Updated 12/30/23
Cold, wintery weather is approaching. If you have a dog that likes to be outside in the cold or snow, a winter coat can help keep them warm and comfortable while outdoors.
A winter coat can provide your dog with warmth, protecting their muscles and bellies from the elements. A winter coat can also keep your dog dry during snowy or wet weather.
This post will look at who a winter coat is good for, what you should look for when buying a winter coat for your pup, how to choose the right size coat for your dog and some options available for your dog.
Table of Contents:
| Who Is A Winter Coat Good For? | |
| What Should I Look For In A Winter Coat? | |
| How Do I Choose The Correct Size Winter Coat? | |
| The Best Winter Coat For Your Dog |
Related: Keep Your Dog Warm Using A Winter Coat With A Harness Hole, Top 3 Dog House Heaters For Cold Weather, Best Dog Booties For Winter
Who Is A Winter Coat Good For?
A winter coat can provide protection and warmth for all dogs, but particularly dogs with short hair or thin coats. It is also good for dogs with sparse hair on their underside or for those dogs that just like to spend a lot of time outdoors.
What Should I Look For In A Winter Coat?
Factors you may want to look for when choosing a winter coat include:
Material
A waterproof or water resistant outer layer will help keep rain and snow from seeping through the coat and onto your dog. Look for a warm inner layer like cotton or fleece. Some coats also have a polyester middle layer for added warmth.
Coverage
Your dog’s breed and coat will determine the amount of coverage you need. Look for winter coats with additional belly coverage if needed.
Leash Opening or Harness Hole
Most winter coats have an opening where you can attach your leash. Take note of where it is located if you use a collar or harness and make sure it is in the right position for you to use it.
Style
Winter coats come in various styles from vests to hoodies to blankets. All have their pluses and minuses so choose what would work best for your dog.
Closure
Not all winter coats close the same way. Some use Velcro, others use snaps and zippers. If your dog is afraid of the sound of Velcro you may want to choose a different style.
How Do I Choose The Correct Size Winter Coat?
To find the correct size for your dog, it is important to refer to the manufacturer of the coat you are looking at.
Most manufacturers recommend you measure your dog’s girth or widest area around their chest and their length from nape of the neck to the base of the tail.
The girth size is the most important measurement when considering size.
If your dog is between sizes, a general rule is to size UP.
I would recommend choosing a seller that allows free returns. It is not always easy to find the right size coat for your dog and you may have to try a few different sizes before you find the right one. Using a seller that allows free returns will make finding the right size less of a hassle.
The Best Winter Coat For Your Dog
The following are some of the best winter coats for your dog. I have broken them down into different categories for easy reference.
Pros
All of these coats have the same pros: they are comfortable, they keep your dog warm, and they are easy to get on and off your dog.
Cons
The biggest con to almost all winter coats is the sizing. Some coats run small, some run big depending on the manufacturer.
A lot of winter coats also contain 2 elastic straps that you slip onto your dog’s hind legs. Most dogs find these irritating and some even interfere when your dog needs to do their business. Most people either don’t use them or reposition them.
Another con to some winter coats is Velcro. While it provides a secure fit at first, over time Velcro does lose its grip. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on using your winter coat for more than one season.
Best Overall Winter Coat
This winter coat was chosen for the fact that it not only keeps dogs warm, but it also has a removable hood and is machine washable.
EMUST Dog Winter Coat
Features:
- Comes in 7 sizes and 5 colors.
- Lining is fleece.
- Middle layer is cotton.
- Windproof.
- Detachable hood.
- Secured with Velcro.
- Opening for use of harness or collar.
- Reflective stitching for visibility.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Runs small.
Best Winter Coat For Small Dogs
JoyDaog Fleece Dog Hoodie For Small Dogs
Features:
- Comes in 7 sizes and 5 colors.
- Outside is a waterproof fabric.
- Inner lining is made of fleece.
