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It’s a truth universally acknowledged: there is nothing cooler than a dog in shades. But as many pet parents know, dog sunglasses aren’t just for style—there are a lot of pups out there who benefit from the protection dog goggles offer. Finding the right model and fit to meet your dog’s needs isn’t just about fashion; it’s critical for safety and comfort.
We’ve rounded up the best dog sunglasses and goggles on the market and dug into which pups they’re good for—and which they’re not.
How To Pick the Best Dog Goggles for Your Pup
Choosing the right pair of protective sunglasses or goggles for your dog depends on 1) what you’re trying to protect against and 2) the unique anatomy of your pup.
For protection against physical irritants and scratches, strong wind (and debris), and sandy sports, you’ll want full-coverage dog sunglasses that enclose your pup’s orbits fully—no open-sided shades here.
If sun protection is your priority, especially where an eye condition makes a dog sensitive to bright light, make sure your dog glasses offer UV protection and are tinted appropriately to guard against glare.
Wanda Jewell via iStock
Then there’s your pup’s unique anatomy to consider.
Brachycephalic breeds and mixes (think Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers) are more susceptible to eye injuries generally. Their large, bulging eyes are vulnerable to plants and anything that brushes their face, which makes them a great candidates for doggles—but also means that extra care needs to be taken in the selection process. A deep lens cup and gentle orbital fit with no suction are critical to ensure a flat-faced dog’s eyes aren’t damaged.
If you want your dog to wear eye protection for any length of time, especially if you have a working dog, look for goggles and sunglasses with adjustable straps and a single lens that maximizes field of vision.
Finally, this is one purchase where it’s really worth getting out the measuring tape. A good fit won’t just make it more likely that your dog will take to goggles; it’s important for safety, since glasses that are too tight can damage your pup’s eyes, and glasses that are too loose can fall and cause an accident.
Finally, consider giving your veterinarian a call to get the green light, especially if you’re using dog goggles in conjunction with a medical condition or have a brachycephalic pup.
For more on how dog sunglasses and goggles work, see our interview on the subject with expert veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Greenstein.
The Best Dog Goggles and Sunglasses
Best for Everyday Use: Doggles Originalz
These doggles are a classic for a reason—they were one of the first effective pairs of dog sunglasses on the market, and they’re the model on which many later iterations were built. These functional, well-made dog goggles protect dogs’ eyes from irritants and the elements. They’re available in a range of sizes, and the straps adjust well to fit different head shapes.
Why we like them:
- Shatterproof lens and wrap-around style keeps out dirt, debris, and elements
- Adjustable straps make them a good fit for a wide range of breeds
- Padded all around for comfort
Where they fall short:
- Limited field of vision
- Shallower cup depth; not for dogs with buggier eyes
Best for Sun Protection: NVTED 100% UV Protection Dog Goggles
These dog sunglasses feature a large lens area with 100% UV protection. Equipped with both head and chin straps and a PVC frame, these goggles sit comfortably on the face with padding. One reviewer in particular raved about this pair for their German Shepherd who has pannus and is extremely sensitive to UV rays. They’re also a nice budget pick, especially for pet parents who would like to test the waters with an affordable option.
Why we like them:
- 100% UV block
- Water-proof, shatter-proof, anti-fog
- Well-reviewed for dogs with light sensitivity
- Affordable price
Where they fall short:
- Only meant for medium and large breeds; not the right choice for small dogs
- Not as bendable for fit as some other brands
Best for Goggle-Averse Pups: QUMY Dog Sunglasses
Some dogs just aren’t going to go for goggles no matter how hard you try. However, these popular dog goggles have a few things going for them that might help: they have a big lens area with sponge padding for comfort, adjustable and comfortable double straps, and a wide nose bridge. This pair is also budget-friendly—always nice when you’re taking a risk on a product your pup might not like.
Why we like them:
- Fits comfortably and securely with two adjustable straps
- Wide, flexible nose bridge and deep lens cup that can fit a lot of different dog faces
- Budget-friendly with especially strong reviews
Where they fall short:
- Only for dogs over 15 pounds
- Not as durable as pricier models
Best for Adventuring and Working Dogs: Rex Specs Dog Goggles
Rex Specs aren’t your average dog sunglasses; they’re more like extreme sport dog goggles. Made to hold up to outdoor elements, stay put, and protect your dog’s eyes on adventure trips, they’re the top of the line in adventure gear and a good choice for working dogs thanks to their unrestricted field of vision, range of styles, and lens options.
Why we like them:
- Comes with two lenses, one clear and one smoke, that are impact-resistant
- Range of styles to choose from
- Large single lens maximizes field of vision for active and working dogs
- Blocks 99.9% of UV rays
Where they fall short:
- Expensive—these are for committed goggle wearers
Best for Small Dogs: CocoPet New Version Dog Goggles
With a clear fit guide and a lot of positive reviews, these goggles are made with small dogs in mind—and are also easy on the wallet. They offer a little lens cup depth for those smaller doggies with bigger eyes, though a test fit to check for clearance is important.
Why we like them:
- Up to UV400 protection
- Popular among pet parents with small dogs
- Waterproof
Where they fall short:
- Durability; foam padding can dislodge after prolonged use
- The nose bridge is less bendy than other goggles on the list, so it may not work for all small-breed faces
Best for Large Dogs: Doggles Dog Goggles ILS
The ILS is definitely one of the best models out on the market today. Like the Originalz, these Doggles are an all-around comfy choice, and they also have features which work great for larger breeds, such as a flexible bridge and larger sizes.
Why we like them:
- Deep lens cup to give your dog’s eyes space under the lens
- Lenses that are UVA and UVB protecting, shatter-proof, and anti-fog
- Truly bendable for a comfortable fit on larger faces
- Different colors and sizes up to XL
Where they fall short:
- Some dogs have trouble keeping them on; strap adjustment can be a finicky process
How We Chose
The dog sunglasses and goggles featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized UV protection, cup depth, adjustability, flexibility, and durability. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
