Are you seeking a dog coat to protect your furry best friend from wind chill and keep them snug and toasty warm this winter?
And you are unsure which snow jacket for dogs is the best?
Then, you’ve come to the right page!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog jackets with different designs and styles on the market and put down features you need to look for to help guide you in choosing the best one for your pooch.
Here are the 9 top-rated dog winter coats in 2021.
| Product | Ratings | Our Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Kurgo Loft Winter Dog Jacket | 4.4 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out Here |
| Weatherbeeta Parka Dog Coat | 4.6 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out Here |
| Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Jacket | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out Here |
| Hurtta Summit Parka | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out Here |
| Gooby Padded Dog Vest | 4.6 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out Here |
| Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Reversible Winter Coat | 4.2 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out More |
| Zack & Zoey Polyester Nor’easter Dog Blanket Coat | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out More |
| Fitwarm Waterproof Pet Clothes for Dog Windproof Jacket | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out More |
| ThinkPet Warm Reversible Dog Coat | 4.1 out of 5.0 stars | Find Out More |
** Best Dog Coats for Winter
1. Our Top Pick - Kurgo Loft Winter Dog Jacket
The Kurgo Loft Winter Dog Jacket is one of the most popular dog winter coats on the market and comes with lots of great features to help keep your pup warm in cold weather conditions.
It is lightweight and durable, made of Microtomic Ripstop material filled with 140g of Polytech to provide warmth. It is also water-resistant and has a 2-way zipper opening that gives you easy access to your dog’s harness underneath to attach a leash. Plus, it has two side adjustment points with hook and loop materials for a comfortable fit, along with reflective piping to keep your fido visible in a low-light situation.
Additionally, this winter dog coat has a reversible design and is machine washable on a gentle setting, making cleaning a lot easier. What’s more, it includes a Lifetime Guarantee!
Features:
- Ripstop material
- 140g of Polytech
- Water-resistant
- Reversible
- Two-way zipper opening
- Reflective piping
PROS
- Lightweight, durable, and adjustable for a snug fit
- It has good water resistance that can help keep your dog warm and dry
- There’s an opening for attaching a leash
- It has reflective piping to provide added visibility
- Machine washable
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
CONS
- Velcro doesn’t last as long as expected
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
2. Best Value - Weatherbeeta Parka Dog Coat
If you want something that can help your four-legged friend stay warm outside for several hours, look no further than the Weatherbeeta Parka Dog Coat.
It is very durable, made of waterproof, breathable, and super strong 1,200 denier fabric filled with 220g of polyfill, which is a good amount of insulation that can help retain your canine’s body heat on most winter days. Plus, it has full chest and belly coverage and an oversized stand-up collar for added warmth.
This winter jacket also has a hole where you can easily access the harness and come with reflective trim for added visibility at night.
Features:
- 1,200 denier fabric
- 220g of polyfill
- Water repellent
- Full chest and belly coverage
- An oversized stand-up collar
- In-built harness hole
- Reflective trim
PROS
- Great for dogs who love to stay outdoors for an extended period
- It has an oversized collar to add an extra layer of warmth and protection
- Very durable
- Adjustable
- Waterproof fabric keeps your dog dry in the snow
- Reflective trim provides enhanced visibility at night
- Machine washable
CONS
- The sizing chart is not very accurate
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
3. Best Overall Performance - Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Jacket
If you are looking for a higher-end dog winter coat, check out the Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Jacket.
It is a hybrid jacket made of 75D polyester shell fabric that offers protection against the elements, with 250g of recycled high loft polyester to provide warmth. Combined with the Nylon-spandex fabric blends with 4-way technical stretch to allow for a full range of motion while being active outside.
This winter dog coat also has a sleeved design for core heat retention, plus a full-length zipper to achieve a snug fit. Not only that, but it also comes with reflective accents and an integrated light loop for attaching a beacon light to ensure your dog’s safety at night.
