Keep Your Furry Friend Warm, Even in Harsh Winter Weather

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Dogs may not need winter jackets as much as humans, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. Not only can a dog coat or jacket help your pup feel more comfortable on walks during harsh, winter months, but it can also prevent their fur from getting completely soaked in the rain (assuming you opt for a water-resistant dog coat!). Whether you own a Corgi, Chihuahua, French Bulldog or another small dog breed, our pros narrowed down the best dog coats on the market to keep your furry friend snug and cozy. We’ve even included adjustable dog coats suitable for large dog breeds like short-haired Greyhounds as well as picks built to withstand northeast blizzards.

The fiber scientist and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all essentials for your pup, from indestructible dog toys to the plushest dog beds and dog strollers. When narrowing down the best dog coats, our experts tested at least a dozen dog jackets and evaluated their materials, design, construction and any waterproof claims in collaboration with the GH Institute’s Textile Lab. We also recruited real dog owners to test dog coats on their own pups and share feedback on how easy the coat was to take on and off as well as its adjustability. According to our experts and tester feedback, these are the best dog coats of 2023 to protect your pup from cold, wind, rain or snow.

After our top picks, continue reading to find out whether your pup really needs a dog jacket in the winter and what to look for when shopping for one.

Waterproof Reversible Dog Coat

Featuring a variety of plaid patterns and a neck warmer, it's hard to find a dog coat more adorable than this one. It boasts more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating. We're not only fans of the coat's sophisticated design, but we also like that the material has some stretch and the design is easily adjustable so it's a safe choice for small to large dog breeds. Plus, you can use it alongside your dog's existing collar or harness without any issue thanks to holes located on the back of the jacket.

"I like that it uses cotton against the body for softness and that it has a down alternative fill for more insulation," says Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director. A huge plus of this coat is that it is reversible: When you want a change, just flip it to the water-resistant solid color side. It's lightweight and perfect for chilly-to-freezing walks, but if you live somewhere that is regularly below freezing, you may need a coat with even more insulation.

Fleece Vest Dog Sweater

This fleece vest may not be your go-to for rainy walks in the park, but it’s guaranteed to add some extra warmth on chilly days and only costs under $15! Available in five sizes and 26 colors, you can choose the dog jacket that best suits your dog’s body and style. Our pros love that it features a leash attachment on the jacket itself that makes it easy to use without a harness, as long as your dog doesn’t pull. Just keep in mind that though the pullover design makes this coat super convenient to slip on and off, it’s important to choose the right size for your dog since you cannot make any adjustments.

One editor shares that their pup Olive loves the fleece vest: “It keeps the core warm while allowing free movement of appendages.” Another tester describes Gooby jackets as some of “the most robust dog jackets and vests that my dog has tried!” As a bonus, this pick is machine washable and dryer safe so you can remove any dirt or mud before future walks.

Sid wearing the Gooby vest on a hike.

Vert Winter Dog Jacket

For anyone who lives in an area with frequent snowfall, look no further than this cozy dog jacket from Ruffwear. It’s built with insulation to keep pups warm on snow days and even features a storm collar that prevents water from getting inside. Owners rave about the coat’s construction: “It fits well, has good insulation, and is adjustable in multiple places,” one tester shares, whose dog has enjoyed this coat for the past two winters in Maine. She also loves that the coat features straps that go around the dog’s hind legs so their back is covered at all times, including when it gets windy outside.

Another tester recommends Ruffwear for short-haired big dogs, which are harder to shop for. “People have stopped us in the park asking about the coat because she looks so good and can move around easily,” they say. Though we wish there was a wider selection of color options, our pros appreciate that dogs can wear a harness or collar underneath and, according to the brand, the jacket is waterproof.

Ginny wearing her Ruffwear coat and "doggles" during a Maine blizzard.

Reversible Field Coat

Both stylish and comfortable, your pup will love sporting this reversible L.L.Bean jacket that's made from soft cotton. One side features a plaid print while the other is a solid color so you can alternate throughout the season. "It's super cute and versatile," one tester shares. Our pros found this coat lightweight and super easy to put on dogs and adjust thanks to two hook and loop closures around the chest and belly that keep the jacket in place, though we wish it came in more sizes and colors.

We also like that there's a slit in the back for your dog's leash, and the coat is both machine washable and dryer safe. In previous Textile Lab tests of down jackets, fleece-lined leggings, down comforters and more, L.L.Bean products have consistently performed well and impressed our experts. We do advise, however, double-checking the sizing chart as several online reviewers found it tricky to find the right fit.

