We get a fair amount of chilly winter rain (and very occasionally snow) here in Northeast Texas. I know I can feel the eye roll from here my Maine friends, “you call that weather?!”. It might not be subzero temps here, but I still want to keep my Toy Poodles comfortable. If you own a small dog, you probably already know how important it is to keep our little ones warm. You can read why it’s so important here, but in a nutshell small dogs get colder faster, and it is vitally important that in cold wet weather your small fry doesn’t get soaked from rain and snow. Wearing a waterproof coat avoids these issues and keeps my Toy Poodles warm and dry.
Buying a warm waterproof coat when it’s starting to get warmer?? That’s kind of crazy right? Nope, now is the best time to snag a warm winter coat for next season on sale. If you need wet weather coverage for warmer months, you can check out my recommendations for raincoats and ponchos here. I’ve put together a list of THE best waterproof coats for small dogs based on personal experience, recommendations from family and friends, TONS of research and product reviews. Many dogs have a strong dislike for anything going over their head, so if over-the-head styles just won’t do, please scroll down to step-in and wrap around styles. I know you and your furry family will be happy with any of these choices! (This post contains affiliate links. When you buy via these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you).
Over-the-Head Style Waterproof Coats
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1. Hurtta Monsoon ECO
Key Features
- Waterproof
- Slips over pet’s head and buckles around lower chest
- Full belly coverage
- Adjustable high collar
- Reflective piping and prints
- Leash hole
- Adjustable back length
- Minimum chest girth 10″ and neck girth 8″ and back length 7″
- Jacket weight 6.3 oz (8″)
This jacket kicks some serious rain butt. I have this one and their Extreme Warmer. I love both jackets and have yet to come home with a wet dog, but for really rainy walks, my Poodle is wearing his Monsoon. Hurtta makes such great high-quality dog apparel, especially for cold weather. Multiple points of adjustment provide the perfect fit. Their apparel is on the pricey side, but the quality and durability of a Hurtta jacket is hard to beat.
2. EzyDog Element Jacket
Key Features
- Waterproof and Windproof
- 500D ripstop material
- Slips over pet’s head and fastens around belly with adjustable buckle
- Reflective piping material
- Fleece lined
- Leash hole
- Minimal belly coverage
- Minimum chest girth 21″
- Jacket weight 9.6 oz (XS)
EzyDog makes great highly durable pet products. I love their stuff, unfortunately a lot of it is just too big or too heavy for my little guys (my largest is 8lbs.). For those of you with a bit bigger dog, this jacket would work well. I highly recommend this company.
3. Weatherbeeta Parka 1200D Deluxe Dog Coat
Key Features
- Waterproof horse-style jacket
- Loosely slips over pet’s head and fastens around belly with Velcro
- Collar can be flipped up for extra protection
- Insulated
- Full belly coverage
- Elastic leg bands
- Made with recycled materials
- Leash hole
- Reflective material strips
- 3-year warranty
- Minimum chest girth 12″
- Jacket weight 2.89 oz (12)
Another recommended jacket from my pet parent friends. This horse-style jacket will keep your dog warm and dry. Their apparel is well-made and durable. Weatherbeeta has a whole line of waterproof dog coats, but this one was recommended more than the rest. Weatherbeeta has been producing high-quality pet products for over 40yrs and stands by their products with a 3-year guarantee.
4. Morezi Dachshund Coat Waterproof
Key Features
- Waterproof polyester material shell made specifically for our longer body pups
- Slips over pet’s head with adjustable drawstring closure at neck and Velcro around belly
- Cozy high collar
- Moderate to full belly coverage
- Fleece-lined
- Reflective piping
- Zippered harness hole
- Minimum back length 12″
- Coat weight 3.67 oz (XS)
Morezi caters to our longer body buddies. Overall, this coat got good reviews many commenting on how warm it kept their dog. The negative comments tend to focus on sizing discrepancy (most stated coat runs big) and may be too long for shorter legged dogs. I ordered the XS (for reference, my Poodles have a 14″ and 14.5″ chest girth with the longest length being 12″). This coat fit all three Poodles well, even Charlie that is the shortest. It is warm, looks comfortable, and even though Charlie was all bundled up he was able to move around freely and pee without peeing on the belly strap. Passed my (un)scientific waterproof test as well. Morezi sells several types of winter coats including a slightly shorter but very similar waterproof coat with the strap positioned further forward on dog’s belly to prevent male dogs from peeing on the strap in case you found this was an issue with this model.
5. Voopet Warm Dog Jacket
Key Features
- Waterproof with detachable snap hood
- Slips loosely over pet’s head and Velcro around belly
- Maximum belly coverage
- Reflective trim
- Leash hole
- Multiple colors
- Fleece lined and insulated
- Elastic leg straps
- Minimum chest girth 11″ and neck girth 12″
- Poncho weight 2.89 oz (S)
This jacket is highly rated, many commenting on the quality and how warm and dry it kept their pet. It’s cute and very affordable. Negative comments centered on sizing discrepancies stating this jacket runs small.
6. Ruffwear Vert Dog Jacket
Key Features
- Waterproof
- Slips over pet’s head then fastens with adjustable side buckles
- Moderate to full belly coverage
- Leash hole
- Elastic leg straps
- Oversized storm collar
- Insulated
- Reflective accents
- Minimum chest girth 13″ and neck girth 13.5″
- Jacket weight 3.2 oz (XXS)
Ruffwear’s Vert Jacket is a relaxed fit and pairs well with their form fitting Climate Changer Dog Fleece Pullover for total protection in extreme climates. Ruffwear has a following among pet parents and this jacket has gotten high marks for warmth and durability. For extreme conditions, you may want to gear up with Ruffwear’s Furness Dog Jacket.
