By the Happier Doggo team · 6 min read
British weather doesn't cancel dog walks. Drizzle in October, sideways rain in January, puddles that never seem to dry: your dog still needs to go out twice a day, whatever the sky is doing.
A good waterproof dog coat keeps your dog drier and warmer on those walks, and means far less wet, muddy fur to deal with when you get home. But there are a lot of styles out there, from simple jackets to full body suits with legs, and picking the wrong one is easy.
This guide explains the main types of waterproof dog coat, which features actually matter, whether your dog needs a raincoat or a winter coat, and how to measure your dog so the coat fits first time.
The short answer: for most dogs, a waterproof coat that covers the back and chest, fastens under the belly and has a harness opening is the right choice. Small, low dogs and long-haired breeds that get muddy legs do better in a raincoat with legs. Measure your dog's back and chest, and size up if you're in between.
In this guide
- Types of waterproof dog coat
- What to look for
- Raincoat or winter coat?
- Does my dog need a coat?
- How to measure your dog
- Our coats by dog size
- Care tips and FAQs
Types of waterproof dog coat
Most waterproof dog coats fall into five styles. Each suits a different kind of dog and walk.
| Type | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | Back, chest and belly, legs free | Most dogs on everyday walks; quick to put on |
| Coat with built-in harness | Back, chest and belly, lead clips onto the coat | Owners who want one layer instead of coat plus harness |
| Raincoat with legs | Body plus all four legs | Small, low dogs and long-haired breeds that come home with muddy legs and tummies |
| Rain poncho | Head and back, slips over the head | Short walks in showers, dogs that hate fuss |
| Lined winter waterproof | Back, chest and belly, with fleece or padding | Cold, wet days and dogs that feel the cold |
Waterproof jacket. The classic choice. It covers the back and wraps under the chest and belly, leaving the legs free so your dog moves naturally. A high neck or hood keeps rain from running down the collar.
Coat with built-in harness. The harness is sewn into the coat, so you clip the lead straight onto a ring on the back. It saves fitting two things on a wriggly dog at the door, and nothing rubs under the coat.
Raincoat with legs. A full body suit that covers all four legs, and sometimes the paws and tail too. It's the most effective way to keep mud off short-legged dogs like Dachshunds, Shih Tzus and French Bulldogs, whose tummies brush every puddle.
Rain poncho. Light and simple. It slips over the head and covers the back, with some styles adding a hood and clear visor so rain stays off the face.
Lined winter waterproof. A waterproof outer with a warm fleece or padded inside. Ideal when it's cold and wet at the same time, which in Britain is most of winter.
What to look for in a waterproof dog coat
Chest and belly coverage. Rain and spray from puddles hit the chest and tummy first. Look for a coat that wraps underneath with a wide belly panel, not just a strap. For low dogs, legs make the biggest difference.
A high neck or hood. Water runs down the neck if the collar is low. A tall, snug neck or a hood keeps the shoulders and chest drier, and helps dogs with long ears.
Harness access. If your dog walks in a harness, check for an opening on the back for the lead, or choose a coat with the harness built in. A coat worn over a harness without an opening twists and rubs.
Easy fastenings. Hook and loop straps adjust easily and are quick with cold hands. Buckles feel secure. Zips give a neat fit but leave little room to adjust, so measure carefully. Coats that go on without lifting each paw are easiest with wriggly dogs.
Reflective trim. From November it's dark by 4.30pm. Reflective piping, strips or panels help drivers and cyclists see your dog on evening walks.
Lining. An unlined shell is light and fine for mild rain. A fleece or padded lining adds warmth for cold, wet days, but can be too warm for an active dog in spring.
Freedom to move. Your dog should be able to walk, sit, sniff and wee comfortably. Watch for coats that pull across the shoulders or sit too far back on male dogs.
Machine washable. Muddy walks mean frequent washing. Check the care instructions on each coat before you buy.
Raincoat or winter coat?
It depends on what your dog needs protecting from: rain, cold, or both.
| Weather | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Mild and wet (autumn, spring showers) | Light waterproof raincoat, unlined |
| Cold and dry (frosty mornings) | Warm winter coat, fleece lined or padded |
| Cold and wet (most of a British winter) | Lined winter waterproof, or a raincoat over a fleece |
Many owners end up with two: a light raincoat for most of the year and a warmer coat for the coldest months. If you only buy one, a waterproof coat with a fleece lining covers the widest range of British weather.
Does my dog need a coat?
Not every dog does. Thick, double-coated breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands are built for cold and wet weather, and can overheat in a padded coat.
