In this article, we have reviewed best winter jackets for small dogs. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot or you can scroll down for the detailed reviews.
Table of Contents
Brr! When winter comes and the air gets that cold, biting edge, it’s important to bundle up.
If your dog also gets chilly, you might want to find a dog coat for him too so you both stay toasty and still enjoy those nice, long walks together!
In this article, we will explore our top picks for the best jackets for small dogs to help find the coziest jacket for your cold weather canine!
Top 7 Best Winter Jackets For Small Dogs
Here are a few of the highest recommended winter dog jackets on the market – see which coat is the best fit for your cold-weather pooch!
1. Kurgo Loft Winter Dog Jacket
The Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket is a lightweight, waterproof coat made to keep your pooch warm and dry even in the coldest months. This coat comes with a zipper opening so you can attach your leash to your dog’s harness or collar.
This dog coat is machine washable and made of quilted material filled with 140 msg Polytech. You won’t have to worry about a rambunctious pup being hard on the coat, as all Kurgo products comes with a Lifetime Warranty!
With sizes ranging from X-small to X-large, this winter dog coat can fit a range of sizes! Their Amazon page provides plenty of sizing info and a helpful size chart to figure out the right size for your dog.
Reversible with 5 great color combinations, it’s easy to find one that you and your pooch love!
Pros
This jacket is easy to put on/take off and allows for easy movement. Owners report being pleased with the quality of the product as well as the price, as it’s quite affordable for the quality you get.
The adjustable chest area makes it an ideal choice for thick-chested dogs. Users love the lightweight material that insulates well to keep their dogs warm on the coldest days.
Cons
Some owners express disappointment with the accuracy of the sizing chart. Others report their dogs being afraid of the velcro sound, while others say that the velcro does not last as long as the rest of the jacket. If you are looking for a thicker coat, this may not be best, as it’s fairly lightweight.
2. Weatherbeeta Reflective Dog Coat
The Weatherbeeta Reflective Dog Coat is a medium-weight, waterproof coat with a highly visible orange color and reflective strips for your dog’s safety. With a full wrap chest and belly closure, this product stays snugly on your pup no matter what the activity. It also includes a large collar and harness hole for extra security.
Made with polyester fill and nylon lining, this product is easy to dry off and keep clean. The multiple straps make it easy to put on and remove, which your pup will love!
This dog coat comes in sizes ranging from small to X-large, allowing for plenty of different sizing options.
Pros
This product is well made with durable velcro and solid stitching. Owners agree that this winter coat keeps their dog’s warm, dry, and clean. Users also say it is easy to put on/take off and that the material is easy to clean and dry off.
Cons
Some owners are unhappy with accuracy of the sizing chart, stating that the sizes run small.
3. Gooby Cold Weather Fleece-Lined Dog Vest
The Gooby Cold Weather Dog Vest is a fleece-lined, water resistant dog coat made for small breeds. This product comes in size X-small to X-large, which are intended to fit dogs up to 25 pounds.
This dog coat comes with a reflective lining for safety. The 3-point Velcro closure makes it easy to put on/take off and allows the product to fit a variety of shapes and sizes. The leash attachment on the back of the coat makes it easy to get your pooch ready for a walk.
This winter dog coat comes in 7 different colors so you can pick the one that matches your style!
Pros
Good quality product that fits well without compromising its stylish aesthetic. Owners love the adjustable velcro and convenient leash attachment.
Cons
If your dog tends to pull very hard at the leash this might not be the best product for you, as some users have had their dogs break the leash attachment.
4. Gooby Padded Cold Weather Vest
The Gooby Padded Cold Weather Vest comes in size X-small to X-large and is made for small dogs up to 25 pounds. This winter dog jacket has a soft interior with a water resistant outer layer, allowing your pup to play in the snow and still stay warm and dry!
This dog vest comes in 5 color options for some fun style options. The zipper closure comes with a fur guard and snap button at the top so you can zip up your wriggly pooch without worrying about snagging his fur!
