The Best Winter Coats for Dogs: Reviewed

If you live in a cold climate or an area that gets a lot of snow then buying a winter coat for your dog may be just as important as it is to get one for yourself. While some dogs, such as Siberian Huskies or Bernese mountain dogs, are well-suited for the cold, other dog breeds such as whippets, grey hounds, or other short-haired varieties are not. In these cases they could benefit from an insulated puffer jacket, parka, or another style of coat. While middle-aged dogs fair better in cold weather, young dogs and seniors often feel the cold more because they don’t have adequate fat reserves to insulate them. They also are prime candidates for dog coats.

If you’ve been asking, “what are the best winter coats for dogs,” you’re in the right place! We’re here to help you find the best winter coats for small dogs, medium dogs, and large dogs. Our selections include a variety of styles and designs that are certain to keep your pup cozy and comfortable even on a cold winter day, including our best overall winter coat for dogs. Whether you’re looking for an insulated coat, a lightweight jacket, a heavy-duty parka, or a windproof coat, continue reading! We think you’ll like our top recommendations.

The Top Picks for the Best Winter Coats for Dogs: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Coat

Whether you’re looking for the best winter coats for large dogs or the best winter coats for small dogs, the Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Coat has you covered, plus it has earned our top spot for best overall.

While not fully waterproof, the water-resistant design of this coat is certain to help keep your pup dry and warm when they’re out in the cold or even snow and rain. The coat is also lightweight to allow your dog to move freely in it and keep them from overheating. However, it features durable construction and is made from a ripstop material to prevent accidental tears. One of the best things about this coat is that it comes with a harness hole which makes it easy for you to attach your dog’s leash while they’re wearing the coat.

This puffer jacket features a reversible design. It also comes in 14 different color combinations, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. Kurgo also added reflective piping to the sides of the jacket for increased visibility when it is dark outside. This coat is available in five different sizes to accommodate both small and larger breed pups.

Although this coat has a lot going for it, some owners have reported that it is not thick enough for very cold weather and it does not cover the dog’s belly.

Pros and Cons of the Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Coat

Best Overall

Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Coat

• Reversible insulated dog vest with reflective piping and adjustable straps
• Comes in size XS - XL in an assortment of colors and designs
• Zipper opening in back to allow leash attachment
• Great for any outdoor activities in cold temperatures
• Machine washable, air dry

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2. Best Reversible Coat: ThinkPet Cold Weather Dog Coat

Our selection as the best reversible dog coat is the ThinkPet Cold Weather Dog Coat.

This coat is perfect for ensuring that your dog stays warm when out in the snow. This coat features a soft inner padded layer to help pets retain their body heat. It also covers their stomach area more than other coats to keep it from getting too cold in the snow.

This coat is reversible with one side featuring a soft fabric material and the other featuring a wind-proof and water-resistant material. This coat is available with five different color combinations: blue and red, red and black, yellow and black, purple and gray, and green and tan.

You can easily adjust the fit of the coat using the hook and loop fasteners beneath the belly. ThinkPet also incorporated reflective piping into the design of the coat to increase your dog’s visibility at night.

The only downside to this product that we could find is that some pup parents have reported that the sizes run small.

Pros and Cons of the ThinkPet Cold Weather Dog Coat

Best Reversible Coat

ThinkPet Dog Cold Weather Coats

• Reversible dog jacket with one side polyester waterproof and windproof fabric, the other side soft spliced fabric
• Colors include blue/red, red/black, yellow/black, gray/yellow, purple/gray
• Sizes XS - 2XL with sizing chart
• Reflective piping and adjustable hook & loop fastener on underbelly
• Great all-weather dog coat for all outdoor activities

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3. Best for Warmth: Hurtta Dog Winter Jacket

If you’re looking for the warmest winter coat for dogs, then we think you’ll like the Hurrta Dog Winter Jacket.

This coat features heat reflective material with a foil lining that actually encourages the dog’s blood circulation by reflecting its body heat. It’s soft, flexible design allows for your pup plenty of movement, while it also has a draw hood to warm its ears in extreme temperatures. There are slots on the back to allow a lead to be attached to a harness.

This coat also sports an adjustable collar, waist, and back length which means it is easily adjustable to ensure that perfect fir for your pooch.

