- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Winter gear for dogs can help our pets stay warm, dry, and safe—even extending their enjoyment of the chilly season. And just as our own closets carry an assortment of outwear to choose from based on the weather (and our individual tolerance to it), many dogs can benefit from having a couple of winter clothing options available for different outdoor conditions.
When it comes to winter coat shopping for your dog, you’ll want to consider not only the potential fit of a coat but also how weather-resistant the material is to rain or snow. Likewise, while all of the coats and jackets on our list are relatively easy to put on, if your pet has a preference or dislike for Velcro, zippers, or over-the-head style clothing, it can help narrow down the options.
New to dog clothes? Jump to some helpful shopping guidelines on practical winter dog gear below, or read on for our top picks.
Best Coat for Small Dogs: Ruffwear Stumptown Quilted Dog Coat
Even if they love the snow, smaller breeds can struggle in the winter because they lose body heat more quickly than large dogs. This makes your fun-sized pooch a great candidate for an insulated jacket. For a coat to be functional, though, it needs to be sized properly—which can be tricky with super small dogs.
With six sizes available, the Ruffwear Stumptown makes it easier for dog parents to find the right fit. The smallest size (xx-small) is recommended for dogs with a chest girth between 13 and 18 inches. The coat also offers a relaxed fit with a bit of wiggle room, in case you’d like to layer it over a sweater or a harness.
As a quilted coat, it’s well-insulated with recycled polyester material, so it’s great for warming up a dog who gets chilled easily.
Key Features:
- The outer shell is water-repelling (but not waterproof)
- Side buckles make it easy to take on/off
- Machine-washable, hang to dry
Best Coat for Large Dogs: Carhartt Chore Coat (Verified Review)
Nailing the right coat size can be hard if you have a larger dog. This is where multiple points of adjustment are most useful. The Carhartt Chore coat lets you adjust the Velcro straps at both the chest and the neck to ensure a good fit.
Reviewers say that this coat in its largest size (XL) even works for some giant breeds, like Great Danes, who can fit a chest girth of 30 to 45 inches. Our testers agreed, finding the jacket just right for a 110-pound Great Pyrenees and a 125-pound Newfie.
The water-repellent duck canvas material combined with the nylon and polyester batting lining provide good warmth without bogging big dogs down in restrictive layers. An extra bit of visibility on the slopes was a plus for our test pooches, and our test pet parents were especially pleased with the pockets for dog gear.
Key Features:
- Resistant to abrasions
- Available in six color options
- Hand wash only
Best Coat for Puppies: GF Pet Winter Sailor Parka
Squirmy puppies (especially ones who aren’t used to wearing clothes) need a jacket that’s super easy to put on. The Winter Sailor Parka incorporates Velcro closures and a stretchy fit to make it easier to throw on and take off. The hood is removable if you need something a little more streamline (or a little less chewable), and the faux-fur is vegan.
The interior is lined with cozy Sherpa, which will feel soft and comforting against your pup’s body. And since puppies aren’t always the tidiest, we appreciate that this jacket can be tossed in the washing machine.
Key Features:
- Water-repellant
- Velcro enclosures around the neck and chest
- Cozy sherpa lining
Best for Seniors: PetRageous Designs Juneau Insulated Dog Jacket
For senior dogs who might struggle to slide their legs into a pullover jacket, this PetRageous coat requires no lifting of paws or legs to put it on. It’s also extremely warm and well-insulated with poly fiber fill, making it the perfect waterproof and windproof coat for when your pet needs to go out for potty breaks in the cold or snow. An opening in the collar area also allows dogs to wear this coat with a leash or front-clip harness attached.
Key Features:
- Available in four colors: teal, magenta, grey, and red
- Adjustable Velcro strap on back
- Machine washable
Best for Fluffy Dogs: Ruffwear Vert Dog Jacket
For dogs with a fluffy coat, a coat designed with a relaxed fit, like this Ruffwear one, is a great option that provides space for your pet’s mane. The coat is insulated with polyester to keep your dog comfortably toasty, and the outer shell protects against rain, wind, and snow. On extra windy days, there’s also an option to secure the coat with leg loops to ensure it doesn’t fly up—though we’ve found most of our similar Ruffwear designs don’t need the loops except for serious wind or serious exercise.
We especially like the minimal chest strap, which makes it easy to attach a front-clip harness for pullers in training.