The Gooby Padded Vest is machine washable for easy cleaning care, and the D-Rings on the back function as a harness, as long as your dog doesn’t pull too hard at the leash!
Pros
Owners love the look of this jacket, and are mostly pleased with its design and quality. Most agree that this dog jacket is easy to put on/take off, and are happy with how well it keeps their dogs warm without being overly bulky.
Cons
Some owners report the zipper on this jacket breaking or unraveling itself during walks. Fabric may be prone to tearing if your dog likes to rub against trees and other objects frequently.
5. Kakadu Explorer Fleece Dog Coat
The Kakadu Explorer Fleece Dog Coat is made from 100% polyester fleece and is intended for larger breeds such as Labradors, Retrievers, and Dobermans. This coat comes in 4 color options ranging from size X-small to X-large. For extra visibility, the colors are bright and come with reflective piping.
This dog coat includes fully adjustable velcro straps to ensure a better fit for your pooch and to create an easy way to put on and remove the jacket. There are two layers of fleece to make sure your dog is warm even on the coldest days. For easy cleaning, this coat is also machine washable!
Pros
Owners love how warm the double layered fleece keeps their pups, reporting that even in a light rain the wetness doesn’t soak through and their dogs stay warm and dry. Most users are happy with the price and the quality of the fleece and velcro. The majority of owners report satisfaction with the sizing chart.
Cons
Some owners have expressed that they wish this coat would come with a hole for a collar clasp. Others have reported that it is too long on some dogs, which can impede their ability to relieve themselves. This might not make it the best option for pups with short torsos.
6. Zack & Zooey Winter Dog Coat Blanket
The Zack & Zooey Dog Blanket Coat is made of 100% Polyester and comes in 12 color options ranging from XX-small to XX-large so you can find the one that suits your style and your dog!
This dog winter coat is reversible with one side of soft fleece and the other a water-resistant shell to make this a great coat for a variety of weather conditions. The reflective stripe on the back keeps your pup safe and visible, and the machine washable material keeps the coat looking fresh and clean! Neck and belly velcro closures allow this winter dog coat to fit a variety of shapes and sizes.
Pros
Owners report being pleased with the waterproofing and with how well this coat keeps their dogs warm. Most users seem pleased with the quality.
Cons
Some users are unhappy with the accuracy of the sizing chart, saying that the sizes run large. Others were displeased with the quality stating that the reflective tape began coming off after little use.
7. Ruffwear Insulated Overcoat
The Ruffwear Insulated Overcoat is great for a variety of dogs with sizes ranging from XX-small to X-large. This jacket is eco-friendly, made from recycled polyester fleece. The outer fabric is wind and water resistant while the interior material is a warm, comfy fleece.
The side-release buckles make it easy to put on and take off of your dog. Reflective lighting helps keeps your pooch safe, and for extra visibility the coat comes with a light loop for attaching an additional light. This jacket also comes in 3 color options so you can find the one that best matches you and your pup!
Pros
Most owners are happy with this winter dog jacket, noting that is quite durable and effective at cutting the cold.
Cons
The main complaint with this jacket is lack of an access point to attach a harness. Some users were not happy with the fit for their dogs, noticing that it is too long for some dogs and may not snugly fit every dog’s chest.
Do Dogs Even Need Coats?
Sure, they look absolutely adorable, but do dogs really need coats?
Some dogs are made to live in a chilly climate, such as Huskies and Newfoundlands. Long-haired dogs like these are double-coated already, and another layer could make them sweaty or overheated!
Other dogs are not so lucky to be born with such a warm coat, and may need a little extra protection from the cold, winter weather. Very thin and short-haired dogs like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds are more likely to need help staying warm. These short-haired breeds can get quite cold in the winter, and for them, a cozy jacket goes a long way.
Other factors to consider whether or not your dog needs a winter coat include:
- Thin Dogs. Thin dogs don’t have as much fat to insulate them from the cold, so the extra layer provided by a winter jacket can be hugely beneficial.