Saki staying warm while exploring Brooklyn in her L.L.Bean jacket.

Vecomfy Fleece Lining Extra Warm Dog Hoodie

Puppy owners will love this super soft fleece dog coat that's as cute as it is easy to use. Once you've placed their legs inside, just snap the coat's metal buttons, and off you go. Online reviewers claim that the shell is water-resistant and that the coat's quality is great for the price. "The lining of the coat is thick, very soft and warm," one online reviewer shares. Our pros like that the hood snaps back when not in use, though it may be too large if you have a toy dog breed. We also appreciate the slit for your dog's leash so they can wear their harness or collar underneath. Just keep in mind that this pick may not be as durable as other dog jackets featured.

Expedition Parka

The Finnish manufacturer of this dog parka grades it as appropriate for walking in temperatures from freezing to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Online reviews from families in states such as Colorado, Maine and Alaska claim that the jacket makes winter life with dogs much better. "It's so easy to put on and adjust the girth, and he absolutely loves it," reports a Brooklyn-based Lab owner. Soft elastic straps hold the coat down in the back, and our tester loved them. "Usually my beef with coats is that they move around while the dog walks," she says. "This one stays in place."

Our pros appreciate the jacket's construction, which features a hole that lets you attach a leash to a harness that's underneath the jacket. Meanwhile, the collar can pull up and keep your dog's neck warm. "Overall, the high-quality construction of this dog coat feels similar to the human winter coats I've evaluated — impressive!" says Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. There's a reflective lining for warmth, but she cautions that it might crack and peel with many washings. "The drawstrings at the neck and in the bodice are simple to use but will need [to be] tied off to keep them secure and in place," Constantine notes.

Pet Puffer Jacket

You probably own a puffer vest that you love, but now your pet can have one too. In the half of the country where winter days do not mean literally freezing temps, this is the perfect lightweight but wind-resistant option. It's water-resistant, too, in case there's some precipitation, and comes with a hood that can snap out of the way. A small hole at the neck lets you easily attach your leash.

Primary’s pajamas were a winner of Good Housekeeping's 2022 Parenting Awards thanks to the brand's high-quality fabric. "We also like that the brand is basic yet not boring — gender-neutral designs don’t always need to be gray!" Lexie says. You or your kids can twin with the dog if you buy Primary's human-sized puffer coats. Also notable is this dog coat's price, which is just over $20. But know that there's a cute rainbow version of the dog puffer for about $5 more.

Torrential Tracker

Rain or shine you have to walk the dog, but you can make life easier by keeping them as dry as possible. This jacket protects well against rain showers, according to our testing. It's billed as water-resistant, but a run through our Lab's rain-simulation machine showed that only a few drops snuck through at the hole where the leash attaches to your dog's harness or collar. Several online reviewers note that it keeps the tummy dry on low-to-the-ground breeds like Corgis.

Margo, a French Bulldog, tested a size large that fit well and covered her from ears to tail (a rare fit victory!). Testers love that the coat has two little treat pockets on the back and a soft cotton lining. Though you may notice a note about the coat's outside material containing a phthalate, Lexie says you needn't be alarmed; it's safe enough in a dog jacket. If you're worried, wash your hands after you handle the jacket, which you're likely to do anyway after a walk. "I like that this dog coat has a reflective trim since visibility can be poor in wet weather," Lexie says. For more color options, you can head to Canada Pooch's website.

Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat

The Carhartt line is famous for its durable canvas garments, especially work pants and overalls. It follows that its dog jacket would be a practically indestructible chore coat for your hard-working best friend, making it ideal for the great outdoors. "We've had this for a couple years now and it's still in perfect condition," an online reviewer notes.

Lexie says, "This type of material will likely feel thicker and more sturdy than the polyester-based coats. Carhartt is a go-to workwear brand and recognized for their quality garments." It's easy to slip on with just two hook and loop closures, one around the neck and one around the belly. Note that there's no hole for attaching your leash to a harness or collar, so you'll need to put your dog's harness on over this jacket.

"The corduroy material around the collar is soft but will definitely attract quite a bit of pet hair," Constantine adds. This warm coat isn't waterproof but it is water-repellant. Our tester Lab-Pitbull mix, Daisy, loved wearing it — and her owner says she usually dislikes dog coats. One (very unproven) theory: The coat's weight might serve to calm a normally nervous dog like Daisy.