These dogs are the ones most likely to benefit from a waterproof coat:
- Short or thin coats: Whippets, Greyhounds, Staffies, Boxers, Dobermanns and Vizslas.
- Small and toy breeds: Chihuahuas, Yorkies, miniature Dachshunds and toy Poodles lose heat quickly.
- Low to the ground: Dachshunds, Corgis, Shih Tzus and French Bulldogs get soaked from puddle splash.
- Long or curly coats that trap mud: Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Spaniels and Bichons, where a coat saves a lot of brushing and bathing.
- Puppies, older dogs and dogs with joint problems, who feel the cold more.
If your dog shivers, slows down or doesn't want to go out in the rain, that's a good sign a coat would help.
How to measure a dog for a coat
Dog coat sizes aren't standard. An XL in one brand can fit a Spaniel, while in another it fits a Labrador. So always measure your dog and check the size chart on each product page, rather than going by breed or the size your dog wore before.
You'll need a soft tape measure and a dog standing square on all four legs. A second person with a treat makes it much easier.
Back length. From the base of the neck, where the collar sits, to the base of the tail. This decides how long the coat is.
Chest. Around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement for fit, because a coat that's too tight here won't fasten or will restrict breathing and movement.
Neck. Around the neck where a collar sits. It matters most for high-neck coats and raincoats with hoods.
For raincoats with legs, also measure leg length, from the top of the front leg to the floor, so the legs aren't dragging or riding up.
Fit tips:
- Between two sizes? Choose the larger one. A coat can be tightened with its straps, but it can't be made bigger.
- Deep-chested dogs such as Whippets, Greyhounds and Boxers often need a size up for the chest.
- Long, low dogs such as Dachshunds and Corgis need a coat long enough for the back but not too wide; check both measurements.
- You should be able to slide two fingers under the coat at the neck and chest.
Our waterproof dog coats by dog size
Small dogs
Short legs mean wet tummies, so small dogs get the most from full coverage.
Four Leg Dog Raincoat with Hood
Body and all four legs, from £17
Dog Raincoat with Built In Boots
Clean paws too, from £23
Raincoat with Legs and Harness
Lead clips straight on, from £24
Dog Raincoat with Harness
Hooded, reflective, from £19
High Neck Poncho Rain Coat
Slips over the head, from £22
Medium and large dogs
Waterproof Dog Coat & Raincoat
Tall snug neck, reflective, from £20
Hooded Dog Windbreaker Jacket
Front sleeves, hood, from £21
Full-Body Reflective Raincoat
Back, belly and legs, from £26
Large Dog Raincoat with Legs
Chests 58 to 110 cm, from £41
Fleece Lined Raincoat with Legs
For cold, wet evenings, from £45
For cold and wet days
Waterproof Coat with Built-In Harness
Padded, XS to 4XL, from £18
Reflective Padded Coat with Harness
Faux fur collar, from £19
Reversible Tartan Dog Coat
Tartan or quilted shell, from £16
Looking after a waterproof dog coat
- Rinse off mud under the outdoor tap or shower before it dries in.
- Wash cool and skip fabric softener, which can affect the outer fabric. Fasten hook and loop straps first so they don't snag other washing.
- Hang to dry away from direct heat rather than on a hot radiator.
- Dry your dog too. A coat keeps most of the rain off, but legs, head and paws still get wet. A drying robe at the door finishes the job.
Waterproof dog coat FAQs
Do dogs really need a raincoat?
Not all dogs do, but small, short-coated, low and long-haired dogs benefit most. A raincoat keeps them warmer and cuts down on wet, muddy fur at home.
Is a raincoat with legs better?
For small, low dogs and long-haired breeds, yes: it keeps the legs and tummy far cleaner. For bigger, active dogs, a jacket without legs is quicker to put on and gives more freedom.
Can my dog wear a coat with a harness?
Yes. Choose a coat with a harness opening on the back, or one with the harness built in so the lead clips straight onto the coat.
What size waterproof coat does my dog need?
Measure the back length and chest, then match them to the size chart on the product page. If your dog is between sizes, go up a size.
Can a dog wear a waterproof coat all day?
No, take it off once you're home. Coats are for walks and time outdoors, and your dog's fur needs to breathe and dry indoors.
How many coats does my dog need?
One good waterproof coat is enough for most dogs. If you walk twice a day in winter, a second coat means one is always dry.
Ready for wet walks?
Browse our full range of waterproof dog coats, raincoats with legs and coats with built-in harness, with free UK standard delivery.