The best snow jackets for dogs

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The best snow jackets for dogs
  • Whether your dog has short or long fur, a slender or thick build, a warm, water-resistant dog coat is a winter necessity to keep them comfortable and protected during daily walks and outdoor play.
  • Dog snow jackets come in all shapes and sizes, so we evaluated the many options to help you make the best choice for your dog.
  • With a waterproof but breathable outer shell and thick fleece inner lining, the Hurtta Summit Parka is our top pick for winter weather. It fits snugly for warmth but doesn't impede freedom of movement.
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Some dogs were bred for cold weather and would be perfectly happy if every day were a snow day. For other dogs, winter is a time to stay curled up on the couch, ideally snuggled under a blanket with their favorite human. Either way, if your dog doesn't have a winter coat to keep them warm while outdoors, you'll want to buy one for cold, snowy days.

When shopping for dog coats, there is a variety of factors to consider. Some coats offer full-body coverage, including sleeves for the legs while others are designed more simply to keep the trunk of the body warm and protected. Breeds with short hair or slim builds may require extra insulation while long-haired breeds need a little extra space inside the jacket for comfort. You'll also find that there are differences in the quality of materials used for dog snow jackets and a variety of add-ons like adjustable straps, reflective striping, and pockets.

Snow jackets for dogs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best jacket for a slender breed like the greyhound might be significantly different from the ideal jacket for a miniature breed like the chihuahua. We've researched dog coats to determine the best choices for the full range of dog breeds and sizes. Below are our top picks.

Here are the best dog snow jackets you can buy:

Updated on 1/14/2020 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and text.

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The best dog snow jacket overall

The best dog snow jacket overall
With a waterproof but breathable outer shell and thick fleece inner lining, the Hurtta Summit Parka fits snugly to retain heat but doesn't impede freedom of movement.

If you live in a cooler climate where the weather in winter goes to the extreme, your dog needs a snow jacket that can stand up to harsh conditions. From wind gusts to mountains of snow, winter can be treacherous, but the right winter coat can keep your dog warm and dry. Our top pick for the best dog snow jacket overall is the Hurtta Summit Parka because it's built to last, well-insulated, and designed with comfort in mind.

The Hurtta Summit Parka is fleece-lined, and the outer shell is coated with Hurtta's Houndtex, which is designed to be waterproof and dirt-repelling but breathable. The jacket covers the hindquarters more than most dog winter coats, and the back, belt, and collar are adjustable to ensure a snug and secure fit for any breed without sacrificing freedom of movement. This snow jacket is easy to put on and take off, and it features reflective safety stripes to ensure nighttime visibility. It is available in four color options and lengths from 8 inches to 32 inches.

Named their top pick for winter hiking jackets for dogs, Outdoor Dog World said the Hurtta Summit Parka is an "excellent coat for extreme cold temperatures." They added that the full-coverage design protects all of the major muscle groups while keeping the chest and abdomen warm as well. Whole Dog Journal also reviewed this jacket favorably, highlighting its lightweight design, soft fleece lining, and high-neck collar for added warmth.

Pros: Withstands extreme conditions, waterproof outer shell, soft fleece lining, adjusts for a snug and secure fit

Cons: Significantly more expensive than some brands, measurements required for optimal fit

The best budget dog snow jacket

The best budget dog snow jacket
Featuring a durable, waterproof 300 denier outer shell, the WeatherBeeta Reflective Parka has a warm fleece lining and is adjustable.

When purchasing a snow jacket for your dog, you want to make sure that it's going to last you the whole winter. Unfortunately, many high-quality dog jackets are pricey — a cost you may not feel is justified unless you plan to use it every day. If you're looking for a more affordable option that still offers a variety of useful features, try the WeatherBeeta Reflective Parka 300D Deluxe Dog Coat.

The WeatherBeeta Reflective Parka's outer shell is made from a durable 300 denier material — this falls in the middle range of fiber thickness — material that provides waterproofing but is lightweight. While many dog jackets are made with fleece linings for warmth, these plush materials tend to absorb water. In lieu of a fleece lining, this jacket has a polyester fiberfill and polyester inner lining to keep it dry even in heavy snow.

The coat is available in orange or yellow, and they offer 10 sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your dog. It also has an adjustable belly strap to achieve a fit that provides additional warmth and coverage.

Wirecutter named the WeatherBeeta Reflective Parka their top choice for the best winter jacket for dogs, commenting on its waterproof, well-insulated, durable, and adjustable design. K9 of Mine also reviews this coat favorably, noting its highly visible orange color and the addition of reflective striping for safety.

