11 Best Coats for Your Dog in 2026
Keep your snow angel warm in these durable options.
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In This Article:
The Best Winter Coats for Dogs Best Coats for Small Dog Breeds Dog Jackets With Harnesses Best Warm Jackets for Dogs Best Waterproof Jackets
Many people believe that a dog’s fur coat is enough to keep them warm during bad weather, but the reality is more complicated. Sure, we’ve all seen those viral videosopens in new tab of Huskies who refuse to come inside when it’s freezing out — but if you have a pup who wasn’t bred to race in the snow in literal Siberia, they probably need a little help staying cozy. Yes, that means doggie clothes.
“Dressing your dog for winter weather can make them more comfortable and more willing to head outside,” behaviorist Karen London wrote for Kinship. “Warm-weather clothing may make them willing to stay outside long enough to take care of business.”
Not all dogs have the same needs, though. Your pup’s ideal winter outfit is dependent on a few factors including age, fur-type, breed, and more. Shorter-haired dogs often need a heavier coat, while older dogs might do best with a coat that combines warmth with easy wearability.
Keep in mind that there are a variety of weather conditions to prepare for, too. Some winter days are dry, while others just keep the precipitation coming. Whether you’re facing snow, sleet, slush, or rain, this guide will help you choose the best winter coat for your dog.
Best winter coats for dogs
Wrestling your dog into a harness and winter coat is no one’s idea of a winter wonderland. That’s why we chose this two-in-one harness by Puppia as one of our best overall winter coats for dogs.
Lined with super soft fleece to keep your pup extra warm, this secure harness coat ensures safety on all levels for your pup. It’s also easy to take on and off. Simply zip and clip, and you and your dog are ready to brave the frosty temps. This is available in sizes in S to XXL, so make sure to measure your dog’s chest for a proper and safe fit.
If you’re looking for a coat that makes your dog look as stylish as they do cozy, consider this belted Barbour jacket. Lightweight yet insulating, this jacket’s stylish belt ensures a secure and customizable fit, giving it a leg up when it comes to movability.
And, because of its secure belting feature, this coat can grow with your dog if they are currently a puppy or on a fitness journey. Offered in sizes XS to XL, this coat also comes in four classic winter colors.
Best coats for small dog breeds
This retro puffer by GF Pet is perfect for small dogs, thanks to its extensive size range starting at 2XS. Beyond that, this coat’s unique design, featuring one large space for the front quarters, allows a unique moveability that smaller legs will appreciate. In addition, this coat’s water-repellent features are a must for small, shiver-prone dogs.
This collared fleece option from Pendleton features the brand’s iconic stripes — and quality. Reversible and easy for your dog to move in, this fleece jacket is great for winter wear on the dry side and even lightweight enough for early spring. Available in XS to XXL, this jacket is also machine-washable.
If you’re looking for both a lightweight and waterproof option, this option by Ruffwear is the ideal choice. Both warm and wearable, this insulated coat is surprisingly bulk-free, allowing for great movability in snow and slush. Available in XXS and up, the adjustable leg and waist belts will help your dog enjoy their snow day to the max.
Dog jackets with harnesses
This reflective option by Norbi is a great comfort-forward option for particular pups. An added fabric flap designed to keep your dog’s fur from getting caught in the secure zipper ensures an easy on/off process. Plus, this coat’s lightweight quilting and body-close design means your pup can run around as much as they want while staying warm. Available in sizes XS to XXL.
Designed for wear in very cold weather or for dogs with very short coats, this full-body puffer by AOFITEE is a must for freezing temps. Water and wind-resistant, this snowsuit and harness combo is surprisingly (and thankfully) easy to get on and off your dog. Note that this coat is available in sizes S to XL; however, this size chart has been adjusted to accommodate only medium dogs in its largest option.
Best warm jackets for dogs
Ideally designed for dogs with longer backs, this quilted coat doesn’t skimp on the details. Featuring a fleece lining and reflective piping, this coat is perfect for chilly evening walks or after-work dog park adventures. Available in sizes XS to L, this coat also features an adjustable belt perfect for deep-barrel chests.
If you’re looking for an adventure-ready coat, look no further than this parka by Hurtta. This coat is also ideal for colder temps — up to negative 20 Fahrenheit. It also features a highly customizable size range, with sizes based on chest girth (eight inches to 32 inches) and special versions of these sizes for low-rider dogs and dogs with larger necks.
This jacket hits the big three Cs: cute, comfy, and cost-effective. But don’t let the price fool you: It also delivers on warmth with it’s quilted design and fleece lining. Its snap buttons also makes taking it on and off a breeze, while allowing for maximum movability during wear. This jacket also comes in an impressive size range, with options ranging from XS-XXXL.
Best waterproof jacket
This Gooby jacket boasts both a built-in harness and a waterproof design, and its brand name is just fun to say. Plus, its sleeveless silhouette allows for it to be put on and taken off without fuss — in addition to allowing your dog full range of motion during wear. This pick is available in XS to XL and measured by chest size.
What should you consider when choosing the right jacket for your dog?
When choosing a winter jacket for your dog, prioritize the right fit. Opt for a jacket with insulation, such as fleece or synthetic materials, to keep them warm. Make sure it’s water-resistant and windproof to shield them from rain, snow, and chilly winds. Other factors, such as breed background, age, fur-type, and size are equally important when choosing a coat.
Short-haired breeds with no undercoat, such as Pit mixes, will need to be suited up more often than longer-haired breeds. So, you might want to prioritize warmth and jackets that are easily maneuvered on and off. For longer haired dogs who might only have to wear a jacket in super chilly temps, consider an option that feels comfortable and movable for your dog.
Remember that frostbite is a risk for your dog, too, so while a coat is essential, keeping them out of extreme temps is also key. “The best way to prevent frostbite in dogs is to limit their exposure to the cold,” veterinarian Dr. Alycia Washington wrote for Kinship. “Opt to spend time indoors snuggling with your pup instead of braving the cold weather.”
FAQs
Does my dog need a winter coat?
As a rule of thumb, older and smaller dogs, as well as dogs with a shorter fur type, are more likely to need a jacket than other types of dogs. Signs of cold discomfort in all dogs include shivering, whining, and picking paws up off the ground.
How should I measure my dog for a jacket?
Each coat manufacturer will tell you to measure your dog differently. However, most coats are measured based on weight or chest size, so you should know your dog’s weight in addition to measuring the circumference of their chest.
When do dogs grow their winter coats?
In preparation for winter, dogs normally shed their coat in the fall so that they may grow a thicker, warmer coat for winter. Conversely, dogs will shed their winter coat in the spring to make way for a lighter summer coat.
Rebecca Caplan
Rebecca Caplan is a writer based in Brooklyn whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, Reductress, and Vulture. She lives in Brooklyn with her perfect, toothless dog Moose.
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