The 10 Best Dog Coats to Keep Your Pup Toasty on Winter Walks
Updated: Aug. 29, 2023
No matter where you live, dog winter coats keep your furry friend happy, looking stylish and shielded from wet, cold weather.
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The best dog winter coats for your pup
After writing about dogs in more than 35 pet care books, I love that you can find your perfect match from over 400 dog breeds.
Some, like the Newfoundland, or sled dogs like Alaskan malamutes, adore cold weather. They won’t need a dog winter coat because their thick double-coated fur has a warm undercoat covered by water-resistant outer fur. (It can easily mat and tangle, though, which reduces cold weather protection, so make sure wooly dogs stay naturally warm by keeping their fur properly groomed.)
But many dogs with short hair or thin coats, such as a Chihuahua or Saluki, developed in warmer climates and need the extra protection of dog winter coats.
All dogs risk frostbite or hypothermia from cold weather if they stay outside too long. Windy, wet weather strips insulating fur of its protective warmth. Even if it doesn’t snow, rain gear helps keep dogs dry and safe. In fact, many little dogs hate to do their bathroom business in the cold. They’d rather snuggle inside by the fire on a cozy dog bed and find a place to eliminate inside—ew. A dog winter coat encourages your pup to do the right thing outside in the right potty place. And if you want to try and match your pup, check out these winter coats.
How to choose the best dog winter coat
The best dog winter coats offer sizing guides for the ideal fit for your furry friend, from tiny to giant. Measure your pup from collar to tail for length and around the chest just behind the front legs for girth.
Choose the perfect winter gear (like dog boots) by matching your dog’s breed and activity level. For example, if you have a water-loving golden retriever, you’ll want a machine-washable coat. A furry Shetland sheepdog may not need insulation, but they hate wet fur and appreciate a raincoat to keep them looking spiffy.
Whichever dog coat you choose, it should be waterproof, water-resistant, or water-repellent. Finally, be sure the coat allows access to your dog’s harness or leash through the jacket, or that it has a secure leash attachment, so you have safe control during walks.
Don’t forget style, either: Many dogs enjoy looking good, and a cute coat guarantees some holiday smiles along your walk. With your pup wearing his winter coat, you can enjoy the holiday with your pets whether indoors or on an outdoor excursion in the snow.
The best dog winter coats of 2023
- Best overall dog winter coat: Kuoser Warm Dog Coat
- Best dog raincoat: Lambwolf Collective Brooklyn Fern Packable Dog Coat
- Best fleece dog jacket: Pendleton National Park Pet Coat
- Best windy weather coat: PetRageous Designs Kodiak Dog Coat
- Most stylish dog coat: Canada Pooch Everest Explorer Dog Jacket
- Best durable coat: Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat
- Best reflective coat for safety: Lelepet Reflective Dog Winter Coat
- Best field coat: L.L. Bean Reversible Field Coat
- Best for canine athletes: Hurtta Extreme Warmer Dog Jacket
- Best budget dog coat: Frisco Mid-Heavyweight Portland Insulated Dog Parka
Best overall dog winter coat: Kuoser Warm Dog Coat
This dog winter coat is one of my favorites because it comes in seven sizes, from XS-3XL. The Kuoser warm dog coat is reversible and available in 12 stylish colors with reflective piping for visibility in the dark.
The lightweight design makes it perfect for protection without overheating and provides access to your dog’s harness and collar. Since wearing the dog coat allows your pooch more outdoor playtime, this provides exactly what your dog wants. With over 56,000 positive ratings on Amazon, this might be the site’s most popular dog coat!
Pros
- XS-3XL
- Reversible design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not easily adjustable
Best dog raincoat: Lambwolf Collective Brooklyn Fern Packable Dog Coat
This charming packable Brooklyn coat keeps your pup dry in style. Not only water repellant, this dog rain jacket is also made from protective, breathable Lannel nylon fabric.
The zipper tummy closure makes it easy to put on or take off, and it includes a hole in the back for a leash, collar or harness. Rain can make your dog upset, but a raincoat that keeps water away helps to calm an anxious dog.
Pros:
- Water repellent
- Lightweight and packable
- Zipper allows easy on/off
Cons
- Material doesn’t stretch
Best fleece dog jacket: Pendleton National Park Pet Coat
For dogs that need added warmth, this fleece-lined dog winter coat from Pendleton offers five sizes and seven stylish colors. The ultra-soft polar fleece reverses to quilted cotton canvas on the inside, and a hook and loop belt closure makes it simple to take on and off.
