If your dog freezes quickly or has to wait for you in the cold, you should treat it to a warm dog coat. Because even dogs can freeze their furry bums off and get used to the cold just as little as we do.
ISOLATION++
RUFFWEAR
Additional insulation through a dog coat is particularly important for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs without a protective undercoat.
A dog coat also protects against snow bobbles on the chest and splashing water. I, therefore, recommend a dog coat with belly protection. Everything else doesn’t really make much sense.
I’ve already written about which dogs should wear a dog coat in winter and what you might have to look out for when buying one.
Here you can finally find a list of the best dog winter jackets for the coming bad weather season!
Dog Coat by Hurtta
The Finnish supplier of dog coats Hurtta offers real functional clothing for dogs. From soft shell coats to normal dog winter jackets to overalls and dog coats for more extreme demands, you will find pretty much everything in the Hurtta range.
Hurtta Parkas
Product Description
Hurtta dog coats are my favorites:
- Extra light functional material
- Lots of setting options
- Easy to put on
- Leash opening for harness carrier
- Please note the measuring instructions, Hurrta is something special!
The Summit Parka from the Finnish company Hurtta convinces me with many well-thought-out details.
I have been a loyal Hurtta customer for many years and have never thrown away a winter coat, even the very old models still look good and are fully functional.
Thanks to the many adjustment options, everyone will find the ideal fit for different body shapes. Because Hurtta is constantly improving its products and fulfilling customer requests.
If you are looking for light dog coats that keep you warm for a long time and are of top quality, I recommend taking a look at the Hurtta products. Plus point: The company’s history started in Finland, they should know how to protect dogs from cold winter weather!
That’s why you’ll also find the absolutely ingenious ‘Extreme Warmer’ here for more extreme demands in terms of warmth and weather resistance.
Quilted Coat for Greyhounds
Product Description
Hurtta also offers a few models with floor-length legs, including this quilted jacket specially designed for narrow-built dogs.
- Reflective piping
- Floor length legs
- Greyhound-suitable dog coat!
This full-body jacket for dogs is one of many overalls from this brand.
Not only thin sighthounds with little hair benefit from this additional protection against the cold.
I can also highly recommend a dog coat with legs against the extremely annoying snow bobbles in curly dogs.
Dog Coat by Ruffwear
Ruffwear is definitely one of the providers of particularly high-quality winter clothing for dogs. Here you will find well-thought-out products that have been tested for outdoor use.
Here you can find dog jackets in the Ruffwear brand shop on Amazon.
The Ruffwear Powder Hound
Product Description
The Powder Hound impresses above all with its excellent heat insulation with optimal fit and great freedom of movement for the dog.
- Super thermal insulation
- All-round protection with a side zip
- Allows maximum freedom of movement
What I particularly like about the Powder Hound ™ by Ruffwear is the all-around protection that is achieved through this special pattern. In terms of thermal insulation, this dog coat leaves nothing to be desired for me!
Yes, you don’t just attach a stomach protector here, this dog coat is tight all around and closes with a side zipper. On the back, you will find a special strap to which you can attach a flashing light for better visibility in the dark.
Due to the thin materials, this dog coat allows wonderful freedom of movement and even allows you to simply pull the harness over it. A synthetic synthetic fiber with insulating properties was used as the outer material on the back. In the chest and stomach area, care was taken to use a stretchy, water-repellent material. And inside, this dog coat is padded with soft fleece fabric.
This dog coat is also ideal for large dogs that need an extra layer of warmth on long trips.
The Ruffwear Fernie
Product Description
I can recommend the Fernie ™ to anyone looking for a lightweight cardigan for their dog.
- Also ideal for small dogs
- Windproof material
- All-round protection that is not bulky
This very light dog jacket made of a kind of knitted fleece is the ideal outdoor jacket for dogs.
The material is windproof and can withstand even drizzle. If the Fernie gets wet, it dries relatively quickly. And it can be easily washed on a gentle cycle, although air drying is clearly recommended. Due to their microstructure, functional materials are usually somewhat sensitive when it comes to cleaning, that’s the way it is.
