While some of us may wrinkle our noses up at dogs in clothing, if you’re a dog owner, a dog coat can be a genuinely useful layer for your pooch in colder weather. Available in a range of sizes to ensure the perfect fit - dog coats are usually windproof and water-resistant, helping to protect your best friend from the elements as well as keeping them warm and dry as they enjoy walks with you.
What to look for in a dog coat?
It's essential to ensure the coat fits your dog properly - pets will feel uncomfortable if something doesn't fit them right, and this will make them unhappy.
Your pooch also needs to be able to move around freely to do the things they would normally be able to do without a coat, such as running and going to the toilet.
We also recommend buying a coat with reflective strips or piping to keep your beloved pet safe at night. The reflective detailing will enable cars and bikes to see them easily.
The best dog coats UK
Best dog coats for winter
With fleece lining for warmth and a rainproof outer shell, your dog will stay comfy during walks in all seasons in this waterproof coat. It's finished with reflective trim for visibility during the night. Review: "Muffy the labradoodle loves her new coat and has had lots of admiring comments! It is beautifully stylish and so easy to put on and she obviously feels comfortable wearing it!"
| Sizes available: | XS 10.2"- XXXL 23.3" shoulder to tail |
- Fleece-lined
- Waterproof
- Reflective seams
- Loop for a lead without altering the coat fit
- Elasticated under-carriage
Best budget dog coat
With over 3,200 glowing reviews on Amazon, we're happy to report that this is a fantastic option for your Springer Spaniel, Labrador, or Border Collie. The dark colours mean it's best suited for colder weather. We also loved the fact that this has a zippered harness slot for lead attachment, making it super easy to go for your next walk.
Review: "I have a very silly 16kg Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is scared of rain. Until I discovered this coat, I could not find one that would go round her deep chest and not swamp the rest of her - then I found this. It's a perfect fit, and her head goes easily through the elasticated head hole. The chest bar fits brilliantly. Highly recommend this coat to anyone who has a Staffie."
| Sizes available: | S, S/M, M, L, XL, and XXL |
- Elasticated leg straps
- Cosy fleece lining
- Reflective edging tape
- Chest-protector
Best dog coat for design
www.treatyourdog.co.uk
designAvailable in nine different styles and sizes to fit from 20cm to 65cm body length, this waterproof jacket has a hole to feed a lead through to fasten to your dog's collar and gusseted sides for added comfort.
Review: "The coat fits my puppy perfectly. Very good quality material. It keeps my pup dry and warm while it's not heavy. It says it's all seasons, I still need to see how hot becomes in summer, but it's great so far."
| Sizes available: | Shoulder to tail 20cm - 65cm |
- Padded
- Easy to clean
- Windproof and waterproof soft fabric
- Hole to feed the lead through
- Velcro fastens around the chest
- Elasticated legs
Best zip up dog coat
You and your pooch will stand out in the crowd with this vibrant rain jacket. A very stylish and cute yellow raincoat that you could match with. The lining even has a nautical theme going on with reflective buttons that do up underneath. And let's not forget that adorable hood! To get the right sizing, measure the thickest part of the chest and add 2cm.
Review: "This is fantastic. Measures well but size up, it looks great and is lovely quality!"
| Sizes available: | XS 38-42cm to XXL 86-98cm. Not stretchy material (add two cm to measurement to fit bigger dogs) |
- Double layered zip-up
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable to fit harness/lead
- Machine washable
Best quilted dog coat
If you love Joules clothes for yourself, what about kitting your pup out in one of their dog coats? With a printed thermal lining, it fastens and adjusts with touch-fastening straps for a cosy, comfortable feel that won't get in the way of adventures.
Review: "Very pleased with this - light but warm and easy to fit on. Our dog is 13 and with a short coat. This winter she has visibly 'felt' the cold and damp - this is a happy solution and she evidently enjoys wearing it."
| Sizes available: | Sizes S (Length 35cm) - XL (Length 66cm) |
- Lightweight
- Thermal lining
- Touch-fasten strapsLeads can be attached through a hole
Best machine-washable dog coat
Suitable for most dog breeds, this machine-washable coat will keep your pooch warm on his walks. It has a flexible rib neck and a zipper for a harness and lead, ensuring safety and style.
