We Tested Dog Jackets With Real Dogs And These 9 Are Our Top Picks for Colder Weather (2024)

Our Top Picks

This 2-in-1 harness puffer offers the best of both worlds: it’s made with faux down insulation and a water-resistant exterior to keep your dog extra warm, and it includes a built-in harness component on the backside—saving you time from fiddling around trying to put your pup’s harness on underneath their jacket before each walk. Our real-world tester pointed out that the Canada Pooch Harness Puffer was a game-changer for a new mom juggling children and a furry companion. They shared, “Anything that can save time in the morning rush is crucial.”

Not only is the built-in harness helpful, but it’s incredibly safe for your dog, too. Our tester was the most impressed with the construction of the harness and felt confident using the jacket as intended, a 2-in-1 solution. Canada Pooch’s harnesses are strength and safety-tested, and we can also vouch for their durability and sturdiness. With two adjustable buckles (one against the chest and the other on the waist), you can ensure a snug fit on your dog before heading out the door. The adjustable straps guarantee you can play around with sizing should your dog’s weight fluctuate.

This jacket comes in three colors—black, red, and plum—and offers a vast range of sizing options, ideal for all pet owners, especially those with dogs who have unusual or disproportionate body shapes (as a low-rider dog mom, I see this as a huge benefit). Our tester, who has a mixed-breed similar in shape to a Corgi, said their dog ended up being in between two sizes, one slightly shorter in length and the other larger in the chest. They ultimately went with the more snug option and said, “The resulting fit ended up working out perfectly for him.”

This jacket is easy to take on and remove, and our tester noted no accidents with the jacket interfering with potty breaks. Another bonus: A light reflective strip that helps make your pup visible during evening walks.

_{Material: Nylon, polyester | Sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 14+, 16, 18, 20, 20+, 22, 24, 26, 28 | Closure Type: Double buckle closure | Care: Spot clean with cold water, hang to dry}

The Ruffwear Stumptown Quilted Dog Coat is designed with a water-repellant polyester, making it an excellent choice for adventurous pups who like to trot through cold or wet conditions. It comes in two colors: River Rock Green (a nice dusty mint) or Orion Blue (comparable to navy). Both options are lined with a mustard polyester interior to keep your dog snug. The coat's exterior has a nice quilted design that feels long-lasting and similar to canvas, but it’s not “too tough or tacky,” according to our tester.

Getting the jacket on can prove to be a little tricky. While the clasps to secure your dog are durable, they are hard to reach because of the protective flaps that hide them. Those protective flaps, though cumbersome, show that Ruffwear has thought through design elements to keep the product intact. The good news is once the jacket is on, your furry friend will have a total range of motion, allowing them to move freely and enjoy their day while staying protected.

Available in sizes from xx-small to x-large, our tester reported that the Ruffwear Stumptown Quilted Dog Coat ran small. They chose their dog’s go-to size fit, but only after they loosened the straps, so be sure to double-check sizing.

_{Material: Nylon | Sizes: XX-small, XS-small, small, medium, large, X-large | Closure Type: Side buckles | Care: Wash gently in cold water, hang dry}

The Gooby Padded Vest has a built-in D-ring leash connection at the top making it a vest and harness in one. "Not having to add a harness underneath or on top saves time and makes it much easier to get my dog ready for walks," shared our tester.

The step-in design comes together with a zipper along the backside, which our dog tester seemed to prefer over a zipper along the belly side. There is a protective fabric flap alongside the zipper to prevent your dog's fur from getting caught in the teeth. The water-resistant nylon exterior of the jacket comes in a variety of colors, and the interior is a soft fleece fabric in a complementary color.

Once on, limbs and tail are unrestricted from movement, and the cut of the jacket is high enough to allow for peeing and pooping as usual.

^{Material: Nylon, polyester | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Snaps, zipper along back | Care: Machine wash, hang dry}

As pet parents, we can all relate to wanting to keep our dogs protected from harsh weather climates. It’s always a bonus when products protect and look stylish on a budget, and that’s the case for the FUAMEY Reflective Winter Coat.

