Winter coat, raincoat or jumper?
Updated 16 September 2026
A winter coat is padded and lined, and its job is to keep body heat where it belongs. A raincoat is a thin shell that stops a dog arriving home soaked. A jumper is the mid layer between them, for days that are chilly.
A dog coat, a raincoat and a jumper do three different jobs. That is why owners in this country often end up with more than one, instead of a single layer for the whole year.
Padding and waterproofing also work differently. A padded coat holds heat in, while a thin shell keeps the rain off and stays light on a mild, drizzly day. A jumper sits between the two and layers under either of them.
Side by side
Winter coat
A padded, lined coat, usually with a high collar and a water resistant outer.
Suits
- Fine and thin coated dogs in cold weather
- Older dogs and puppies who lose heat quickly
- Standing about in the cold
Ones we like
Ancol
A waterproof winter dog coat with a fleece lining, a chest panel and leg straps.
Ancol size on chest girth and give a back length for each size, so measure both before ordering.
Poseca
Dog Coat with Built-in Harness
A padded winter dog coat with a no-pull harness built into it.
The D-ring sits on the back, which suits a dog that already walks nicely on the lead.
IECOii
Extra Warm Turtleneck Dog Coat
A padded winter dog coat with a turtleneck collar and elastic back leg straps.
IECOii say to size on chest girth first, and to take the larger size if your dog falls between two.
LeLePet
A fleece lined winter dog coat with a faux fur collar and a lead opening.
LeLePet size this one on back length, so measure along the spine and follow their chart.
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Raincoat
A thin waterproof shell with a breathable lining, often hooded. The fullest versions cover all four legs.
Suits
- Long or thick coats that take hours to dry
- Daily walks through a wet winter
- Mild, wet days when warmth is already covered
Ones we like
Rosewood
A water resistant dog raincoat with hook and loop straps at the neck and belly.
Hook and loop straps at the neck and belly mean it goes on quickly with cold hands.
Rosewood
Joules Henson Check Packaway Jacket
A lightweight hooded dog raincoat in Henson check that folds into its own pouch.
Water resistant and light, which is what lets it fold small enough to keep in a bag or a car.
Spark Paws
A hooded dog raincoat that covers neck to tail, lined with breathable mesh.
A toggle at the back legs lifts the rear clear for toilet breaks.
Mikki
A four legged waterproof dog rain suit cut for poodle crossbreeds.
Mikki note there is no standard size for any doodle breed, so measure your dog and use their size guide.
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Jumper
A thin mid layer that pulls on over the head with nothing to fasten, in fleece or knit.
Suits
- Chilly days that want a light layer
- Small dogs who feel a cold house
- Layering under a waterproof when weather turns
Ones we like
Jacko & Co
Fleece Vest Sweater with Lead Ring
A light fleece dog jumper with a lead ring built into the back.
Jacko say their sizes run small, so measure and take the larger size if your dog falls between two.
Lorehelina
A knitted turtleneck dog jumper for small dogs, sold as a pair.
Lorehelina ask for chest, neck and back length before ordering, and say to size up if your dog is between two.
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Common questions
Does my dog need a coat at all?
It depends on the dog more than the thermometer. Thin coated breeds, small dogs, puppies and older dogs feel the cold first, while a thick double coat is already doing the job. Shivering and a hunched back are the signs to watch for.
Can a dog wear a coat over a harness?
Yes, and most winter coats leave an opening on the back so the lead reaches the harness underneath. The other route is a coat with the harness built in, which saves a layer and is quicker to get on.
How should a dog coat fit?
It should end at the base of the tail, sit clear of the front legs so the shoulders move freely, and be snug enough to stay put. You want two fingers under any strap.
Can a dog wear a coat indoors?
A coat is for going out. Indoors a dog sheds heat by panting, so most dogs are happiest with the coat off once they are home and dry. Hang it up by the door and it is ready for the next walk.