The best dog winter coats of 2024, tested and reviewed

Pros: Insulated and lined, full chest and belly coverage, water-resistant, reflective trim

Cons: Pricey, harness must be worn over the jacket

Ruffwear's Powder Hound is a high-quality jacket that will keep your dog warm and dry in cold, wet, and windy winter conditions. According to Jacob Venter, owner of Denver Dog Joggers, the jacket is water-resistant and fits tightly enough to prevent snow from building up inside.

As a brand, Ruffwear was the clear favorite for the best dog winter coats among our experts. "Ruffwear has the best dog gear," says Krissia Chanto, co-owner of Rock Paw Pet Care in Boulder, Colorado. Megan Selheim, owner of Come, Sit, Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota, agrees. "Ruffwear jackets are long-lasting and high quality," she says.

The upper panel of the Powder Hound Jacket is filled with recycled polyester insulation, and its lower panel is stretchy and form-fitting, with cap sleeves over the front legs and full chest and belly coverage. The jacket's interior has a soft lining to prevent chafing and discomfort. It is easy to put on and take off quickly with a single zipper that runs the length of its left side.

Reflective trim provides better visibility at night, and there is a loop at the base of the neck for attaching an additional light. Although this jacket does not have an opening for securing a leash to a harness worn underneath, it is slim fitting enough that most harnesses will fit easily over the outside. 

Pros: Insulated and lined, full chest and belly coverage, waterproof, built to move with an active dog, reflective trim

Cons: Pricey

Dogs who love a good outdoor winter adventure will stay toasty and dry in Hurtta's insulated Expedition Parka. Designed in Finland to withstand harsh Nordic winters, this jacket moves with an active dog and allows an extended range of motion. "It's easy to get on and off, warm, waterproof, durable, and fashionable," says Lori Riegler, owner of Off Leash MKE in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "I want one for myself!"

Made from laminated water- and windproof nylon fabric, the Expedition Parka is built to withstand temperatures as low as -20 °F. The jacket slips over the head and chest, wraps around the belly, and is secured with a single adjustable buckle. Its wide snood and the section around the shoulders have elastic drawstring cords that adjust to a dog's unique shape.

The interior of the parka is lined with soft, breathable fabric. Its exterior is trimmed in highly visible reflective piping. Elastic sections at the front legs flex with a dog's movement, and elastic straps at the hind end can be slipped over the back legs for added security. Through an opening at the back, you can connect a leash to a harness worn underneath the jacket.

One of the reasons the Expedition Parka landed on our list of the best dog winter coats is its wide variety of available sizes. Included among the brand's 16 size options are two long-length options perfect for hot dog-shaped canines and two wide options for chesty bully breeds.

Pros: Insulated and lined, full-body coverage, water-resistant, reflective trim

Cons: Only sold in two colors, handling-sensitive dogs may struggle with leg holes, pricey for large dogs

When the forecast calls for snow, wind, or freezing rain, the Canada Pooch Slush Suit is ready to keep your dog warm and dry from head to toe. The full-body onesie covers the most sensitive areas of your dog's body, and its soft polyester lining helps to insulate them from frigid temperatures.

"[My dog] and I are big fans of the Canada Pooch Slush Suit," says Sydney Fontaine, owner of Zippy Pet Care in Chicago, Illinois. "It can double as a full-body rain jacket, as well, which is perfect for his thick, curly hair."

The Slush Suit is a step-in jacket that zips closed along the length of the dog's right side. Melody Koney, a dog walker with Windy City Paws in Chicago, Illinois, says this style fits most dogs well and keeps them warm in frigid winter temperatures. Two snaps at each ankle and a drawstring cord at the neck help to adjust the suit for the right fit.

The outer shell is water-resistant polyester, and reflective tape runs along the zipper for better visibility. The Canada Pooch website has a breed sizing tool to help identify which size is best for your dog. The suit is fully lined inside, which Fontaine says is important in Chicago's cold winters. "Dogs hold most of their heat along their back and spine, so keeping that insulated is the top priority," she says. It also has an opening at the back for attaching a leash to a harness worn underneath.

Because the suit requires each leg to be placed individually in its own opening, dogs sensitive to handling may struggle with it. And although it's moderately priced for smaller dogs, the price rises for larger breeds, topping out close to $100.

Pros: Insulated and lined, water-resistant

Cons: Minimal belly coverage, may not hold up to heavy rain or excessive snow, no reflective trim

Frisco's range of affordable dog snow jackets don't just look cute, they also provide a good quality alternative to pricier pet apparel, says Stephanie Gonzales, owner of Maw and Paws Dog Walking in Brooklyn, New York. With its quilted, water-resistant polyester exterior and plush fleece lining, the Frisco Boulder Plaid Insulated Puffer Coat, in particular, is an excellent option for cold, damp conditions.

The Boulder Plaid Insulated Puffer is easy to put on your dog and secure with two velcro straps that wrap under the belly and around the neck. This makes it an excellent option for squirmy dogs who can't stand still long enough to step through tight leg holes and dogs who are sensitive to having a jacket pulled over their head.

Because the coat leaves the belly and chest mostly exposed, you may want to throw on a second layer on wet or snowy days when your dog is likely to kick up a lot of bone-chilling water and mud.

This puffer is designed to fit a range of body types. "My dog Rocko is a Chiweenie, which means it can be difficult to find something that fits his long skinny torso while still providing length to keep his little butt warm," says Gonzales. "Frisco seems to have that figured out."

