Some dogs love sitting out in the cold, while others would rather be bundled up during the colder months. You may want to opt for one of the best dog jackets for winter if your pup is one of the latter.
Read on for the best dog winter coats and jackets, hands-on tested by Whole Dog Journal.
Does My Dog Actually Need a Winter Jacket?
Not all dogs need winter coats. Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds are well-suited to cold winter weather. Breeds like these with thick coats would likely overheat with the addition of a winter jacket and are often perfectly happy sitting in the snow or hanging out in the cold.
However, the following types of dogs can benefit from a winter jacket to stay warm in cooler weather:
- Very small breeds like Chihuahuas
- Young puppies and elderly dogs, as they both may struggle with temperature regulation
- Dogs with low body fat (think Greyhounds and other sighthounds)
- Dogs with thin, single coats like (i.e. bully breed mixes, Dobermans, and German Shorthaired Pointers)
- Hairless breeds, like American Hairless Terriers and Xoloitzcuintles
Traits We Want in a Dog Jacket for Winter
Fit and comfort: A dog winter jacket should be snug enough that it retains your dog’s body heat and keeps them warm but loose enough to allow correct range of motion. Ideally, the front of a dog jacket should be cut high enough to allow your dog to extend their front legs. Any straps or buckles that help keep the jacket in place should be loose enough or placed in a way to not cause discomfort. There should be enough sizes that the jacket is comfortable on both small dogs and large breeds.
Insulation: Dog jacket insulation is getting better and better with each passing year. Outdoor-focused dog brands are using high-quality insulation in their dog coats (some even using materials like Primaloft, found in human insulated jackets). Many brands also supply measurements for the amount of insulation in each jacket, so you can see which options are warmer than others.
However, just because a jacket offers a ton of insulation doesn’t mean it’s the best for your dog. If your dog is using a jacket during active pursuits like hiking or jogging, they may overheat with a coat that’s too insulated. On the flip side, if your dog is only going for short walks and they’re prone to shivering, a dog coat with more insulation may be a better choice. The best winter jacket for your dog will depend on their activity level, the average climate in your area, and how cold your dog gets.
Waterproofing: Whether you want a dog jacket with waterproofing or water resistance will depend on the area you live in and what other kind of dog gear you have. If you already have a dog raincoat, you may not need a waterproof dog coat. However, if it rains and snows frequently in the winter and you still want to be able to take your dog out on walks, a waterproof insulated dog jacket is the way to go.
Bonus features: Holes for harnesses, built-in harnesses, reflectivity, and handy stuff sacks for storage are among the fun extra features you might find in one of the best dog jackets for winter.
Read on for the best dog winter coats we tested.
| Whole Dog Journal Rating | Product and Maker | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Non-stop Dogwear Glacier Jacket 3.0 | $119.99 | With waterproofing ratings, breathability ratings, and high-quality Primaloft insulation, the specs on this dog coat would be impressive on a human coat. It comes in14 different sizes and has one of the most non-restrictive fits of any of the dog jackets we tested. |
| Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse Insulated Vest | $99.99 | This option is a harness and insulated dog jacket in one and durable enough for outdoor adventures, rain or shine. |
| Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece Jacket | $69.99 | This mid-layer is a great choice for camping, hiking, and more mild fall and early spring weather. It’s comfortable, moves with your dog’s body, and adds just the right amount of warmth. |
 | Hurtta Extreme Warmer III Dog & Cat Snowsuit | Starting at $105.95 | If you live in an area where the temperature regularly drops into the negatives, the Hurtta Extreme Warmer III is the warmest dog winter jacket on this list. It has reflective lining, a thermal “hood” that keeps cold air out and covers your dog’s neck and ears, and a comfortable, ergonomic fit. |
| Ruffwear Powder Hound Waterpoof Insulated Coverall | $139.99 | Snow dogs, this one’s for you. If you have a pup who likes to frolic in the snow but gets too cold, this full-body snowsuit will repel snow while keeping your best buddy warm. It features sleeves and a full chest and belly panel to lock in heat and lock out snow and moisture. |
| Frisco Mid-Heavyweight Love Insulated Dog & Cat Coat | Starting at $15.99 | This budget-friendly option is surprisingly thick and warm for the price. It’s best suited for low-impact activities like quick potty breaks and short cold-weather walks. |
Best Dog Winter Coat: Non-stop Dogwear Glacier Jacket 3.0
The Non-stop Dogwear Glacier Jacket 3.0 is a human-quality jacket—but for dogs. This jacket is one of the most technical on the market: It features Primaloft Black insulation, a 20,000mm waterproofing rating, and a 20,000 g/m2/24hrs breathability rating.
