Dog Coat Size Guide: How to Measure and Choose a Winter Coat
Quick answer: measure your dog's back length (base of neck to base of tail), chest (widest part behind the front legs) and neck. Choose by chest size first. For UK winters, a waterproof coat with a fleece lining and reflective trim covers rain, cold and dark evening walks.
Not every dog needs a coat, but small, short-haired, young and older dogs often feel the cold on wet winter walks.
Does my dog need a coat?
- More likely: small breeds, short or thin coats (Whippets, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs), puppies, older dogs and dogs with little body fat.
- Less likely: thick double-coated breeds such as Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Signs your dog is cold: shivering, a hunched back, lifting paws or reluctance to walk.
How to measure
- Back length: base of the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail.
- Chest: around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
- Neck: around where the collar sits.
If your dog is between sizes, choose the larger size for deep-chested breeds and check each product's size chart.
Features to look for
| Feature | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Waterproof outer | Keeps the coat and skin dry in rain |
| Fleece lining | Adds warmth on cold days |
| Reflective strips or LED | Helps drivers see you on dark evenings |
| Harness opening | Clip the lead to a harness through the coat |
Coats to compare
- Bulr Waterproof Reflective Dog Jacket with Fleece Lining (from £24.14): waterproof and reflective with a fleece lining.
- HezzLuv Waterproof Dog Winter Coat with Harness and LED Light (from £26.44): built-in harness and an LED light.
- snugget Waterproof Dog Coat with Built-in Harness (from £25.29): waterproof with a built-in harness.
- VIVAGLORY Softjoy Reversible Dog Winter Coat (from £24.14): reversible for two looks.
- Petface Super Soft Waterproof Dog Coat, Black (from £21.58): soft and waterproof for everyday walks.
- Padded Harness Coat for Small Dogs with D-Ring (from £8.65): padded harness coat for small dogs.
FAQs
Q: How should a dog coat fit?
A: Snug but not tight: you should fit two fingers under the straps, and the coat should not rub behind the front legs.
Q: Should my dog wear a coat indoors?
A: No. Take it off indoors so your dog does not overheat.
Q: How do I wash a dog coat?
A: Most can be machine washed on a gentle cycle; check the label and air dry.
Shop dog coats and dog jumpers.
Prices shown were correct when this guide was updated on 10 November 2026 and may change. Check the product page for the latest price.