A harness worn underneath the puffer can be connected to a leash through an opening at the back. And when the jacket has collected its fair share of mud and salt, it can be thrown in a washing machine and dryer. However, this jacket may struggle to stay dry in heavy rain or deep snow and lacks reflective trim.

Pros: Insulated and lined, full chest and belly coverage, adjusts to fit dogs with broad or irregularly sized chests, waterproof, reflective trim

Cons: Handwashing recommended, only available in two colors

Weatherbeeta's Comfitec Reflective Parka 300D Deluxe Dog Coat comfortably fits dogs with broad, barrel, or irregularly shaped chests for whom regular jackets are too snug. With full chest and belly coverage, this waterproof, insulated snow jacket will keep dogs of all sizes warm and dry.

Several dog pros we consulted prefer the velcro closure like that on Weatherbeeta's parka. "I don't like coats that have buttons or zippers on them simply from an ease of use standpoint," says Anderson. "When my dogs are wiggling to get outside, I like to get them geared up and out the door as quickly as I can, which makes velcro my best friend." The beauty of the strap on the Comfitec Reflective Parka is that it wraps around the chest and belly so that it can be pulled tighter for narrow-chested dogs or fastened more loosely across broader dogs.

The parka has a wide collar that can be flipped up or down, and an opening at the back can be used to connect a leash to a harness worn underneath the jacket. Elastic at the chest allows the parka to move with your dog, and elastic straps at its tail end can be slipped over the legs for added security. 

The jacket is lined with fleece and filled with polyester material that will keep a dog with medium-thick fur warm in near-freezing temperatures. The polyester exterior is trimmed in reflective tape, ensuring your dog stays highly visible day or night. If you'd rather your dog's snow apparel be a little more low-key, you'll have to look elsewhere. While this jacket can be machine-washed on the delicate cycle in cold water, Weatherbeeta recommends handwashing it with mild soap.

To select the best dog winter coats, we consulted dog professionals from across the US who walk and train dogs in cold, snowy winter climates. Most of our experts responded to a survey about brands, designs, and features they prefer in a dog snow jacket. Those who did not respond to the survey were sent questions to answer via email. Our experts include:

• Catherine Adamo, owner of Loyal Dog Club in Detroit, Michigan
• Stacia Anderson, cofounder of RuffCity Uptown Dog Walking in New York City
• Krissia Chanto, co-owner of Rock Paw Pet Care in Boulder, Colorado
• Sydney Fontaine, owner of Zippy Pet Care in Chicago, Illinois
• Stephanie Gonzales, owner of Maw and Paws Dog Walking in Brooklyn, New York
• Dawn Jacques, owner of Milwaukee Paws Pet Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Arelys Jimenez, dog walker at Windy City Paws in Chicago, Illinois
• Melody Koney, dog walker at Windy City Paws in Chicago, Illinois
• Lori Riegler, owner of Off Leash MKE in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Laura Ryan, owner of Pup Patrol Walkers & Pet Care in Worcester, Massachusetts
• Megan Selheim, owner of Come, Sit, Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Jacob Venter, owner of Denver Dog Joggers in Denver, Colorado
• Katie Westling, co-owner of Paw Pet Care Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• We also consulted Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer and cofounder of Bond Vet in New York City, on how to keep a dog safe in cold winter weather.

Should dogs wear coats?

Anytime you are really feeling the cold, there's no harm in putting a jacket on your dog, according to Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer and cofounder of Bond Vet in New York City. "They're more likely to let you know they are feeling toasty by panting than to let you know they are chilly," she says. It's easier to cool down a warm dog by removing an outer layer than to warm up a dog that's chilled to the bone. 

Do dog coats really keep dogs warm?

Yes, a properly fitted coat made with insulated materials can help keep your dog warm. The best dog boots can also help keep them warm by protecting their sensitive paws from snow, ice, and salty sidewalks. "Booties are similar to you wearing gloves during the cool months," says Satchu. However, if it's cold enough that you need to cover every bit of your exposed skin to feel somewhat comfortable, you should stick to bringing your dog outdoors for only quick potty breaks instead of longer walks.

Getting the right fit on a dog snow jacket is more complicated than choosing between small, medium, and large. Depending on the shape of their body, a dog that's considered small may fit better in a large coat, while a slim, leggy dog may need a smaller one. Use a measuring tape to determine the following to get the right fit for your dog's snow jacket.

• Length: Body length is the primary way to determine what size jacket a dog will need. Measure your dog while they are standing in a relaxed position from the shoulder blades to the base of the tail. If your dog's measurements are between sizes, go with the larger option. Sometimes, a brand suggests a specific size based on breed or weight. This can be helpful, but don't use it as your only guide; body types can vary drastically among different dogs of the same weight.
• Chest girth: Since most jackets can't be adjusted around the chest, getting this measurement right is important. This is especially true for broad or barrel-chested pups. Measure the circumference of your dog's chest at its largest point right behind the front legs while they are standing. Go with the larger option if your dog's measurements fall between sizes. If you have an active dog that does a lot of running and jumping, you may want to add 1 to 2 inches to your figure to ensure they have full freedom of movement while wearing the jacket.
• Neck girth: To get the right fit on a jacket with a nonadjustable neck opening, measure around the thickest part of the neck, right below where the collar sits. As with the other measurements, size up when in doubt.
• Drop: The drop indicates how low a jacket hangs on a dog's body and legs. If the coat is too long, it may restrict their movement. If it's too short, it may not provide adequate coverage. To determine how a jacket's drop will lay on your dog, compare its length to their length, measuring from the base of the tail down the hind leg to the ankle just above the paw. The ideal jacket covers the body but extends less than halfway down the leg.