Best waterproof dog coats for warmth, dryness and style

Three dogs wearing best waterproof dog coats — (Image credit: Non-Stop Dogwear)

You might not think your dog needs one of the best waterproof dog coats – after all isn’t that what nature gave him? However, most dogs don’t actually love wet and windy weather, and the best waterproof dog coats will prevent his fur getting drenched and him soaked to the skin.

Even those dogs that look like they’re enjoying themselves on a rainy walk (looking at you, springer spaniels), will come home shivering and sorry for themselves if they spend too long outside in a downpour. And some dogs simply won’t step outside on a wet day, so for dogs that feel the elements, a waterproof coat may ensure they get the exercise they need. And from a human perspective, wet dogs smell and take a long time to dry – unless you have one of the best dog drying coats!

This company, Non-Stop Dogwear, is a Norwegian brand which specialises in durable, functional and ergonomically designed products. As befits a product made in much harsher, more wintry climes than we experience in the UK, this is highly waterproof and windproof. It has a durable polyester shell to protect your dog from the elements, with a 15,000mm water column (a way of measuring waterproofness, meaning the garment can handle a 15m high pipe filled with water against the fabric, without the water penetrating). The breathable membrane allows ventilation and reduces condensation. Plus, it has drainage holes in the chest area, which prevent water collecting there.

I tested this coat on my spaniel Fidget and I was seriously impressed. Like most springers, Fidget is highly active and doesn’t really see the need for a coat, but he barely noticed this one. The fit is fantastic. Most coats slip when Fidget starts dashing about in the undergrowth or running full-pelt, but this allows him to move freely, while leg straps keep the coat in position. I like the cinch points that can be tightened for a perfect fit. It’s lightweight so ideal for active dogs who warm up running around – perhaps with a more sedate animal you could put a fleece on underneath. It’s also stylish – I love the high neck, which looks good as well as being practical for further protection.

Material is key when it comes to choosing the best waterproof dog coats. It should be lightweight and breathable to enable your dog to exercise as normal without being weighed down or restricted. The correct size and fit is also vital to enable him to move freely. Some manufacturers make breed-specific coats, for example for greyhounds and dachshunds, appropriate for the variety in shapes, which is something to bear in mind.

There are certain dog breeds that can cope better with wet weather than others. Typically, you’ll find that these are the dogs that are bred to work in or around water, and those that love to swim. For example, Newfoundlands were bred to work on ships and even in life-saving duties. Labradors originally worked alongside fishermen, while poodles, the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling and Chesapeake Bay Retriever were bred to retrieve waterfowl, and the otterhound to hunt – no surprises here – otters.