Features:
- 75D polyester shell fabric
- Recycled 250g high loft polyester
- Nylon-spandex fabric blends with four-way technical stretch
- Sleeved style
- Full-length zipper
- Reflective trim
- Integrated light loop
PROS
- It won’t restrict your dog’s body movement
- It has good heat retention
- The reflective accents and integrated light loop provide enhanced visibility at night
- Machine washable
- Most dog owners are pleased with its quality
CONS
- It comes at a higher price tag
- No harness hole
- Unadjustable, so make sure to measure your dog correctly
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
4. Best for Extreme Cold Weather - Hurtta Summit Parka
If you live in a chilly climate and have an active dog who loves to spend most of the time outdoors, consider the Hurtta Summit Parka, perhaps the best available for retaining dogs’ body temperature in freezing weather.
It is very well insulated, durable, not to mention the outer shell has a waterproof yet breathable Houndtex coating to keep your furry friend warm, dry, and comfortable in the snow and freezing rain. Plus, with its full-coverage design to protect your dog’s most important muscle groups, chest, and abdomen.
Additionally, it is easy to put on and take off and comes with 3M reflectors for added nighttime visibility. This best winter dog coat is also adjustable and has an opening at the back to allow for easy access to the harness.
Features:
- Waterproof
- Breathable Houndtex coating
- Full-coverage design
- 3M reflectors
- Adjustable back length, belt, and collar
- Harness hole
PROS
- It has a full-coverage design to protect your dog’s most important body parts, making it great for active dogs, short-haired dogs, or dogs with no undercoat
- There’s an opening at the back for attaching a leash
- Durable, waterproof, and adjustable
- Easy to put on and take off
- It comes with 3M reflectors for added nighttime visibility
- Machine washable
- One of the top options among people who live in a cold climate
- Most owners are impressed with its water resistance
- A trusted brand that’s known to provide rugged and comfortable dog raincoats, slush suits, and winter jackets, so you can rest assured of its quality
CONS
- It comes at a higher price tag
- Not ideal for mild winters
- Dogs with a thick coat may get uncomfortably warm
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
5. Best for Small Dogs - Gooby Padded Dog Vest
Can’t seem to find the right dog winter coat that fits your small dog? Check out the Gooby Padded Dog Vest, designed explicitly for small dog breeds who weigh up to 25 pounds.
It features a thick 100% polyester fleece inner layer to provide warmth and a 100% nylon outer layer that is also water-resistant to protect your furkid from the snow, slush, rain, and cold winds during walks. It also has a protective guard at the top, meaning you don’t have to worry about pinching their skin or snagging their hair when you zip up.
Additionally, it has a bottom opening design that allows your pup to urinate or defecate without any problems and prevents the vest from getting dirty.
Features:
- Designed for small dogs weighing up to 25 pounds
- 100% polyester fleece inner layer
- 100% nylon outer layer
- Water-resistant
- Step-in design
- Bottom opening design
- Dual D-ring leash attachment
- Pain-free zipper guard
PROS
- Made specifically for small dogs
- Water-resistant to keep your dog warm and dry in the snow
- It has a protective guard that can prevent the fur from getting caught when you zip up
- It includes two D-rings that allow you to attach a leash without the need for a harness or a collar
- The bottom opening design ensures your dog can urinate and defecate without any issues
- Machine washable
CONS
- Unsuitable for medium and large size dogs
- No reflective material
- Unadjustable
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
6. Best for Budget - Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Reversible Winter Coat
The Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Reversible Winter Coat is a popular dog jacket because of its lower price tag and comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 4XL. And that means you can easily find one that fits your canine correctly.
It is reversible, fashionable, lightweight, with soft-touching cotton plaid on one side and water-resistant fabric on the other to keep your pup dry and comfortable on snowy days. There are also Velcro attachments in multiple areas, so putting it on and taking it off is a breeze.
Like most winter dog jackets, this puffer coat has a buttonhole that gives you access to the harness to attach a leash.