A 20,000mm waterproofing rating is akin to top-performing human raincoats, and will keep your dog dry in heavy, prolonged downpours, wet snow, and high-intensity activities. The breathability rating means that 20,000 grams of water vapor can pass through a one-square-meter section of the fabric over 24 hours. This means the fabric of this coat allows sweat to escape while also keeping moisture out, which will keep your dog dry and comfortable even during demanding activities like alpine hiking, skijoring, or canicross.
This jacket is warm, but thanks to the breathability of the material, it’s not so warm that your dog will overheat, provided you’re using it during cold weather. It also features a leash portal, so it’s compatible with harnesses.
This dog winter coat has a comfortable and customizable fit (it has multiple cinches to adjust to your dog’s body), and it comes in 14 different sizes, so it fits extra small breeds all the way up to giant breeds.
Best Budget Dog Winter Jacket: Frisco Mid-Heavyweight Love Insulated Dog & Cat Coat
The Frisco Mid-Heavyweight Love Insulated Dog & Cat Coat is surprisingly warm for the low price. It features a fleece lining as well as polyester insulation and would be a great choice for pups who just need to stay warm on short walks or potty breaks. It doesn’t have a harness portal, so it’s best suited for dogs who typically walk on a collar and leash.
I’ve found that most of the budget-friendly dog coats don’t have great mobility in the front and this one is no exception. The thick cut at the front of your dog’s shoulder allows for extra warmth but doesn’t allow for full range of motion in the front. It also runs a little small, so sizing up will help with this issue. This coat is best suited for short outings in cold weather—choose a more ergonomically-designed jacket if you’re planning on using it for running, hiking, or long winter walks.
Best Mid-Weight Dog Jacket: Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece Jacket
I’ve had a version of the Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece Jacket for years, and just recently upgraded to the newest model. This dog fleece has been my go-to for fall/winter camping trips and dry-weather winter hiking.
My Border Collie mix, Miso, has a short, single coat and tends to get chilly when stationary during the colder months. This fleece offers her the perfect amount of warmth on hikes so that she doesn’t overheat but still stays comfortable when we stop for a break or for lunch. I also put this jacket on her as an extra layer in addition to her dog sleeping bag when we camp during the fall and early spring.
The Climate Chnager is harness compatible and features a harness hole that you can run a leash through.
Best Dog Coat for Extreme Cold: Hurtta Extreme Warmer III Dog & Cat Snowsuit
The Hurtta Extreme Warmer III Dog & Cat Snowsuit is the jacket I pull out when we have temperatures in the negatives here in Colorado in the winter. The best part of this jacket is that the inside is reflective, so it reflects all your dog’s body heat back onto them, in addition to retaining it via insulation. It comes in nine different sizes, so you can find a custom fit for your pup, and it features reflective elements, a soft, comfortable material, and elastic cinches that allow you to adjust the back length, neck, and shoulder fit.
This jacket also features a high neck that provides extra warmth and protects your dog’s head from snow and rain. This is one of the only hoods on a jacket that my dogs tolerate, since it sits snugly against their heads instead of hanging down low over their eyes. This dog jacket also comes with a harness hole.
Best Dog Jacket for Snow: Ruffwear Powder Hound Waterproof Insulated Coverall
If you have a dog who’s very sensitive to the cold and snow and could use extra warmth, the Ruffwear Powder Hound Waterproof Insulated Coverall is a good option. This full-body, harness-compatible dog snowsuit has four sleeves in addition to the insulated body, so small dogs and thin-haired dogs stay toasty when playing in the snow. It features a waterproof rating of 10,000mm and has 250g of polyester insulation in it.
Because it’s a full-body snowsuit, the sizing matters more than an option without legs, so double check your dog’s measurements before ordering. It’s helpful to size up if your dog is between sizes so you have enough back length to keep their rear end warm and the rear leg sleeves fit properly.
Best Dog Winter Jacket with a Harness: Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse Insulated Vest
If you normally walk your dog on a harness, but don’t love the idea of layering multiple pieces of gear, the Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse Insulated Vest solves that problem. This insulated dog jacket features a built-in harness and is ideal for dogs who are active outdoors. It features front and back attachment points, an abrasion and weather-resistant outer material, fleece lining, reflective piping, and 120g of polyester insulation for warmth.
Winter Jackets for Dogs FAQ
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How should dog jackets fit?
A dog winter jacket should be snug enough that it retains your dog’s body heat and keeps them warm but still allows correct range of motion. The best dog winter jackets feature high cut shoulders to give your dog full range of motion while walking, running, and hiking. You should be able to slide at least two fingers under any straps or buckles used to keep the coat on your dog.
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How should you measure your dog for a jacket?
Don’t rely on weight or breed recommendations for dog jackets. The best way to ensure a dog jacket will fit your dog is to use a soft measuring tape to measure the base of their neck, the deepest part of their chest, and the length of their back from their withers (shoulders) to the base of their tail.
