These Dog Jackets Will Keep Your Pup Warm (and Stylish) This Winter
Winter is coming. Don't let your best friend get stuck in the cold. By best friend, I mean your dog, of course.
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You've probably got the right outerwear in your closet to keep you plenty warm on the coldest days, but what about your dog? Sure, they have fur, and, yes, some of them have a lot of it. But if you haven't yet, now is the time to get a dog jacket to make sure they stay as cozy as you are when you go out for a walk, head to the campsite or just hang out in the dog park.
There are a ton of options, from a Carhartt dog jacket that will outfit the most hard-working (or hippest) pups to dog puffer jackets and dog rain jackets for a dog who loves GORP as much as you do. A dog jacket is also a great gift for a pet owner if you don't have a dog of your own. We think any dog, big or small, deserves to be shrouded in the same warmth as St. Bernards and Newfoundlands were naturally blessed with.
What to Look for in a Dog Jacket
Dog jackets not only come in all sizes, from Dachshund to Doberman and everywhere in between. Regardless of breed, when things take a turn for the worse, your dog needs some sort of protection. They could be as warm as the aforementioned Newfies, but that's not likely. You need to ensure that your dog has a jacket that is warm, durable and well-made.
Material
Dog jackets are much like dog beds; some of them are made from super sturdy, high-denier material that will stand up to anything you can throw at them, while others are soft and cozy but won't last longer than five minutes on a hunting trip. Ensure that what you buy is made for the activities you're looking to do with your dog, whether that is taking a stroll through the park or going on a duck hunt.
Warmth
Obviously, a dog jacket's main purpose is to keep it warm when temperatures start to drop. In addition to the material it is made from, the jacket's insulation plays a big part — much like a jacket you'd buy for yourself. Some of the following jackets are simply warm because they're made from heavy cotton or fleece, while others have real insulation like you'd find in an insulated jacket from the North Face or Patagonia. Consider your dog's natural coat and then decide how much extra warmth you want to give it.
Fit
Just about every dog jacket comes in different sizes — obviously, garments for a dog should not be one-size-fits-all. This is probably a bit more straightforward than the other categories, but before you purchase, make sure you check the size details and make an appraisal as to which size your pup needs, even if you're just eyeballing it. Otherwise, your dog will fight you tooth and nail every time you put it on them (though they may do that anyway).