Unfortunately, this coat is water-resistant rather than water-proof which does mean that it is not suitable for extreme weather. Also, the hood is a turtle-neck which has to be pulled over the dog’s head which some dogs may not like.

Pros and Cons of the Hurtta Dog Winter Jacket

Best for Warmth

Hurtta Dog Winter Jacket

• The coat has a foil lining that reflects dog's heat, stimulating blood flow to keep dog's leg muscles, neck, and chest warm
• A tricot hood keeps ears and head warm
• Adjustable collar, waist, and length
• Sizes vary from 10 inches long to 26 inches; several colors and patterns to choose from

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4. Best Value: Frisco Anchorage Insulated Dog Parka

If you are looking for a warm coat for your dog that doesn’t cost a lot of money then we suggest the Frisco Anchorage Insulated Dog Parka.

This quilted coat offers a water-resistant exterior paired with a cozy lining to ensure your dog stays dry, comfortable, and warm on chilly days. To help get a custom fit for your pup, you can adjust the hook and loop straps that go around the belly. These will help ensure a proper fit to keep your dog warm in the snow or other wintry weather conditions. The coat’s design also includes a hood to provide added warmth for your pup.

There are seven different sizes available which means that it is suitable for most dogs. There are also three attractive color options: yellow/black, blue, and red.

However, some customers have reported that it is difficult to put on their pets as some dogs do not like the step in design. Also, the fastenings are on the belly which makes them difficult to close and some pup parents suggested that it would have been better if they were on the back instead.

Pros and Cons of the Frisco Anchorage Insulated Dog Parka

Best Value

Frisco Anchorage Insulated Dog Parka

• Heavyweight insulated design perfect for cold winter weather
• Pockets to hold small objects, hood to protect ears
• Adjustable velcro straps around belly
• Comes in sizes XS - XL with detailed sizing chart

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How to Choose the Right Winter Coat for Your Dog

Use the features outlined below to help you choose from our selections for the best winter coats for dogs. Consulting this list will help you make sure the coat you select will best meet your dog’s needs.

Climate

The first thing you need to think about is the climate of the area where you live. If you live in a more temperate area that just has some cool weather, a lightweight jacket may be all your dog needs to prevent them from getting too cold.

However, if the temperatures frequently drop below freezing, looking for an insulated puffer jacket or parka is probably the best choice.

You may also want to consider if the area you live in tends to get very windy. If so, consider searching for a windproof winter coat to protect your pup from harsh winds.

Size

Finding a winter coat that will offer the right fit is essential. Not only do you want your dog to be comfortable in their coat, but if the coat is too large, it may slide around and get in their way of walking. Coats that are too small won’t provide adequate coverage to keep your pup warm and may be too tight for them to wear.

Some dogs can be difficult to fit. You can also consider looking for a custom winter coat. A custom coat can be made to your dog’s exact measurements for a more tailored fit.

Materials

Next, consider the materials used to make each of the winter coats for small dogs or large dogs you’re considering. In addition to considering the comfort of your pup, you’ll also want to think about how well the materials used will help keep him warm and protect him from the elements. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, you might want to look for a waterproof coat for extra protection.

Also, think about how durable and long-lasting the materials are. Choosing a coat made with durable, high-quality materials will help ensure that it will last beyond just one or two seasons of use.

Design

Another important consideration is the overall design of the coat. First, pay attention to how each model gets put on and think about whether it seems easy enough to do with your dog. You will also want to consider how you’ll hook up your dog’s leash. Some of the best winter coats for large dogs and small dogs come with a harness hole to allow you to connect the leash to the harness. Looking for a custom design is another option here to ensure you’re happy with how the coat works.

In addition to the functional design of each model, you may also want to consider its aesthetic appeal. Look for a color that you like and that you think will coordinate with your dog’s fur color and/or leash. Some manufacturers also offer reversible dog coats. Reversible coats will give you the option to switch between two color choices depending on your mood/preferences.

Up Next…

• The Best Dog Beds — Check out this review for help choosing the perfect bed for your pet to snuggle down into.
• The Best Dog Sleeping Bags: Reviewed — Want to take your dog camping or backpacking in the great outdoors? Here’s some highly recommended dog sleeping bags for indoor or outdoor fun.
• The Best Dog Pajamas: Reviewed — Find out about some great choices in dog pajamas for holidays, cold winter nights, and other occasions.