Features:
- Reversible
- Soft-touching cotton plaid
- Water-resistant shell
- Velcro closures
- Buttonhole
PROS
- Affordable
- It comes in eight different sizes
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant helps your dog stay dry in the snow
- Easy to put on and take off
- It has a buttonhole that allows you to attach a leash
CONS
- Aren’t of the best quality
- No reflective material
- Unadjustable
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.2 out of 5.0 stars
7. Zack & Zoey Polyester Nor’easter Dog Blanket Coat
The Zack & Zoey Dog Blanket Coat is another affordable option and comes in eight different sizes, ranging from XXS to XXL.
It is made of 100% polyester and has a reversible design, with soft plaid fleece lining on one side and a water-resistant shell on the other. Between those layers, it has polyfill to keep your pooch warm during the winter months. Also, it has neck and belly Velcro closures to allow for an adjustable fit.
Additionally, this winter dog coat comes with reflective strips to ensure your dog is safe and visible at night. It is also machine washable, making cleaning an effortless task.
Features:
- Reversible
- 100% polyester
- Water-resistant shell
- Soft plaid fleece lining
- Neck and belly Velcro closures
- Reflective strips
PROS
- Affordable
- It is available in eight different sizes
- Adjustable
- Water-resistant
- Easy to put on and take off
- Reflective strips provide visibility in a low-light condition
- Machine washable
CONS
- The quality of the Velcros isn’t that good
- No opening at the back for attaching a leash
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
8. Fitwarm Waterproof Pet Clothes for Dog Windproof Jacket
The Fitwarm Waterproof Pet Clothes for Dog Windproof Jacket is also a great option you would want to consider if you have a small dog.
What makes it stand out from the rest is that it includes a faux furred hood, coupled with a full-coverage design to protect your canine’s head, neck, chest, belly, front and rear legs from the cold weather.
This full-body puffer coat is also waterproof and has a thick inner fleece lining to keep your pup cozy and comfy during walks.
Features:
- Faux furred hood
- Full-coverage design
- Waterproof
- Inner fleece lining
PROS
- Great for small dogs
- Full-coverage design to provide warmth
- Waterproof
- Looks adorable
CONS
- Unsuitable for medium and large size dogs
- Unadjustable
- No reflective material
- No leash opening
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
9. ThinkPet Warm Reversible Dog Coat
This Warm Reversible Dog Coat from ThinkPet features a soft thick inner padded layer to provide warmth, with a full belly coverage to protect your dog’s abdomen from the cold winds, snow, and any other outdoor elements.
Thanks to the elastic straps and hook and loop fastener combination, you can easily adjust it to get a good fit. There is also reflective trim to keep your four-legged friend visible at dusk and ensure their safety.
Like most winter dog coats, it has a zipper opening at the back, which can come in handy when you need to attach a leash to their harness or collar.
Features:
- Soft thick inner padded layer
- Full belly coverage
- Elastic straps and hook and loop fastener combination
- Reflective trim
- In-built harness hole
PROS
- Affordable
- Full-belly coverage design
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable
- Easy to put on and take off
- It comes with reflective piping to keep your dog safe
CONS
- The sizing chart is not very accurate
- The quality of the Velcros isn’t that good
Overall Rating (Warmth, Water Resistance, Coverage): 4.1 out of 5.0 stars
Does Your Dog Really Need a Winter Coat?
Perhaps one of the most common questions that pet parents would ask when it comes to dog winter coats is whether their dog really needs one?
No two dogs are the same. Some dog breeds are bred to hunt big game and haul heavy freight in colder climates, like Alaskan Malamutes, who have a thick double coat to keep them warm. Getting them to wear a winter coat can potentially cause overheating.
Some dogs like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, on the other hand, have little to no natural insulation at all. Without a winter dog coat, they can get extremely uncomfortable in cold weather and will be at risk of frostbite and hypothermia if left outside for an extended period.