Step-in and Wrap Around Style Waterproof Coats
1. Hurtta Rain Blocker ECO
Key Features
- Waterproof
- Step-in style that fastens around pet with full length back zipper and adjustable drawstring at waist
- Full belly and foreleg coverage
- Adjustable high collar
- Reflective piping
- Leash hole
- Adjustable back length
- Elastic leg bands
- Minimum chest girth 12″ and neck girth 8″ and back length 9″
- Jacket weight 6.7 oz (10″)
This style provides even more leg coverage than the Monsoon. Hurtta has a reputation for producing high-quality dog apparel, especially for cold weather. Multiple points of adjustment provide the perfect fit. Their apparel is on the pricey side, but the quality and durability of a Hurtta jacket is hard to beat.
2. Derby Originals Horse Tough 600D Ripstop Waterproof Reflective Winter Coat
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Waterproof
- Insulated
- Fastens around pet with adjustable front belt and buckle and Velcro strap around belly
- Durable nylon material
- Reflective piping material
- Moderate belly coverage
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Minimum chest girth 14″
- Jacket weight 4.0 oz (XXS)
This was another suggestion from several pet parents in the dog forum I belong to. I’d never heard of horse blankets for dogs. Derby Originals is a world class producer of horse blankets and now dog blankets. Their gear is durable and high-quality. This warm coat does not have a leash/harness hole, it is designed to use with a collar.
3. Blueberry Pet Waterproof Quilted Dog Puffer Jacket
Key Features
- Step-in style that fastens with front snaps
- Collar can be flipped up for extra protection
- Full belly coverage
- Leash hole AND harness holes
- Several colors available
- Minimum chest girth 16.5″ and neck girth 11″
- Jacket weight 2.82 oz
One of their newer products, this jacket is already getting good reviews. Many commented on how warm and well-made this seems, not to mention cute. This snaps in the front, which is ok if you have a well-behaved doggie. For those of us with squirmers, closing in the front and snaps (rather than Velcro) can be a challenge. Blueberry Pet also makes some nice lightweight raincoats like their Waterproof Dog Softshell Jacket (Hooded) if your pup just needs a waterproof shell for warmer weather.
4. Kuoser Reversible Dog Jacket
Key Features
- Waterproof
- Reversible (but only one side is waterproof)
- Fastens around pet with Velcro closures at neck and belly
- Insulated
- Multiple colors and patterns
- Leash hole
- Lots of belly coverage
- Minimum chest girth 9.4″
- Jacket weight 2.4 oz (XS)
This got really good reviews, with thousands commenting on this jacket, so I thought I’d give it a try. I returned the jacket but not because it’s not waterproof. First of all, it is very cute and feels comfy and warm. I like that I can wrap this around my Poodle rather than trying to stick his head through a tiny neck hole, very easy on/easy off. I don’t have any issues with the Velcro. Some commented that their dog’s hair got stuck in it. Not an issue for my short hair Poodles, but for longer fur this may be an issue. Also, the Velcro pokey side does not come in contact with my Poodle when I reverse it, he remains protected. I ordered the XS, and it fits all 3 Poodles very well (Velcro closures are a little adjustable vs snaps or zippers) but had I gone by Kuoser’s sizing chart, I would have gotten a small (for reference, Fred’s chest girth is 14″) and that would have been too big. Others commented that the jacket was too large so there is a sizing discrepancy. I took Fred out in a moderate rain to pee and walk around the yard. The water beaded off the jacket and did not soak through at all. The problem I have is that even though it’s a snug fit for his core, the jacket comes straight up off his lower back whenever he bends over to sniff something exposing his lower back to the rain and cold. Adding some elastic leg bands would fix this problem. It’s a shame because I really love the waterproof material and warmth this jacket provides.
5. RC Pet Products Cascade Jacket
Key Features
- Waterproof
- Step-in design that fastens around pet with Velcro at neck and around belly
- Fleece lined
- High collar
- Specialty sizes available
- Full belly coverage
- Leash hole
- Multiple color choices
- Reflective print
- Minimum chest girth 14″
- Jacket weight 0.81 oz (8)
RC Pet Products have been featured in many of my reviews. I have several of their dog products and like this company and the quality of their dog apparel. For same durability and design yet featuring patterns check out this RC Pet Shasta Coat.
6. Ruffwear Cloud Chaser Dog Jacket
Key Features
- Waterproof softshell jacket
- Step-in design then fastens with full body side zipper
- Full belly coverage
- No leash hole
- Fleece-lined lower panel
- Reflective piping
- Minimum chest girth 13″
- Jacket weight 2.4 oz (XXS)
The Cloud Chaser is one Ruffwear’s best-selling jackets. I love the anti-snag zipper for our longer furred pups and the fitted yet stretchy design. There is no leash hole. This jacket is thin yet super warm and designed to be worn under your pet’s harness.
Conclusion
Keeping our small dogs warm in wet cold weather is vitally important. Small dogs get colder faster than larger dogs, and that is especially true in wet weather. Waterproof coats for small dogs are essential pieces of equipment we need to keep them safe and comfortable when exploring the outdoors in cold wet weather. I’d love to hear how you tackle the cold with your small ones. Do you have a favorite waterproof coat? Do you have experience with any in this review?