Thanks to the fleece padding inside the dog coat, this winter jacket keeps the dog nice and warm. And it is so thin that you can easily pull a dog harness over it.
The fact that the zip is not on the back but on the side makes it a little easier to put on and ensures that the dog can easily push itself on the back without being pressed by anything.
Dog coat by Wolters
Wolters Cat & Dog offers qualitatively appealing and functional clothing for dogs.
Browse through the products of the Wolters company here.
Outdoor Dog Coat by Wolters
Product Description
The outdoor jacket for dogs is impregnated on the outside and is therefore particularly weatherproof.
- Large reflective strips
- Suitable for dish racks
- Machine washable
This winter dog coat offers everything you would expect from a functional dog coat and is relatively inexpensive.
The coat is water-repellent on the outside and is made entirely of durable material.
However, that is the disadvantage of this coat: not every dog likes to wear the smooth upper material of this coat on the back.
If your dog doesn’t mind that, you’ll find a simple but practical alternative to the other models here. So far I’ve been really satisfied with Wolters products, there’s really nothing to complain about in terms of longevity.
Dog jumpsuit with legs
Product Description
The ski suit for dogs is easy to put on and, thanks to the fleece lining, keeps the dog nice and warm even in adverse weather conditions.
- Impregnated outside
- Lined with polar fleece
- Good fit, comfortable to wear
With the ski jacket for dogs, you are on the safe side in almost any weather.
Thanks to the sewn-on legs and the all-around protection with stomach protection, splash water, and snow hardly penetrate this dog’s raincoat.
And, of course, a strategically placed opening was also considered for the dog men in the right place. .
Dog Coat by Trixie
If you have a dog, it is almost impossible to avoid having Trixie products. Of course, you will also find a good product in the Trixie range for dog coats.
Dog Coat by Trixie
Product Description
As usual from Trixie, the range also includes a dog coat that meets all the criteria of functional winter clothing for dogs at a comparatively low price.
- Drawstring in the collar
- With abdominal protection
- With reflectors
This dog coat was obviously inspired by other successful models.
Almost everything has been thought of: Reflective, warm inner lining, a leash opening, stomach protection, a good fit, and reflectors for the safety of the dog.
And once again, you can’t complain about the price! Here you get an absolutely solid dog coat that will keep your dog warm and withstand the weather.
Dog Coat by Hunter
Hunter offers a wide range of dog products, including a range of all-weather dog jackets.
Here you can find outdoor clothing for dogs from Hunter.
Uppsala Allrounder by Hunter
Product Description
I have no hesitation in recommending the winter coats for dogs from the Hunter Uppsala series. There is something here for every requirement.
- Available in different variants
- Water-repellent upper
- Removable fleece lining
Everything has been thought of with Hunter’s all-rounder.
The collar can be adjusted to the dog’s neck size with an elastic band. The straps on the belly protection of this dog coat are also adjustable in length.
Reflective strips on the side of the coat ensure increased safety. And the highlight: the fleece inner lining of the all-rounder can be removed. On the one hand, the coat quickly becomes an all-purpose raincoat that can also be used in cold rain showers in summer. And of course that makes cleaning this dog coat a lot easier.
The other models from Hunter’s Uppsala series don’t have to hide either.
- The Uppsala Softshell ™ is not quite as warm, but it is particularly light and weatherproof.
- The Uppsala Cozy ™ is lined with an extra soft plush lining and has an opening for harness straps.
- The Uppsala Thermo ™ is particularly light because instead of an inner lining, you will find a special thermal foil that reflects the dog’s body heat.
- With the Uppsala Extreme ™ you will find a particularly insulating 3M filling and antibacterial materials for special requirements.
Dog winter jackets from other suppliers
What criteria are important when buying a dog coat for the winter?
Of course, a winter coat for dogs should basically meet the same requirements that we have for our winter jackets:
The dog coat should keep the dog warm, even in bad weather and freezing temperatures.
How fitting, weatherproof, and warm a dog’s winter coat depends on a few criteria.
There is no one perfect dog coat for all occasions.