How we test the best dog jackets

The product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test everything pet owners need or want, from the best pet cameras to dog GPS collars and dog treadmills. When choosing the best dog coats and jackets, our pros first scoured online reviews of the most popular picks and then tested a dozen dog jackets with six dogs and four families in New York. We asked our testers to report on the fit of each coat as well as how easy it was to put the jackets on. Next, our Good Housekeeping Institute textile experts assessed the fabric of the dog coats for strength, warmth and water resistance. We also evaluated any closures for strength and durability. Finally, our experts ran dog rain jackets through our rain-simulation machine to rate their water resistance. Adjustable dog coats that worked easily with collars or harnesses were preferred, as well as those available in a range of sizes, prints and colors.

What to look for when shopping for a dog jacket

✔️ Size: Always measure your dog and follow the brand’s sizing guide before purchasing a dog coat. No dog is identical, so it’s important to avoid guessing the right size. In our tests, we did our best to measure the dogs who tested our coats but the fit was incorrect almost every time, mirroring the complaints of many online reviewers: When it comes to dog coats, fit is hard to get right. Order at least two sizes, and be prepared to send one back.

✔️Materials: You’ll find the majority of dog jackets made from polyester, and according to Lexie that’s a good thing. "Polyester is versatile for various weather conditions, and durable and lightweight,” she says. She adds that some dog jackets have cotton components as well for more of a high-quality and substantial feel.

✔️ Insulation: If your dog will face cold weather, look for a coat with insulation and an inner fill. “You won’t find down fill as often in dog coats as you do with human outerwear, but polyester down alternative is a great option for adding lightweight warmth,” Lexie says. If you need the coat to be extra warm, consider a lining on the side that faces the body. Our textile pros add that reflective liners and fleece are both great for trapping in extra heat.

Adjustability: Not all dog coats are adjustable, but you should consider one that is if you want the snuggest fit. Ideally, the jacket’s closures should be easy to manipulate. "Hook-and-loop closures are most common and easiest to get on and off,” Lexie says. “They’re also better for finding the right fit because they can be easily adjusted."

✔️ Extra features: Some coats have hoods, some have pockets. “Added features may not be necessary but are worth keeping in mind when you’re deciding what type of coat (and how much coverage) you need for your dog,” Lexie says. One feature our pros do recommend, however, is an opening on the jacket (typically a slit or hole) that gives your pet the option to wear their harness or collar inside the jacket.

Does your dog really need a jacket?

Do a little research on where your dog's breed or breeds (if it's a mix) originated from to get an idea of whether you should wrap it in a jacket. "There are so many breeds now, and many are not meant to withstand cold and rain," says Megan Conrad, MBBS, a veterinarian at HelloRalphie.com (a HearstLab company). "Breeds that originate from warmer climates are being owned by people in colder climates and need some extra care when it comes to handling the elements. A great example is the Chihuahua, which originated in Mexico but is owned by people worldwide. Chihuahuas are not built for freezing temperatures!" (Conrad knows this firsthand: Her own pup is a Terrier-Chihuahua mix.) Often you can tell the breeds that originated in warm places just from their name: Australian Cattle Dogs, for instance, and Afghan Hounds.

Other reasons to get a dog jacket:

Your dog is small. "Many small dogs do need a jacket in the winter, like my small dog," says Conrad, who lives in Portland. "But not all of them need one. Small dogs with long hair, such as the Pomeranian or the Spitz, may not need a jacket since they already have thick coats." Breeds with a double coat, like Siberian Huskies, are much more resilient when it comes to harsh temperatures.

Its hair is short. "Some large dogs with short hair such as Pitbulls, Weimaraners and Greyhounds may get cold and need a jacket for activities in the snow and rain," Conrad says.

You've got a senior dog. "Dog jackets may be helpful for senior dogs as they age and become more sensitive," Conrad says. She explains that some large breeds with heavy enough coats, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, may not need a jacket even if they are older as they might generate enough heat on their own.

Why trust Good Houskeeping?

For some 130 years, the engineers and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested products for homes, families and furry friends. This guide was initially created by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn, who spent a decade covering pet products and kid products for Parents magazine. Though she's got two cats at home, she tested dog coats with friends, family and neighbors who have canines. The Good Housekeeping Institute Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, Amanda Constantine, assessed each dog jacket's material and construction and ran coats through our rainproof test. Lexie Sachs, the Good Housekeeping Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director, who holds a degree in fiber science from Cornell University shared her expertise on what to look for when buying a dog jacket.

This guide was most recently updated by product analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from tech, travel, pets, home, fitness and more for the Good Housekeeping Institute. While her double-coated Shia Inu may not need a dog coat as much as other breeds, she's tested a variety during harsh NYC winters with temperatures well below freezing.

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