Our tester shared that this jacket differs from other jackets on the market thanks to its step-in style approach. By having the zipper on the backside, your pup is protected from getting their belly hair zipped up (they’ll thank you for sparing them!). They also noted how easy it was to get their Shih-Tzu, who doesn’t typically like wearing any kind of clothing, in and out of the jacket. “I propped my dog right where his arms are meant to go through, pulled up the jacket, and zipped him up. Easy peasy, ” they said. The length of the jacket was perfect on their pup, nearing his tail—although it’s with mentioning that they noticed tightness around the underarm area.

The FUAMEY Reflective Winter Coat comes in 14 colors, and all options are snow, water, and wind-resistant. The interior is lined with a warm, faux fur-feeling fleece that will leave your dog feeling so cozy that it’ll want to nap all day. A standout feature of this jacket is the built-in D-ring leash attachment, which pleasantly surprised our tester with how sturdy it was, keeping their dog secure with no visible damage to the jacket or stitching. The reflective strip around the collar is also great for anyone looking for extra safety at night or in lower visibility environments.

_{Material: Nylon, faux fur/fleece | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, XXX-large | Closure Type: Snaps, zipper along back | Care: Hand wash only, hang to dry}

For rainy and snowy conditions, the Ruffwear Vert Dog Jacket has a breathable, wind- and water-resistant shell and recycled polyester fill to keep your dog dry, warm, and comfortable. "I walked my dog in a light to medium rain, and everywhere the jacket covered was 100% dry when we got back inside," shared our tester.

Quick-release buckles on each side of the jacket make it easy to get it on and off. Plus, each buckle is covered and concealed within the shell which gives a streamlined appearance and prevents the buckles from getting tangled in fur. Through a slit at the top, a leash can be connected to a harness or collar. This jacket features a foldable collar that stays out of the way when not needed and easily unfurls to protect your pup's neck, and if it gets windy, elastic loops discreetly placed on each side can be slipped around each hind leg to keep the jacket securely in place.

There is no hood or leg protection, but the cut of the jacket allows for a dog to walk and run with their usual gait while offering more hip protection than other jackets that made our list.

^{Material: Polyester | Sizes: XX-small, x-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Buckles | Care: Machine wash, hang dry}

The Wagwear Fleece Zippy is a dog version of a human fleece jacket complete with a zippered pocket in a complementary color. While the pocket is more style than function, we always welcome a human-and-hound-matching moment.

"My dog doesn't like jackets, but he seemed content in this one," shared our tester who enjoyed the feel of the soft fleece and the look of the jacket on their Goldendoodle.

The Wilderdog Dog Rain Jacket is waterproof (obviously) and comes with unique features that make it our favorite choice for use in the rain. It’s sturdy yet lightweight and can fold up when it's not in use. “The jacket doesn't feel cheap at all. The quality is great, and I foresee it lasting long, " our tester shared.

With heavy-duty velcro closures, the Wilderdog Dog Rain Jacket keeps your pup completely dry, even when it’s raining cats and dogs. Available in sizes small, medium, and large, our tester found choosing the right size for their dog straightforward and as expected. “My dog is a bit of an odd, abnormal shape. She typically always wears a size large in clothing, but it can sometimes run a little too large around her neck. She needs the extra length around her belly and to cover her body toward her tail. I found this jacket fit just like that, which is very typical for her. It had some extra slack around her neck but fit well in length and around her belly.”

The one issue our tester had with the jacket was the size of the hood—it was too large and covered their dog’s eyes. Since the hood is removable, you could always go without it, but you risk getting your dog wet. Overall, it’s a solid choice for someone who lives in a consistently rainy climate or where the weather is unpredictable.

_{Material: Waterproof exterior, mesh interior | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Closure Type: Velcro strap | Care: Machine wash gently, hang dry}

The Gooby Step-in Fleece Jacket is a great choice for those seeking an easy jacket that can warm up their companion during cooler temperatures. While it can be used on its own, our tester noted how exceptional this piece was for layering because of its soft and lightweight feel, making it ideal as a transitional piece from season to season. Dogs can come in and out of this jacket without hesitation with this step-in design, and the zipper guard on the backside prevents hair from getting caught.