Pros: Lightweight, waterproof design; made from durable 300 denier materials; reflective stripes for nighttime visibility; adjustable belly strap adds extra coverage and protection

Cons: Not as thickly insulated as some jackets, Velcro closures can get dirty and may stick to other materials, sizing can be tricky for some breeds

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The best dog snow jacket for slim breeds

The best dog snow jacket for slim breeds
With a full-coverage style designed specifically for slim and slender breeds, the Hurtta Quilted Overall Dog Coat is water-repellant, insulated, and adjustable.

It can be difficult to find a properly fitting coat for dogs with slim builds. Standard coats usually don't work. Even if the jacket has adjustable closures, it may not fit tightly enough to protect the dog from the elements and keep them warm. Breeds like greyhounds and Chinese crested not only require a dog jacket that is designed to conform to slender body types, they also need extra protection from the cold because they typically don't carry a lot of body fat.

Our top pick for slim breeds is the Hurtta Quilted Overall Dog Coat because it is uniquely designed to fit slender dogs and is available in nine sizes. It features a full-coverage design constructed from soft, comfortable materials for protection from wind, water, and harsh weather. This jacket comes in nine different sizes and is highly adjustable to ensure a snug and secure fit for every dog. It is insulated for warmth, water- and dirt-repellent, and has reflective stripes for visibility.

This Dog's Life includes the Hurtta Quilted Overall Dog Coat in their list of the best dog winter coats because it offers full-body coverage specifically designed to fit slim breeds.

Pros: Designed specifically for slim and slender breeds, full-coverage for maximum warmth and protection, water-repellant and insulated, available in partial-coverage as well

Cons: Some dogs take time to adjust to the full-coverage design, measurements required to find the right size, not completely waterproof

The best snow jacket for active dogs

The best snow jacket for active dogs
The Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Dog Jacket features a windproof design to protect from the elements without restricting movement, making it perfect for active dogs.

If your dog loves tramping through the snow, they need a jacket that will keep them warm and dry without hindering their movements. Something that fits snugly and securely is a must, and it needs to be waterproof and windproof. Our top pick for the best snow jacket for active dogs is the Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Dog Jacket.

The Ruffwear Vert features a breathable nylon shell that is waterproof and protects against the wind. It has a fold-up oversized storm collar for an added degree of weather protection with leg loops for a snug and secure fit. This jacket comes with a fleece lining that also has a water-resistant finish to extend the life of the jacket.

Overall, the Ruffwear Vert offers good coverage with a slightly roomier fit ideal for hard-to-fit and active dogs but still has convenient features like side-release buckles and a leash portal. It's available in red or blue and six sizes ranging from XXS to XL.

Mud and Routes published an in-depth review of the Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Dog Jacket tested on dog Awen and written by his owner, Ted, who said that this jacket fits much better than others he's tried and provides excellent coverage over the dog's back and belly. He also confirmed that the jacket kept his dog dry without overheating. The only downsides Ted mentioned are the lack of color choices and that the side-release buckles are tucked into the lining, making them tricky to use in some cases.

Pros: Breathable nylon shell, waterproof and windproof, fold-up oversized storm collar for extra protection, leg loops for a snug and secure fit, six sizing options

Cons: Side release buckles are tucked into the lining, fairly pricey compared to other brands

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The best snow jacket for small dogs

The best snow jacket for small dogs
Designed to fit small and miniature breeds, the Gooby Padded Cold Weather Vest is lightweight but insulated.

When it comes to dog clothes and accessories, finding the right fit for small dogs can be a challenge. If you're looking for a snow jacket specifically designed to fit miniature and small breeds up to 25 pounds, we recommend the Gooby Padded Cold Weather Vest.

The vest features a lightweight, padded design that keeps your dog warm in cold weather and dry in the snow. It comes in five different sizes with chest measurement up to 23 inches and has a convenient zipper closure located on the back so you don't have to worry about getting your dog's fur caught while putting it on or taking it off. The jacket is cut to enable your dog to do its business without getting the material dirty, and it is comfortable enough that most dogs don't find it a struggle to wear.

This Dog's Life included the Gooby Padded Cold Weather Vest in their list of the eight best dog winter coats, commenting that it comes in several color combinations, either a solid color or two contrasting colors. The Strategist reviewed this coat favorably as well, commenting that it's lightweight but very thick and warm with a comfy inner liner. They also noted that it is very easy to get on and off with the zipper.

Pros: Lightweight, padded design; zipper on the back protects fur; water-resistant, machine washable; designed for dogs up to 25 pounds

Cons: Some users found the sizing to be inconsistent

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