What to Consider When Selecting a Dog Jacket
Sizing
Most winter dog jackets are adjustable, with straps around the chest or waist, but getting the right size will still be crucial to a proper fit. When you’re buying dog apparel, make sure to look at the sizing guide, and measure your dog using a fabric tape ruler (or use a piece of string, and then measure that with a ruler).
“The coat should fit well and allow normal movement: jumping, running and playing,” says Corinne Wigfall, veterinarian with SpiritDog Training. “You should be able to fit a finger between the body of your dog and the coat to check it’s not too tight. If your dog scratches, bites, or refuses to walk this may be their way of communicating to you that the coat isn’t fitting right.”
Weather
In general, a waterproof jacket is preferable, since staying dry is a key component of staying warm, but if you anticipate predominantly snowy weather, then insulation should be a higher priority. Fleece and polyester fills are most common, but give extra consideration to jacket options with two-layer linings that can offer multiple benefits.
Almost as important as the fabrics and fill is the overall cut, with dog jackets typically finding a middle-ground balance between easy to get on and coverage. In more extreme weather, you’ll want to opt for a jacket that covers more of your dog’s chest and limbs, even if it’s more of a pain to get them in and out of it.
Your Dog’s Natural Insulation
Some dogs are just naturally better suited for colder environments, because they have more fur. As a result, they won’t need as heavy of a coat as others.
“Certain breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and the Caucasian Shepherd were built for the snow and have thick, double coats to keep them toasty warm,” says veterinary surgeon Linda Simon. “These guys need little intervention when it comes to handling cold weather.”
But other breeds aren’t as prepared for cold weather, with some smaller dogs even at risk in relatively mild cold.
“The American Hairless Terrier and Chinese Crested are two examples of breeds that can’t handle low temperatures due to their lack of fur,” Simon told The Spruce Pets. “These dogs can only go outside shortly and need to wear doggy clothes to ensure their core temperature does not plummet.”
Since your dog can’t tell you directly, watch carefully for signs of their discomfort to determine whether a jacket is offering too much or too little insulation.
“If your dog is panting while wearing the coat, he might be too warm,” says T.B. Thompson, a veterinarian from Arizona. “If your dog is shivering or trying to curl up against you, he might still be cold and needing a warmer coat.”
Other Features
Lots of coats either have a place to attach your dog’s leash or they have a slit to allow for you to attach their leash to the harness they’re wearing underneath the coat. This feature is important if you’re planning to have your dog wear the coat on walks.
Also consider getting a coat with reflective strips or lining so that your pup is visible to other people or vehicles if you plan to walk your dog at dusk, dawn, or night.
How We Tested
We researched popular and top-performing dog jackets in a variety of styles. We then selected 18 dog jackets for real-world testing on dogs as they experience a variety of weather conditions.
To begin, each human participant was assigned a dog jacket. They measured their dog and selected the appropriate jacket size based on the manufacturer’s size chart. For two weeks, our pet parent and dog tester pairs went for walks, strolls, romps, and jaunts in their assigned dog jacket. Each human participant paid close attention to how the features of the jacket on their dog performed against the elements. They gathered insights and provided feedback within the following categories: Comfort, Design, Quality, and Value. They were also asked whether they would recommend the dog jacket to friends and family.
At the end of our trial period, we analyzed the data and information provided by our testing teams. We then ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the most appropriate dog jacket to suit your dog’s unique needs, preferences, and atmospheric conditions.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This roundup was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.
A previous version was written by Steven Rowe, who has a rescue beagle of his own that won’t tolerate the cold or garments that hinder her ability to run, so he made sure that the jackets on this list had the features he looks for when shopping for her.