While nature has prepared some breeds for cold weather, the same can certainly not be said about all dogs. Some dogs have coats that allow them to stay warm in—and even enjoy—frigid temperatures. Other dogs are meant for a more temperate climate, even if they find themselves wading through the snow every winter. Finding the right dog coat depends on the size of your dog, the style of the coat, and their existing comfort in the weather.

Sizing Your Dog for a Dog Coat

You want to find a long enough coat to cover from the neck to the belly, so it’s essential to make sure you take your dog’s measurements properly. From a standing position, measure around the neck and the widest point of the chest. Then, measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail to get the appropriate length measurement. You’ll also want to know what your dog weighs before you pick out a dog coat, as this can help you ensure a solid fit.

Dog Coat Styles

Windbreakers for Dogs

Wind can cut through even the thickest dog coat. For dogs that live in these windy locales, the best dog coat is a windbreaker. These coats will keep your dog warm and dry while still being thin enough for them to play in comfortably.

Windbreakers can come in various thicknesses, from thin shells to thicker liners, making them appropriate for different temperatures and forces of wind depending on your climate.

Doggy Raincoat

You may want to look into a good raincoat for your dog if you live somewhere where the temperatures don’t drop too far, but the winter brings lots of rain. Dog owners in Vancouver can often be seen out walking their dogs with the pooch set for a downpour.

A raincoat will not only make walks more enjoyable for your pup, but it’ll keep them dry, so you don’t have a wet dog in the house all winter. You won’t have that delightful damp dog hair smell in your home either. If a raincoat is the dog coat for you, try to get one with a liner between the jacket exterior and your dog. Liners will help keep the jacket from clinging to your dog’s fur.

Cooling Coat

If you live in a hot location or a warm one with a fluffy dog, you know how uncomfortable dogs can get in the heat. Cooling jackets can be a huge help here!

They’re often made of a jersey or net material that, when wet, wicks away heat and stays cool against their skin. These coats should sit appropriately at the neck and the belly, as those are the key areas that help pooches cool down the quickest.

Fleece Coats for Dogs

These coats are great for cooler places and shorter-haired pups as they lend a good amount of extra warmth. These coats can be more stylish as the fabric and function lend themselves well to colours and patterns.

Dog Parka Coat

When winter comes in fast and freezing, some dogs will need a parka to make it through. A dog parka isn’t dissimilar to one for a human. They are usually puffy, with a fleece or fur-lined hood, and a bit of a sleeve. These coats are best for short-haired dogs that live in more extreme climates that may get lots of snow and need an extra-thick barrier against the cold.

Whether you’re looking for a bit of extra environmental protection or a bit of a fashion statement, there’s a dog coat for your that will have them staying warm while looking their absolute best.

Dog image credits:

Photo by Tim Umphreys on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

Photo by Mathis Jrdl on Unsplash