Review: "My best mate is now almost 18 and he's had many coats over the years, this has to be the best out of them all. He probably doesn't feel the cold but I feel better knowing he's wrapped up for winter. The coat looks and feels high quality. It looks great in green and the colour hides all of the dirt marks from running through undergrowth and branches."
| Sizes available: | XS (Length 26.6cm) - XXXL (Length 61cm) |
- Six different colours
- Machine washable
- Hole for lead
Best dog coat for night walks
Providing high visibility in all light conditions, this clever dog jacket works by absorbing UV light from any source (e.g. the sun or a bulb) and then store the absorbed light. Then, when there is no more light to absorb, the stored energy emits a bright glow. It's also made using a layer of thermal insulation which helps to reduce body heat loss in cold weather.
| Sizes available: | One size for medium dogs - Length 50cm |
- High visibility
- Innovative technology doesn't require electricity or wires
- Flectalon thermal insulation to reduce body heat loss
- Showerproof
Best dog coat for wet weather
weatherHow cute is this dog print dog coat? You can even get a matching adult version too! With a striped lining, button trims, and cord-and-leather toggles, you can attach a leash through the hole at the top of the coat.
Review: "I bought two of these rain jackets for my pug and my Shih tzu, size small. Just love them, my dogs look posh in their rain coats when we go out for walks, would recommend, every time."
| Sizes available: | S (Length 35cm) - XL (Length 66cm) |
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable touch fastening
- Hole for lead attachment
- Machine washable
Best designer dog coat
Yep, you can even deck your dog out in his very own Barbour dog coat! With a cord-lined collar and belted middle for that classic Barbour look, this dog coat is made from cosy quilted fabric with a fleece lining for lightweight warmth.
Review: "Really easy to put on, with a Velcro fastening across the sternum and abdomen, and despite appearing quite thin it keeps Oliver nice and warm. He's not the biggest fan of wearing 'clothes' but this is a comfy, cosy coat and he didn't flinch when it was put on him."
| Sizes available: | XS - XXL |
- Barbour Tartan lining
- Velcro fastening underbody strap
- Diamond quilted nylon outer
- Foldback corduroy collar
- Machine washable
Best dog coat for a perfect fit
This dog jacket is warm and comfy but also lightweight and breathable. It also features a clever in-built harness with adjustable straps which means you can attach your dog's lead straight to the jacket via two D-rings.
Tried and Tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "I've bought a fair few dog jackets for my pooch (pictured) and this is definitely a perfect fit. I measured just behind his front legs and around his chest to get the right size. It's so easy to slip-on and the zipper on the back means it's a snug fit but not too tight, he loves wearing it! It came in handy with the recent stormy weather!"
| Sizes available: | S - 5XL |
- D-Can on the back to attach the lead
- Waterproof
- Reflective material
- Integrated harness
The verdict: best dog coats
Although we guarantee that tails will be waggling for all of the dog coats on our list, there could only be one winner. Therefore, taking the top spot for the best dog coat had to be ANCOL Muddy Paws Stormguard Coat. While we loved the Barbour dog coat, which has a traditional design and currently is being offered at a discounted price, the ANCOL coat's low price, reflective edge tape, and variety of sizes ticks all of our boxes.
Related: The best dog raincoats for your adventurous canine friend
FAQs
Do dogs need a coat?
Whether or not your pet needs a coat depends on your dog's breed. The majority of dogs can handle short periods in the cold, but some feel the cold more than others and could use the extra warmth that a coat offers.
For example, dogs who are older, unwell, and have fine or thin fur (such as whippets or greyhounds), could benefit from a dog coat because they feel the cold much faster than other breeds.
What temperature does a dog need a coat?
According to Pets at Home, here's a handy guide on what temperature a dog may need a coat:
Below 10⁰C - Some small to medium-size dogs might need to be walked in a jumper or coat dependent on the length of their fur, activity levels, and how long they'll be outside.
Below 5⁰C - Certain larger dog breeds can be affected by the cold weather and may need to wear a coat. Pay close attention to their fur length, time spent outside, and behaviour when in the cold
Minus 5⁰C or less - Although you know your dog best, please be wary when walking any breed or size of the dog in such low temperatures as this can cause frostbite and paw injuries
How do I measure my dog for a coat?
When it comes to measuring your dog, you need to take three different measurements.
Firstly, measure the thickest part of your dog's chest, which is usually just behind their front legs. Depending on the style of the coat and the manufacturer's recommendations, allow extra centimetres for a little bit of room for movement.
Secondly, you need to measure the length of your dog, so make sure your dog is standing properly and not sitting or lying down. Then measure along the dog's backbone from the base of the neck to 5cm from the base of the tail.
Finally, you will need the girth of the neck, again add a couple of centimetres to allow room for movement and a lead.