Snout & Tail Co.Home › Gift guides
The best winter coats for dogs
Not every dog needs a coat, but plenty do. Small breeds, short-coated dogs, seniors and lean dogs like Greyhounds often lose heat fast in Canadian winters. A good coat keeps walks comfortable instead of rushed.
We compared three popular winter coats on Amazon.ca. One is a padded puffer for small and medium dogs, one is a reversible waterproof coat that goes up to large breeds, and one has a harness built in. Here's what each listing actually says.
1. Queenmore Warm Winter Coat (Small & Medium Dogs)
This is a proper puffy winter coat. It has three layers: a water-repellent polyester shell, PP cotton padding and a fleece lining. The tall collar can be worn up to block wind or folded down to show the plush lining.
It has practical touches too. There's a leash hole on the back so you can clip to a harness underneath, and storage pockets for treats or poop bags.
What the listing says
- 3-layer build: water-repellent outer, PP cotton padding and fleece lining
- Leash hole on the back for a harness underneath
- Storage pockets on the back
- Fold-up collar to block cold wind
- 5 sizes from XS to L, for breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas
Best for: small and medium dogs who feel the cold on snowy walks.
Check price on Amazon2. Kuoser Reversible Waterproof Dog Coat
This plaid coat is a dependable all-rounder. The windproof, waterproof polyester shell has a double layer of fleece underneath, and it's reversible, so you get two looks in one.
It closes with hook-and-loop fasteners at the neck and belly and has an elastic chest, which makes it quick to put on a wriggly dog. It comes in 7 sizes, and the listing mentions French Bulldogs, Labradors and Golden Retrievers, so it's one of the few on this list that suits big dogs.
What the listing says
- Windproof and waterproof polyester with double-layer fleece lining
- Reversible design
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closures at the neck and belly, plus an elastic chest
- Leash hole on the back
- 7 sizes and 13 plaid colours
Best for: medium and large breeds, and rainy West Coast winters.
Check price on Amazon3. Norbi Winter Coat with Built-In Harness
This coat doubles as a harness. Your dog steps in, you zip it up, and you clip the leash to reinforced D-rings on the back. That means one less thing to fight with on a cold morning, and nothing bunches up under the coat.
It has a wind-resistant outer shell, a soft fleece lining and reflective strips for dark winter evenings.
What the listing says
- Built-in harness with reinforced D-rings for the leash
- Step-in design with a lockable zipper
- Wind-resistant shell with a plush fleece lining
- Reflective strips for visibility at night
- Machine washable
Best for: small dogs who walk early or late, and owners who want coat and harness in one.
Check price on AmazonHow to get the right fit
Measure, don't guess. Measure the back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, around the widest part of the chest and around the neck. Then compare with each listing's size chart. Sizes vary a lot between brands.
Between sizes? Go up. Both the Kuoser and Norbi listings recommend sizing up for comfort.
Check movement. Your dog should be able to walk, sit and do their business freely. Rubbing at the armpits means it's too tight.
FAQ
Do dogs really need winter coats?
Many do, especially small, short-haired, senior or very lean dogs. Thick double-coated breeds like Huskies usually don't. If your dog shivers or lifts their paws on walks, a coat can help.
Which coat is best for a large dog?
Of these three, the Kuoser comes in the widest size range, and its listing names Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
Can I use a harness with these coats?
The Queenmore and Kuoser both have a leash hole for a harness worn underneath. The Norbi has a harness built in, so you don't need a separate one.
Are these coats waterproof?
The Kuoser is listed as windproof and waterproof. The Queenmore has a water-repellent outer layer. The Norbi's bullets describe a wind-resistant shell, though its title says waterproof. For heavy rain, the Kuoser is the strongest claim.