- Short-Haired Dogs. Short-haired dogs lack the thick, luscious coats of other breeds, so they won’t have as much of a buffer against cold and wind – think of having just a light wind breaker versus a heavy coat! These dogs have the upper paw when the summer heat hits, though!
- Sick Dogs. If your dog is sick or recovering from being sick, you’ll want to keep him extra warm so he gets better quickly! Exposing him to the cold could setback his recovery.
- Senior Dogs. Senior dogs are more susceptible to illness, so it’s important to keep them warm and healthy.
- Small and Toy Breeds. Very small dogs and toy breeds get cold quicker than larger dogs. This is because smaller animals have more surface area in relation to their volume than larger animals, causing them to radiate more body heat.
There are many reasons to want your furry companion to stay warm! Not only will your pup be more comfortable and happy, but he’ll be more reluctant to go outside to do his business if he’s cold! Your dog is also more likely to come down with an illness if he is expending too much energy trying to stay warm.
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the best winter coat for your dog, so it’s important to find the one that best fits you and your pup’s needs!
Picking The Right Winter Coat For Your Dog
Climate & Insulation
Depending on the weather where you live, different coats may work better for your needs than others. Factors to take into consideration are wind, precipitation, and temperature.
Owners who live in cool, but not freezing, climates may be best served with a fleece jacket for their pooch. Those who live in windy regions will want to keep an eye out for a dog coat made of wind breaking material.
For extreme climates you’ll want to make sure you pick a coat that can keep your pooch warm on the coldest of days. Look for multi-layered dog jackets with plenty of insulation, as the thin stuff simply won’t cut it when it gets freezing!
Waterproof
If you live in a place with a lot of snow or freezing rain, you’ll probably want a winter jacket for your dog that is waterproof so he stays dry as well as warm.
This could also be a good feature if your playful pup likes to splash in puddles or play in the rain! If you aren’t concerned with the coat getting wet, a material such as cotton or wool could work well for your needs.
Attachment Method & Durability
When buying a winter coat for your dog, you’ll also want to consider factors such as durability (especially if your dog is likely to chew on his new outfit).
Zippers are less ideal for long hair as the fur can get snagged and cause your pup discomfort. For longer and curlier fur, you may want to consider velcro as an alternative! Dog coats with small pieces (like buckles and snaps) that can be chewed off might not be as safe for dogs that are known to dig their teeth into whatever they lay eyes on!
Reflective Strips
If you live in an area with a high volume of cars, or in a place without a lot of street lights, you may want to consider a dog winter coat with reflective strips to keep your dog safe and make sure you are both visible to cars. Or maybe you just want to be able to keep an eye on your pup if he’s known to wander!
Reflective strips are especially beneficial for owners who walk their dogs in the evening. With the sun setting earlier each day, it’s important to always be smart about night walks and take the proper precautions.
Sizing & Coat Length
When picking a winter coat for your dog, you’ll want to find a jacket that is small enough to stay secure on your pooch without being easily pulled off or dragging on the ground, but large enough that it is comfortable and not too tight.
You’ll need to know your dog’s height, weight, length, and chest size so the coat doesn’t go past his waist. If possible, taking your pooch to the store with you is an easy way to make sure you find a winter coat that fits perfectly!
If you choose to order online, make sure to check the sizing measurements and look for products that can be returned easily in case the coat doesn’t fit quite right.
Armpit & Neck Area
The armpit and neck area is where sizing can be problematic, as having a dog winter coat that is too tight in these areas will be unbearable for your pooch!
You’ll want the armpit and neck area to be snug but not too tight. Dog sweaters and coats should be easy to put on and remove without causing your pup any discomfort.
However, you’ll want to avoid too much excess fabric that could get caught on objects or become a new favorite chew toy for your dog. The perfect fit will allow your dog to move fully without too much loose fabric.