While having a large four-legged companion has its perks, one consistent challenge is finding accessories that fit your jumbo dog well.
This is especially true for dog jackets. There are so many options available for small to medium sized dogs, but limited options for larger dogs.
To help you find the right jacket, we’ve searched high and low to find the best jackets available for large dogs.
But before we get to the specifics, below are the top things to consider when purchasing a dog jacket for a hefty canine:
Top Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Dog Coat
1. Does your dog really need a coat – if so, which kind?
Lately, dog coats have become something of a fashion statement.
Coats in different colors and patterns are popping up all over the place. While they certainly make our dogs look cute, this trend also begs the question – does your dog even need a coat?
Large dogs, especially breeds that are made to withstand cold temperatures (like Huskies or German Shepherds) may be able to go without a winter coat.
However, if your dog has very short hair (like a pit bull), is older or is sick, a coat may be a good idea because these factors can make your pup more susceptible to cold.
A raincoat, on the other hand, is something that almost any dog could use at some point regardless of the temperature. Not only will a raincoat keep your four-legged friend comfortably dry on a rainy day, but the coat will also protect your pup from getting covered in so much dirt and muck.
No more worrying about ruined furniture and mopping the floors after coming in from a nice, damp stroll!
2. What are your dog’s measurements?
In an ideal world, we’d all be able to take our pups to the local dog coat store and try on every available style right then and there. Instead, we turn to the internet where we depend on customer reviews and product descriptions to make our decision.
Knowing your dog’s measurements will make your selection process much easier – just make sure you’re measuring in the right spots!
Measure around your dog’s neck, around the thickest part of her middle and the length from her collar to her tail.
Here’s a quick video that illustrates how to take a few basic measurements:
Keep this information handy as you click through available options because sizing is inconsistent across brands and styles. This is especially important for large dogs with thicker and sometimes trickier measurements.
3. What dog jacket style makes sense for you?
Dog coats come in many different styles that range from a blanket type jacket that predominantly covers your dog’s back, all the way to a full coverage style jacket that also protects your dog’s legs and underside.
It can be difficult to find a full coverage jacket that fits comfortably around your big dog’s larger dimensions, so this option is harder to find.
Instead, you’re more likely to see blanket style jackets or mid-coverage styles that cover the back and middle, but still allows for free movement of your pooch’s four legs.
The only situations in which you might seek out a full coverage jacket is if you hike with your dog in deep snow or if your dog is older and can’t withstand cold temperatures, even for short periods of time.
If you use a harness with your pooch, you may want to check out a dog coat featuring harness holes or a built-in harness.
4. What is your dog coat budget?
Dog jackets range from $10 for a low priced jacket to around $40 for a higher end jacket.
The jackets with the best reviews seem to fall squarely in the middle of this range indicating that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better jacket. To get the best jacket with the highest reviews, expect to spend at last $20.
Once you’ve considered these four questions, let’s take a look at the various coats on the market that will fit your large furry friend!
4 Best Dog Coats for Large Dogs (In Our Humble Opinion)
Pick #1 | Best Blanket-Style Coat: Zack & Zoey Polyester Nor’easter Dog Blanket Coat
The Polyester Nor’easter Dog Blanket Coat from Zach and Zoey is a mid-priced blanket style jacket, which means it predominantly covers your dog’s back (like a blanket) and velcros underneath the tummy.
Product
Details
- Soft, comfy, durable machine-washable blanket coat for dogs
- Solid-color water-resistant shell reverses to soft printed fleece for all weather conditions
- Reflective stripe and paw print detailing on back
- With neck and belly velcro closures for adjustable fit
It features reflective strips along the back for safety and velcro closures for easy on and off. What makes this jacket unique is that it comes in very large sizes, ranging from XXS all the way to XXL.
It also comes in many colors and is reversible, with a fun plaid fleece on one side and waterproof material on the other.
Why you might like it:
Owners of this jacket like that the material used is high quality and that there are size options for very large dogs, like Great Danes! Most were able to use the coat right out of the box, with minimal adjustments and few returns.[/pros]
Why you might not:
Some owners had trouble figuring out the right size jacket to get because the size chart was difficult to find and varied from what some customers were saying in the comments. However, if you stick to the size chart and take your dog’s measurements beforehand as recommended, you should be happy with your purchase.
Some find that this coat seems to run big, but that could work in your favor with a large dog!