When choosing a size (don’t sleep on those vibrant colors), reference the Gooby sizing chart, as the sizing isn’t always comparable to other brands. For reference, our tester’s 8-pound Pomeranian was between a size medium and large.

Even being in between sizes, the Pomeranian could move around easily, and no accidents were reported when going to the bathroom because of the jacket's cut. The D-ring leash attachment worked perfectly for our tester, but keep in mind that Gooby doesn’t provide that option for sizes 2XL and 3XL, and they do not recommend using the attachment for dogs that pull.

_{Material: Polyester | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, X-large, 2X-large, 3X-large | Closure Type: Zipper | Care: Machine wash gentle or hand wash, hang dry}

The Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket is designed to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes while providing lightweight water-resistant protection from the elements. "The jacket fits around my dog really well," shared our tester who has a 10-pound Cavalier King Charles. The jacket is designed to be slipped over the head and come together at the upper belly with a hook and loop strap. "It's easy to get over her head without a big, wiggly struggle. She seems to really like wearing it, she never pulls, scratches, bites, or tries to gnaw it off."

When selecting a size, one should focus on the chest circumference for a comfortable fit that leaves all limbs free to move. The jacket is cut high along the belly so your dog is less likely to accidentally pee on itself. Each color option is reversible and made out of Kurgo's proprietary ripstop fabric designed to block wetness and cold air without adding bulk. A two-way zipper at the top allows for easy access and a snug fit around a leash attachment.

The jacket is machine washable, but our tester found that lint and loose fur easily accumulated on the hook and loop fastener. It's easy to comb out but it's something to keep in mind if you start to notice the hook and loop coming apart more easily after repeated wear. For an added layer of warmth, the jacket can be paired with the Kurgo K9 Core Dog Sweater or another top your dog likes to wear underneath.

^{Material: Polyester, proprietary microtomic ripstop | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Hook and loop | Care: Machine wash, hang dry}

Final Verdict

Our favorite jacket is the Canada Pooch Harness Puffer because it’s a clever 2-in-1 solution, a jacket with a built-in harness. The faux-down insulation and water-resistant exterior make it a nice choice for your dog to feel just as safe and cozy as they do sleeping on their back. The variety in sizing is great for people with dogs whose pets don’t always fit the “standard” (looking at you, low riders). If you’re looking for an alternative option with the D-ring attachment and harness solution, the Gooby Padded Vest is a great option and a little more budget-friendly than our overall choice. For those who want a lightweight option that can be used from season to season, Gooby’s Step-in Fleece Jacket will act as a solid base for your pup.

FAQ

• Do dogs really need a jacket in the winter?

  "Most of our pets are well set up for handling the winter,” says Simon. “They come with a built-in fur coat and thick skin. You’ll notice your dog is walking confidently along while you may be shivering.”

  However, some dogs cope better than others. For example, older dogs or dogs with certain medical conditions aren’t as good at regulating their temperatures, so they could benefit from a jacket in the winter. In addition, as mentioned above, some breeds have longer fur coats, with undercoats that help insulate them from the cold. As a result, they might not need a coat at all. But breeds with shorter coats, such as greyhounds or whippets, have very slender frames and thin coats, making them more susceptible to cold.

  "While a chihuahua may start to shiver at temperatures of 40 degrees, an American Staffie won’t start feeling the chill until it dips to 30 degrees," Simon says.

  As a rule of thumb, though, if you notice your dog shivering, refusing to walk, whining, lifting its paws, or walking slowly, these are all signs that your dog is cold and could benefit from a sweater or a jacket. You might also want to get your dog a coat if temperatures in your area regularly dip to 40 degrees or lower, unless they are a breed with a particularly thick natural coat.

• How often should dog jackets be cleaned?

  In general, dog coats don’t need to be washed that often. “Dogs don’t sweat, and their coats tend to stay clean on the inside,” says Simon. “However, they should be washed a few times each season, especially if your dog is keen on rolling in grass or lying on mud.”

  Thompson agrees. “You should wash your dog’s jacket when it is visibly soiled or odorous,” she says. ”Wash it at least as often as you bathe your dog.”

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