect for trips around town as well as a romp in the woods. What’s more, these reversible jackets are machine washable so easy to keep clean.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Reversible
• Soft fleece lining
• Ideal for larger dogs

Cons

• Poor quality velcro
• Velcro straps are widely spaced, so it slips off easily
• Very little neck protection

Hurtta ultimate warmer

• Provides Efficient Thermal Insulation in Extended Outdoor Activities in Cold Conditions
• Well Suited for Training in the Winter for Long-Term Exposure in the Cold
• Made With a Waterproof and Breathable Houndtex Membrane to Keep Your Dog Dry and Warm

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If you’re looking for a great all-around jacket that will cope with extreme cold and snow, this Ultimate Warmer from Hurtta is perfect.

They are designed especially for dogs that are exposed to the cold for a long time. This dog coat for winter is waterproof, breathable, and provides thermal insulation. Not only that, but it gives much more coverage than a lot of others coats. The coat features a high neckline, a chest flap, and hind leg loops that secure coverage for the back legs, which can be snapped up out of the way when needed.

Reflective trim features on the belly strap run the coat’s length from shoulder to hip, and two back openings are ideal for either a leash or harness.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Breathable
• Thermal
• High collar for extra warmth
• Soundless material – perfect for sensitive dogs

Cons

• Elastic straps for back legs are not robust
• The leg flaps need to be tucked out of the way until your dog has completed its business!

Kurgo reversible dog coat

• REVERSIBLE, REFLECTIVE, & ADJUSTABLE: Stylish reversible dog vest is perfect to keep your dog cozy during chilly fall months & cold winter months when out on walks, hikes, & runs; reflective piping...
• WATER RESISTANT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Just the right amount of coverage to keep your active dog warm without overheating; athletic fit for complete freedom of movement; water resistant, microtomic, ripstop...
• WEAR WITH HARNESS: Leash access zipper opening on back allows complete access to dog’s harness so you can attach a leash & go; Easy on & off is perfect for walking, running, or hiking during colder...

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These bold color dog coats from Kurgo are designed to keep your dog warm and cozy even in the coldest weather.

With reflective strips, it features loft technology that offers warmth without weight and is perfect for a dog that’s always on the go as the fit is slimline and allows freedom of movement. The outer shell is a water-repellent durable ripstop fabric, and it has a zipper opening for a leash or harness.

This vest can be layered with other Kurgo products for added warmth, so no matter how cold it is, your dog can stay cozy. Available in five sizes and impressive twelve colors.

Pros

• Sleek non-bulky design
• Easy to put on and take off
• Ripstop fabric for durability
• Various sizes

Cons

• Velcro tummy strap is not robust and gets clogged
• Poor quality stitching lets it down

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RUFFWEAR Powder Hound dog jacket

• Hybrid jacket: A winter jacket with the warmth of synthetic insulation and the range of motion of technical stretch fabric; Ideal for cold weather activities
• Weather resistant: Polyester shell fabric protects against the elements; Recycled 250g high loft polyester insulation keeps your dog warm
• Sleeved style: The sleeved design provides more coverage and more warmth; Sleeved style jackets are ideal for really cold temps and short haired dogs

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This cold weather jacket from Ruffwear is lightweight but ideal for helping your dog stay warm this winter. It features a four-way technical stretch fabric underneath for a full range of motion and a durable recycled polyester top for warmth that is weather resistant.

A zipped opening along the back makes it simple to get on and off, and the reflective trim and light loop offers increased visibility. The sleeved style provides more coverage on the belly, which some dogs need, and it’s easy to keep clean as it’s machine washable.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Reflective trim and light loop for low-light visibility
• Warranty against manufacturer defects

Cons

• The sleeves can rub dogs with short fur.
• The zipper is a weak point and needs to be treated with care.

Fosinz waterproof dog jacket

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This warm, waterproof three-layer dog coat from Fosinz has a comfortable fleece inner layer to keep your dog comfortable and cozy.

This coat is easy to put on and take off with simple hook and loop chest and belly closures. What’s more, the reflective trim on this jacket offers extra safety in low light, and the four-way stretch makes it ideal for active dogs.

Pros

• Windproof
• Reflective strip for low-light visibility
• Insulated three-layer fabric
• Four-way stretch for an active fit

Cons

• Velcro struggles to stay connected
• Velcro straps are too short
• Water-resistant not waterproof
• Not very robust

Best dog coats for cold weather

If you want a winter dog coat, there’s bound to be one that suitable. From fashion jackets to high-tech tri-climate full body coats, keeping your dog warm when it’s freezing has never been easier.

We’ve picked the best dog coats for cold weather based on warmth, wind-proofing, and water resistance. However, no matter what type of coat you choose, getting a good fit is essential. Measure your dog carefully before you buy.

If your dog has never worn a coat before, be patient and take time getting your dog used to it. Just like us, many dogs get chilly in cold weather. So investing in a warm coat will keep your dog happy during the cooler months and allow you to enjoy the winter months together.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API