So, the answer to that question is, it depends! And below are some of the factors that will decide if your dog needs to wear a jacket.
1. The length of your dog’s hair
Short-haired dogs don’t have the luxury of a thick coat, meaning they have a low cold tolerance. And if your area gets very cold in winter, they will surely need to put on a jacket. Some of the short-haired dog breeds are:
- Basenji
- Beagle
- Bulldog
- Greyhound
- Dachshund
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pit Bull
- Whippet
2. Your dog’s body size
Unlike large dogs such as Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Alaskan Malamutes, smaller dogs have a higher surface area to volume ratio. That means they have a larger skin surface to give off heat, making them more vulnerable to the effects of cold temperatures.
3. The amount of your dog’s body fat
As you may have already known, body fat is like an extra layer of clothing that acts as an insulator to retain body heat. In other words, skinny dogs will tend to feel colder, given that all other factors are equal.
4. Your dog’s age and health
Puppies, older dogs, and dogs that are sick are more sensitive to cold weather. Puppies feel colder because they have a larger skin surface area in relation to their body mass, and most importantly, their thermoregulation isn’t fully mature yet. Senior dogs and dogs with existing health conditions, on the other hand, won’t be able to regulate their body temperature as easily as when they were younger and healthier.
The Best Dog Winter Coat Buyer’s Guide: Important Features to Consider
Choosing the best dog winter coat for your furry friend isn’t as easy as shelling peas, and there are a few things you have to consider. Below are some of them.
1. Insulation & Climate
Insulation is perhaps the most important thing you have to consider. Note that winter dog coats with the strongest insulation don’t necessarily mean it’s best for your pup. It depends on the factors that we’ve mentioned earlier. And obviously, you would want to consider the climate as well so that it doesn’t get too hot or too cold for your fido, ultimately preventing heat exhaustion, frostbite, and hypothermia.
For instance, if the area that you live in gets frigid cold in winter, you would want to pick a dog coat like the Hurtta Summit Parka as it has better insulation. Similarly, for mild winters, choosing the ones made of fleece, like the Gooby Padded Dog Vest, will be enough to keep your canine warm.
2. Velcro vs. Zipper
The best dog winter coats with Velcro may be a better option as they allow for an adjustable fit and are easier to put on and take off. While zippers are also great, they are less than ideal as they can cause snagging problems.
3. Size
And of course, you would want a winter dog coat that fits your four-legged friend so that it will stay on. So, ensure to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart and measure your dog correctly before you purchase.
4. Leash Hole
Unless you usually walk your dog with a collar, an opening at the back of the jacket is a must as that will give you easy access to the harness underneath to attach the leash.
5. Water Resistance
It would also be a good idea to choose a winter dog jacket that has good water resistance. That way, your pup will be able to stay dry and comfortable in the snow and rain.
6. Reflective Strips
Don’t forget that there will be less sunlight in winter due to daylight savings, not to mention cars are harder to brake on icy roads. So, it’s best to get your pooch a winter coat with reflective material to ensure both foot traffic and motorists can see them, ultimately keeping them safe.
Alternative Ways to Keep Your Canine Warm on Winter Walks
Dog Snow Boots
Other than using a dog coat, you can help your pooch stay toasty this winter by getting them to put on a pair of fleece-lined dog snow boots. These booties not only can provide warmth but are also able to keep your dog’s paws from drying out, prevent the formation of ice balls, and protect your fido’s feet from hard snow, jagged ice, and other harmful substances like road salts.
Dog Snoods
You can also consider getting your dog soft fleece-lined knitted headwear. These warmer hoods come with a wide range of designs and styles aimed to keep a dog’s head, neck, and ears warm in cold weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Winter Coat for Dogs
What type of dog needs a winter coat?
How cold is too cold for dogs?
That depends on a few things, such as the length of your dog’s hair, body size, amount of body fat, age, and health. But in general, dogs will get uncomfortable when temperatures fall below 45°F, especially for cold-averse breeds.