Key Features:
- Waterproof shell
- Available in six sizes and teal or orange colors
- Hand wash only
Best Waterproof Coat: Canada Pooch The Waterproof Puffer Dog Coat
Insulated waterproof coats are ideal for rainy days or coping with slushy sidewalks. They keep your dog warm and dry—while minimizing post-walk cleanup. This Canada Pooch coat combines an outer waterproof shell with a warm inner layer of faux down to keep your pooch insulated.
An opening on the back of the coat also allows it to be compatible with leashes and back-clip harnesses. Keep in mind that while this coat is great for colder weather, if all you need is rain protection, it might be too heavy.
Key Features:
- Both warm and waterproof
- Adjustable Velcro belly bands and a hem toggle
- Machine-washable
Find on Petco Find on Chewy Find on Canada Pooch
Best Down Jacket: Canada Pooch Alaskan Army Parka
Down offers luxurious warmth, and this popular Alaskan Army Parka is no exception. Crafted with a soft Sherpa lining and faux down insulation, this dog coat will keep a pup nice and toasty. The smaller sizes (10 to 16) have sleeves, whereas the larger sizes are sleeve-free. We think most large dogs will appreciate this thoughtful design detail that won’t impede their natural movement.
If your dog might enjoy the winter more with an insulating layer of protection, this parka is worth considering.
Key Features:
- 10 sizes available
- Water-resistant cotton canvas exterior
- Dual hook-and-loop closures help hold the coat in place
- Includes leash portal that can accommodate a harness as well
- Includes functional pockets
- Attractive faux-fur trim along the hood adds a touch of flair
Best Blanket Coat: Zack & Zooey Polyester Nor’easter
Blanket coats offer versatility—they can be used in various weather conditions (windy squalls, cold days, wet or muddy outings). And typically, this style won’t impede leg movement the way many other coats do.
The Nor-easter’s reversible design makes it perfect for fluctuating weather: for sunny Autumn walks, the patterned fleece side is darling. On rainy days, just switch to the waterproof side. An easy on/off design makes this coat suitable for both puppies and arthritic dogs.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant shell wards off slush, rain, and snow
- Hook-and-loop fasteners
- Reversible design
Find on Amazon Find on Walmart
Best Coat With a Harness: Expawlorer Waterproof Coat
A downside of many dog coats is their incompatibility with a leash or harness. Many harnesses won’t fit under or over a bulky jacket—and even if the jacket features a leash opening, these don’t always line up properly with a dog’s harness.
The Expawlorer solves this headache with a built-in harness that you can adjust to your pup’s specifications. This jacket uses a three-layer design for warmth and comfort: outside is a waterproof layer for protection, followed by a padded layer of down cotton for warmth, and finally an interior polyester lining to make the coat durable and breathable.
We’re a little skeptical about the coat’s ability to hold up to a heavy puller—but for more easy-going walkers or pet parents who use a harness to avoid putting strain on a dog’s neck, the Expawlorer can be a smart choice.
Key Features:
- Berber fleece turtleneck adds warmth, but some dogs may not like it
- Reflective piping along straps
- Available in three colors: khaki, black-gray, and black-red
- Machine-washable
Best Coat With Pockets: Canada Pooch Everest Explorer Jacket
Ladies aren’t the only ones who love a pocketed garment—your dog could also use a secure place to stash their essentials, such as poop bags, treats, or even their parent’s keys or phone. This Canada Pooch jacket features not one, but four generously-sized pockets for everything your pup needs on the trail.
Comfort-wise, the Everest features fleece and faux-down on the inside for a super warm and soft coat. Dual Velcro closures make it easy to put on most dogs. However, because the Velcro lines the bottom of the jacket, it might be harder to get on a low-riding pup like a Corgi or Dachshund.
Key Features:
- Opening for leash on the back
- Hood is retractable but not removable
- Faux-fur trim
Best Snowsuit: Canada Pooch “Slush Suit”
Snowsuits offer full-body coverage for serious protection against the elements. As the name suggests, this Slush Suit is ready for whatever winter has in store, be it rain, sleet, mud, or snow. It’s water-resistant, and the head-to-toe coverage helps keep dogs dry on soggy expeditions. The polyester material offers a layer of warmth, but this jacket isn’t so heavy that it will cause dogs to overheat when romping about.