Pick #2 | Best For Active Dogs: Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket and Reversible Dog Coat
The Dog Jacket and Reversible Dog Coat from Kurgo is a mid-priced jacket built for active dogs who like to spend extended periods of time playing outside, even in the cold.
Product
Details
- Reversible & Reflective - Keep your dog cozy during colder months. Reflective piping for nighttime...
- Water Resistant & Lightweight - Athletic fit to keep your active dog warm without overheating.
The large and XL sizes are great for large dogs and its special cut makes it easy to move – it fits snugly around the middle and covers up the tummy, but leaves your dog’s legs free to move around unencumbered.
Like many jackets, it also features reflective strips, is machine washable, waterproof, and comes in several bright colors like blue, red, purple and teal so you can keep your dog looking stylish.
Best of all, the folks at Kurgo offer a lifetime warranty if you purchase a new jacket from an authorized seller – a great perk!
Why you might like it:
Owners like this jacket because it just works – it keeps your dog warm in cold weather, while looking good at the same time! Owners also really like that it fits dogs who have a large chest, something that can be exceptionally difficult to find.
Why you might not:
A few owners found that the material didn’t hold up noticing that the velcro started to separate from the jacket. However, this impacted only a small fraction of the jackets purchased so most owners were very happy with their purchase!
Pick #3: PetCee Dog Jacket, Waterproof Fleece Lined Reflective Jacket
The Waterproof Fleece Lined Reflective Jacket from PetCee is a mid-priced jacket that is built specifically to fit large dog breeds.
Product
Details
The size chart extends all the way to 5XL! It’s waterproof, windproof, and keeps your dog warm during the cooler winter months by fitting snugly around your dog’s back and tummy.
PetCee prominently displays their size chart for easy use and offers a great return policy – you can return it for any reason!
Why you might like it:
Owners found this jacket to be particularly easy to get on, and owners were thrilled to find that this jacket fits very large dog breeds like a Bullmastiff – a great sign for finding the right jacket for your large dog!
Why you might not:
While most owners were happy with their PetCee purchase, a few owners found this jacket to be lacking a bit in terms of quality.
Pick #4 | Best For Rain: RC Pet Products Packable Dog Rain Poncho
The Packable Dog Rain Poncho from RC Pet Products is a low-priced dog jacket built specifically for use in the rain.
Product
Details
- Lightweight water resistant taffeta shell
- Adjustable velcro waist band and leash access hole
- Great for long-haired breeds that don't need added warmth
- Size: XXX-Large, length: 30 inches, girth: 35-45 inches
RC Pet Products notes that this jacket as a great option for dogs with long hair that need to be kept dry, but don’t need the added warmth provided by thick winter jackets. For large dogs who tend to run warm, this is a great option. They offer sizes ranging all the way from L to XXXL!
This poncho also comes in its own bag for easy travel, is hand washable and, best of all, offers a repair or replace guarantee for the life of your pet!
Why you might like it:
Owners love how adorable this jacket looks! It comes in both solid colors (red, blue, green, pink) and even unique, colorful prints, so you’re sure to find something that suits your pup. One has a nautical theme, one is covered in rubber ducks and a third features multi-colored paw prints – and that’s only a few examples!
With all of these options and even a matching hat, it’s led to quite a few “aww” moments. But, in addition to winning beauty contests, most owners found the jacket to do what it’s supposed to do – fit snugly and keep your pup dry!
Why you might not:
Some owners found that this jacket doesn’t perform very well in high winds because it’s so lightweight. However, in most standard rainy situations, this jacket is perfect!
Have you had good luck with one of the jackets on this list or have any recommendations for other great products? Tell us in the comments section below!
4 Comments
November 25, 2019
I have a Great Dane with a 47inch chest and a 27inch neck.
Can you help me with that?
August 20, 2019
Ruffwear has some of the best options for dogs. How come that’s not on your list?
November 12, 2018
winter coats with velcro are awesome for anyone who has dogs that are 80+ size dog. The small dog coats are great too. It is just so hard to find things to fit big dogs. I have 2 bullmastiffs. I have tried all kinds to fit. They can get most off and destroy. If you measure and send them to Heafty Hounds they will make it to fit!
Only 1 thing do not buy anything that has snaps. They come unsnap. Zippers and velcro. Velcro you may want to reinforced stronger if your dogs are rough. When you order if you ask they will totally do it for you!!
LOVE THEM!!!
November 13, 2018
Great advice Lorraine – we generally recommend velcro as well as it’s much easier to take on and off than snaps or zippers.