How good the dog coat should be depends primarily on the intended use. If the dog is only supposed to wear the coat while waiting in the car, there are different requirements than with dog coats, which should also keep your dog warm on long autumn and winter walks.
I have already written about a few factors that make a good dog winter coat.
Here is an overview of all the important points about buying a coat for your dog:
The thickness of the layers of material in the dog’s coat
In contrast to sweaters and raincoats for dogs, a winter jacket has several layers of material.
A water-repellent and weather-resistant layer on the outside and a soft insulation layer on the inside that offers comfort.
As with our winter coats, different outer fabrics offer different degrees of weather resistance.
The fabrics used for dogs range from particularly windproof soft shells to less weatherproof nylon fabrics or fabrics that soak through even light rain showers.
Breathable materials are far less important for the dog than for us, the coat can be quite weatherproof from the outside.
It is well known that dogs do not sweat through their body skin, so no body fluids have to be transported away even in a thick winter coat.
And a dog coat does not necessarily have to be particularly extra soft on the inside, because of course most dogs have fur and do not feel the dog coat directly on their skin (this is of course a more important factor for hairless dogs and dogs with thinning coats).
The inner fabric is more about the fact that a layer of air forms in roughened fabrics such as fleece, sweat fabric, or teddy plush, which wraps around the dog and keeps the heat in the coat.
Because exactly this function is actually performed by the undercoat that is missing in many dogs and should be replaced by the dog coat.
Higher-quality dog coats often have additional layers of hi-tech fabrics.
These special materials are usually intended to ensure that good thermal insulation is achieved for your dog on thinner layers.
This is why dog coats with special insulating materials are far less thick than dog coats that try to achieve the same effect with only two layers or quilting seams.
So don’t let the first impression fool you.
A particularly thick coat is not necessarily better or warmer than a thin functional winter coat for your four-legged friend.
On the contrary, many of the high-quality dog coats are extra thin and offer your dog much better freedom of movement with the same or better insulation.
Fit and freedom of movement
A dog coat should offer the dog as much freedom of movement as possible.
The key points here are the right fit and the adjustment options and the question of how to attach the lines.
Dog coats with integrated harnesses are certainly a good solution for quiet and smaller dogs.
With wilder dogs, I lack a bit of confidence in such a solution. Here I advise you to look for a dog coat with a leash opening for chest harnesses.
Thankfully, more and more suppliers of dog winter jackets are considering that harness wearers also have to be leashed somehow and consider such openings in their patterns.
The dog coat should fit well all around.
A dog coat that is too tight pinches especially in the area of the elbows and forces the dog to tiptoe.
However, a dog coat that is too wide allows too much cold air to penetrate and then no longer warms properly.
The high-quality dog coats offer a wealth of adjustment options so that the coat can be adapted to the individual body shape of your dog.
With elastic sewn-in straps and cord stoppers, you can adjust the circumference of the neck and waist, at least with good dog coats, to the right size.
Luxury coats and designer coats for dogs with annoying appendages such as a hood or fur trim may look cute, but they only hinder the dog and bring no functional benefit.
And unfortunately, even with dog jackets, as a consumer, you can never be sure whether these fur collars are actually all made of fake fur.
Dog coats with legs should have cuffs or a way to tie them tight. Because many dogs find it irritating to walk around with open bell bottoms. Apart from the fact that an open trouser leg also doesn’t prevent snow bobbles in the fur.
Either way, depending on the dog’s coat and the dog’s body shape, you should make sure that a sufficiently good fit is guaranteed.
Be sure to observe the manufacturer’s measuring instructions!
Many suppliers of winter jackets for dogs use different measuring points depending on the pattern.
So don’t just rely on information such as “back length” and “neck circumference”, but actually take a look at the measuring instructions of the providers, from where to where you should measure.
Size specifications such as S, M, L, and XL are often deceptive when fitting a dog coat.
Because especially with Asian suppliers, a coat in 4XL is sometimes only Yorkie size, but is shown on the product image on a Labrador.
The dog coat must be easy to put on!
There are different approaches to putting the coat on and attaching it to the dog.