The Slush Suit also features a side zipper, which will appeal to low-bodied dogs or those with puppies who can’t sit still for very long. Snaps along the sleeve edges keep out snow and water for a dryer pup after your outings.
Key Features:
- Available in black or bright pink
- Water-resistant exterior
- Reflective trim aids visibility
Best for Hiking: Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket
Planning to hit the trails with your dog during the cooler months? This tidy Kurgo jacket is an good option to provide your dog with additional warmth without adding a lot of additional weight or impeding their movement.
The jacket can be worn with a harness because of the zippered opening on the back, and the sleeveless design will appeal to dogs who dislike tight clothing around their legs. Made of water-resistant ripstop material with light synthetic down insulation, it comes in a range of bright colors with reflective piping for added visibility.
Key Features:
- Reversible, over-the-head design with underbelly Velcro strap
- Machine-washable, air-dry
- Can be layered on top of a Kurgo knit sweater or a fleece for added warmth
Best for Winter Sports: Hurtta Expedition Insulated Parka (Verified Review)
The folks at Hurtta aren’t bluffing when they call this parka their “expedition” model—this coat is designed with active breeds in mind. The company reports it is safe to wear in temperatures ranging from 30°F to -20°F. Additionally, the laminated fabric is waterproof, so your winter explorer won’t get drenched during their winter treks. And while the coat is considered heavy-duty, our testers found the fabric breathable enough that they didn’t worry about their dogs overheating.
They also praised the coat for not hindering their dog’s range of motion—a must for athletic, snow-bound dogs.
Key Features:
- Harness opening can be snapped closed
- Secures with one buckle around the waist
- Reflective piping aids in visibility
- Machine-washable
- On the pricey side
What Kinds of Winter Dog Clothes Are Best?
The best winter dog clothes are both situation-dependent and pup-dependent. You’ll want to weigh the degree of protection your dog needs from the elements, plus their comfort level with clothes.
For the most extreme protection against the cold, try a full-bodied dog snowsuit. They’re for use in snowy conditions and offer weatherproofing from head to toe. You’ll often see them on pups with thin hair or thin bodies. They can help short pups stay warm enough to get in some snow play, or protect especially fluffy dogs from accumulating icicles and mats.
That said, because they offer so much coverage, dog snowsuits also the hardest sell for a dog who’s lukewarm on wearable gear. The sleeves can feel restrictive. And thick- or double-coated dogs can easily overheat in a heavy snowsuit—especially after they’ve been playing outside for a while.
Heavily-padded dog jackets make sense when the cold is your primary concern. They keep your dog’s core body temperature up by trapping warm air against the skin. Some are more water-resistant than others, so take your climate into account when choosing. Look for easy ways to get these jackets on or off and consider how they’ll pair with your pup’s harness.
-
Alexander Pytskiy via iStock
Some winter dog clothes will incorporate features that speak to different types of dogs and lifestyles. Built-in harnesses and pockets, for example, are practical bonuses for adventuring dogs—though most built-in harnesses aren’t as tough as standalone models.
Adjustable coats are great for dogs with hard-to-fit dimensions (barrel-chested breeds, for one). And well-placed Velcro closures are a boon for dressing restless puppies or dogs unused to clothing.
When shopping for winter dog clothes, make sure to use your dog’s measurements to determine their sizing for each product, since a “large” in some brands can fit a Great Dane, while another product’s “large” may be meant for a 20-pound Chiweenie.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not all dogs like the sensation of wearing clothes, so when dressing your pup, go slowly and respond to their cues.
Some dogs initially reject clothing, especially if they weren’t acclimated to wearing clothes as a puppy. Reward them in the presence of the clothes, then try them on for brief periods. Your pal might need to adjust slowly.
If they seem nervous or uncomfortable, don’t press the issue—pull out a heated dog blanket or a warming dog bed instead. Your vet can also offer alternative ways to keep your clothing-averse dog warm and safe all winter long.
How We Chose
The winter dog coats featured here were selected based on our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer feedback across several retail platforms, and an interview with veterinarian Chyrle Bonk, DVM.
We prioritized winter gear with effective insulation, waterproof materials, and a range of sizes to fit all kinds of dogs. Additionally, we considered the various needs of different breeds and pet parent lifestyles. We’re guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated dogs, who are never stingy with their feedback.