- Middle layer is polyester.
- Hoodie attaches with snaps, so can be removed if you don’t want to use it.
- 2 openings on the back to use with harnesses.
- Velcro attachments on the underside for better fit.
- Reflective piping for visibility.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Fits small; need to size up.
Best Winter Coat For Large Dogs
SCPET Dog Winter Coat
Features:
- Comes in 2 colors and 9 sizes.
- Outer layer is a waterproof fabric.
- The lining is polar fleece.
- The inner layer is cotton.
- The collar is covered in cotton wool.
- Velcro closure on the under side to secure the fit of the coat.
- Elastic straps to go around the hind legs to keep the coat in place.
- Zipper on the top to allow for using a harness.
- Reflective piping for greater visibility.
Cons:
- Hard to find the correct size. Some felt it was too big, others felt it was too small and they had to return to get the correct size.
- Reflective piping is not reflective enough for some users.
- Dogs did not like the hind leg straps, but the coat was able to be worn without them.
Best Hoodie Style Winter Coat
Sawmong Dog Fleece Hoodie
Features:
- Available in 7 sizes and 3 colors.
- Snap closure.
- Opening for leash.
- Fleece lined with polyester outer layer.
- Elastic by leg openings.
Cons:
- Runs small.
- Hood is not detachable.
Best Vest Style Winter Coat
Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Windproof Plaid Dog Vest Winter Coat
Features:
- Available in 7 sizes and 7 colors.
- Polyester on the outside, polyester fill on the inside.
- Water resistant outer layer.
- Velcro closure.
- Opening for leash to go through.
- Elastic by the chest for better fit.
Cons:
- No reflective stitching.
- Runs small for some, large for others.
- Some people had issues with getting their dog’s leg through the one leg opening.
- Velcro wears out over time.
Best Turtle Neck Style Winter Coat
Lelepet Warm Dog Winter Coat
Features:
- Comes in 7 sizes and 13 colors.
- Waterproof polyester outer lining.
- Inside lining is fleece.
- Turtleneck is adjustable.
- Opening on the back to attach your leash.
- Back zippered closure.
- 2 D rings attached.
- Fur lined collar.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Your dog needs to step into the coat, which some dogs do not like.
Best Blanket Style Winter Coat
*Blanket Style Winter Coats are good for Extra Large Dogs.*
Derby Originals Horse Tough Waterproof Winter Coat
Features:
- Available in 6 colors and 7 sizes.
- Waterproof.
- Breathable outer shell made of ripstop nylon.
- Inside layer made of poly fill insulation.
- Shoulder gussets.
- Front buckle closure.
- Underside secured with a Velcro strap.
- Sits low on the neck to be less constrictive.
- Made to be used in temperatures as low as 30 degrees F. for short and thin haired dogs.
- For dogs with long hair or double coats, this is made to keep them warm in as low as 0 degrees F.
Cons:
- Runs large.
- Velcro wears out over time.
- Only one belly strap.
- There is not an opening to use a harness to walk your dog. However, being that the coat sits low on the neck it is possible to still use a harness if the ring is close to that area.
Best Waterproof Winter Coat
Hurtta Expedition Parka
Features:
- Neck, length, and collar can be adjusted for size.
- Reflective piping for visibility.
- Opening for harness.
- Hind leg straps.
- 10,000 mm waterproofness
Cons:
- Leg straps can be bothersome for some dogs.
Best Adjustable Winter Coat
Hurtta Extreme Warmer Insulated Dog Parka
Features:
- Adjustable back length.
- Foil liner for extra warmth.
- High neck design.
- Waterproof.
- Breathable.
- Has reflective strips for increased visibility.
- Elastic straps around back legs to keep in place.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Elastic straps for hind legs could be bothersome for some dogs.
With colder weather fast approaching and wind, rain, and snow likely to accompany it, a good winter coat can keep your dog warm and protect them from the elements.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.