Not all of these options are suitable for every dog and many ideas are often meant to be nice or cannot be applied otherwise, but are annoying in practice.
My dogs are pretty stoic about putting on dog clothes (training thanks!).
Over the years, the weak points of many dog coats have become apparent to me.
I like dog coats best, which you put over your neck and then only have to close with click buckles.
Dog coats that are placed on the dog’s back and then somehow closed at the front and sides are usually supplied with Velcro fasteners.
Honestly, even with medium-length-haired dogs, this is pure horror.
Too tight? You have to rip open the coat again. Too far? Start again.
Every time hair gets caught in the Velcro and the dog is quite annoyed until you even have a closure.
And of course, Velcro fasteners are so full of dog hair and dirt from the walk that they simply give up the ghost and no longer hold up.
Dog winter jackets that are closed with a zipper at the top or side of the dog’s back require practice and routine before they can be put on quickly.
Because that means that you first have to fumble the dog’s paws through the small leg openings and against the elastic pull of a cuff on the coat leg.
Thumb claws get caught very easily and not every dog tolerates it if you take your paws and pull them through these creepy openings without appropriate training.
However, I also see a clear advantage here: This type of dog coat offers functional all-around protection when put on.
The price differences when buying coats
Now to an important criterion when buying a dog coat: your budget.
Yes, there are wonderful dog coats for dogs that don’t break the bank and aren’t twice as expensive as your own winter jacket.
However, what you should be aware of are a few often-overlooked factors:
Many cheap dog coats only look warm but are not very functional for the dog.
Cheap plastic is used on the outside. And the fleece inside is usually of inferior quality and tends to pill.
Even really thick dog jackets are not necessarily warming or waterproof.
And with cheap Asian goods, I would advise you to wash the coat at least once before you put it on your dog.
If you compare pictures, you will quickly notice that many of the particularly cheap models are imitations of the expensive quality models.
Sure, you can save money with such imitations, some of which almost border on plagiarism. But then you also have to live with possibly poor workmanship and poorer material properties.
Therefore, before buying a dog coat, I advise you to look for a model with many positive customer reviews so that you do not buy an inferior product.
Wash and care for the dog’s coat
Before you buy, also make sure that the dog coat of your choice is easy to clean.
In order to keep the water-repellent properties of a high-priced dog coat for a long time, you should avoid using fabric softener and the tumble dryer.
And you should also make sure not to let the dog coat run in the spin cycle in the washing machine. This is because the reflective strips and seams that are often attached to the outside become detached.
You can wipe off coarse dirt on the outside of the dog jacket with a damp cloth.
But of course, a dog that likes to romp in the mud or roll in smelly things won’t stop even in winter.
In such cases, of course, there is always the option of hand washing.
But honestly:
Who would want to clean a disgustingly soiled dog coat by hand?
So make sure that the dog coat is machine washable.
This is undoubtedly the case with proven providers. For cheaper models, I advise you to take a look at the relevant reviews.
Does the dog need more than a dog coat?
Please note that while most dog winter coats are water resistant, they are not completely waterproof.
Even with the really good models, the many openings on the neck, legs, and stomach naturally offer plenty of opportunities for moisture and slush to penetrate.
During a long walk in the rain or at the latest when your crazy dog wants to take a bath in an icy stream, even the best dog coat will eventually get wet or at least clammy.
And since heat-insulating materials are usually not exactly quick-drying, you have to reckon with the fact that your new dog coat will not be ready for use the next time your dog wants to go outside.
The trend is therefore towards the second coat!
Sooner or later you should think about buying another cheap coat for exactly this case.
By the way, my small dogs also wear a thin, tight-fitting dog sweater under their dog coat for particularly cold days.
This onion looks not only keeps you extra warm. It also ensures that moisture that has penetrated mainly hangs in the sweater, which is easier to dry and replace.
Summary
A dog coat must fit well and be easy to put on.
Above all, however, it has to do one thing: It has to keep your dog warm in all situations.
A dog coat is not an accessory, but a piece of functional clothing for the dog.
Quality should therefore play the most important role when buying a dog winter coat!