Winter Dog Coat Buying Guide: Does Your Dog Need One?

By Dog Gear Hub Editorial Team · Updated 2 November 2026

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links go to Amazon search results for the product types we mention, not to specific products we have tested.

Not veterinary advice. This article shares general information about dog gear only. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Check fit and supervise your dog with new gear, toys and chews, and ask your vet about health, diet, injuries or behaviour concerns.

Some dogs bound through snow without a second thought. Others start shivering before they reach the end of the street. Whether your dog needs a coat depends on its coat type, size, age and health, and on how cold and wet your winters get.

This guide helps you decide, then walks through styles, sizing and fit.

Which dogs are more likely to need a coat?

These dogs often feel the cold sooner:

• Short or thin coats, such as many sighthounds, boxers and terrier types with fine fur.
• Small and toy breeds, which lose heat faster because of their size.
• Lean dogs with little body fat.
• Puppies and senior dogs, which can find it harder to keep warm.
• Dogs with health conditions affecting circulation, hormones or joints. Ask your vet.
• Dogs that have been clipped short by a groomer.

Dogs with thick double coats, such as many northern and mountain breeds, are usually well protected and may overheat in a coat. A light waterproof layer can still help on rainy days if your dog hates getting soaked.

Signs your dog is cold

• Shivering or trembling
• Lifting paws off the ground
• Hunched posture, tucked tail
• Slowing down or wanting to turn home
• Looking for shelter or trying to get back indoors

If you see these, shorten the walk and warm your dog up. In very cold weather, any dog can get too cold. Keep walks short in extreme conditions, and ask your vet about your dog's limits.

Coat styles

Waterproof shell

A lightweight outer layer that keeps rain and wet snow off. Good for mild, wet climates and for dogs with decent fur that hate the rain.

Insulated or padded coat

A shell with filling or fleece lining. Good for cold, dry days and small or thin-coated dogs.

Fleece

Soft and warm, good for chilly dry walks or wearing under a waterproof shell. Fleece soaks up rain and snow, so it's not ideal on its own in wet weather.

Full-body suit

Covers the legs and belly. Useful for dogs that pick up snowballs in their fur, but harder to put on and to fit well.

If you choose a suit, a few extra checks help:

• Leg length: measure your dog's legs as well as chest and back, and compare with the brand's chart. Legs that are too long can trip a dog, and ones that are too short leave a gap above any boots.
• Toilet breaks: check how the suit is cut at the rear and belly, so your dog can pee and poop without soiling the fabric.
• Getting it on: zips along the side, chest or back are usually easier than step-in designs. Practice indoors with treats before the first snowy walk, and add boots last.

Sweaters

Knitted sweaters are cozy indoors and on dry days but get heavy when wet.

Features to look for

• Belly coverage. The chest and belly lose a lot of heat, especially in short-legged dogs walking through snow.
• Leash or harness opening on the back, so you can wear a harness underneath.
• Easy fastenings, such as wide hook-and-loop straps or buckles you can work with gloves.
• Reflective trim or bright colors for dark winter walks.
• High collar for dogs with thin necks.
• Machine-washable fabric.
• Tough fabric for active dogs. Strong, playful dogs are hard on gear, so look for a ripstop or heavy nylon shell and buckles or zips rather than hook-and-loop alone. Fleece on its own can pill and snag on brush.

Search a waterproof insulated dog coat with harness hole or a fleece lined dog jacket for small dogs to compare styles, and always use the listing's size chart.

How to measure for a dog coat

1. Back length: from the base of the neck (where a collar sits) to the base of the tail.
2. Chest girth: around the widest part of the ribcage, behind the front legs.
3. Neck: around the base of the neck.

Back length is the main size measurement for most coats, but chest girth decides whether it will close comfortably. Deep-chested breeds often need a size chosen for chest rather than length. Sizes vary between brands, so check every time.

Fit checks

• Your dog can walk, run, sit and squat to toilet normally.
• The coat doesn't press on the shoulders or rub under the front legs.
• You can slide two fingers under the straps.
• On male dogs, the belly panel stays clear of the penis area so the coat doesn't get soiled.
• The coat doesn't slide sideways when your dog moves.

Introducing a coat

Many dogs need a little time to get used to wearing a coat. Put it on indoors for a minute with treats, take it off, and build up slowly before your first walk.

Winter walk safety

• Paws: snow, ice and road salt can be hard on paws. See our guide to dog boots for snow and salt.
• Visibility: add a light or reflective leash. Our leash guide covers reflective options.
• Ice: keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes.
• Antifreeze: it's poisonous to pets. Clean spills and call a vet straight away if you think your dog has licked any.
• Indoor play on bitter days: try our indoor enrichment ideas.

Read next: Dog Boots for Snow and Salt: How to Choose, Fit and Train →