Not a fan of the pattern? Pendleton’s pet collection features a few other dog coats that look as high-quality as they perform. If your dog gets too wet, she’ll appreciate a bath, but you should know how often dogs should be washed.
Pros
- Fleece-lined for warmth
- Dependable Pendleton brand
- Comes in five sizes and seven colors
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best windy weather coat: PetRageous Designs Kodiak Dog Coat
This is one of the best dog winter coats for very snowy and windy areas. This heavyweight coat is wind and waterproof and offers full chest coverage so your pup can tromp around in the snow without getting a wet coat.
It also has reflective stitching to keep your dog visible on late-night walks. Besides wanting to stay warm when going outside during the winter, these are the things your dog wishes you knew.
Pros
- Heavyweight for extreme weather
- Full chest coverage for snow
- Reflective stitching for night visibility
Cons
- Only available in plaid shades
Most stylish dog coat: Canada Pooch Everest Explorer Dog Jacket
Add a little style to your dog’s winter coat with this faux-fur trim Canada Pooch parka. It’s water-resistant and has a down-insulated lining so your pooch will stay warm while out in the snow. If your dog won’t sit long enough to let you put a coat on them, learn about these training secrets dog trainers won’t tell you.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Down-insulated lining
- Stylish faux fir trim collar
Cons
- Might gap on dogs with smaller waists
Best durable coat: Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat
Dog owners are big fans of this Carhartt Firm Duck insulated dog chore coat. This water-resistant, comfortable, full-coverage dog coat is also quilted inside for heat insulation. Customers give it great reviews—especially for big dogs, saying that even after being in the rain for over an hour, their dog’s fur stayed dry under the coat.
Not sure if you want a big dog or a tiny pooch? Choosing the best dog breed helps determine what style of coat you’ll need.
Pros
- Durable material
- Water-resistant
- Full-coverage fit
Cons
- Canvas is stiff, but softens over time
Best reflective coat for safety: Lelepet Reflective Dog Winter Coat
This Lelepet winter dog coat comes in seven different sizes to perfectly fit your dog’s chest and back length. The inside layer is polar fleece, keeping your dog warm from the elements. The outside is a splash-proof, wind-proof and water-proof nylon material.
A zipper and neck drawstring makes it very easy to slip on and off your dog. It’s a fun dog fact that dogs don’t care for hugs, so you’ll need to adjust how snug the coat fits to keep your pup comfy.
Pros
- Comes in seven sizes
- Polar fleece-lined
- Windproof and waterproof
Cons
- Can create a bit of static
Best field coat: L.L. Bean Reversible Field Coat
Your furry friend will look absolutely adorable in this L.L. Bean dog winter coat parka. It’s machine-washable, reversible and has a snug fit, so it’s guaranteed to stay on no matter where your winter adventure takes you.
Here’s how much exercise dogs really need—so get out there and go on some adventures with your pup in a matching people-sized version!
Pros
- Reversible
- Machine washable
- Convenient hook-and-loop closure
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best for canine athletes: Hurtta Extreme Warmer Dog Jacket
This dog winter coat is worth the price. The Hurtta dog jacket has a special foil lining that reflects your dog’s body heat for extra warmth. It has breathable, water-resistant material to keep your pup dry no matter how long they stay outside.
It also comes with a protective hood useful in the rain, snow or windy weather to keep your pup from catching a cold. Watch out for these signs that your “healthy” dog is actually sick.
Pros
- Foil lining reflects dog’s body heat
- Breathable and water-resistant
- Protective hood keeps out rain and wind
Cons
- Takes time to dry
Best budget dog coat: Frisco Mid-Heavyweight Portland Insulated Dog Parka
Don’t let the low price fool you. This insulated dog parka protects pets from rain and snow thanks to a water-resistant exterior and plush lining. A trendy satin shell looks great and allows moisture to slide right off.
It also comes with a protective hood useful in the rain, snow or windy weather to keep your dog from catching a cold. Watch out for these signs that your “healthy” dog is actually sick.
Pros
- Â Slip-through legs design
- Polyester plush lining for warmth
- Protective hood keeps out rain and wind
Cons
- Rambunctious pups may rip it
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