#HELIOS DOG JACKET PLUS#

In a previous version of this story, Hurtta’s Summit parka was named our best overall pick, but according to the brand, this style has since been discontinued and replaced with a new and improved version called the Expedition. In addition to Sciria, Waxman and Kelsi Trinidad, head of newsletters at GQ and owner of a rescue Chihuahua named Lupita, are fans of Hurtta coats. “Hurtta has the most inclusive sizing, and everything is adjustable on their coats,” she says. Nicole Sciria, owner of a rescue dog named Benny, recommends Hurtta dog coats for severely cold weather and for anyone having a hard time finding a coat that fits their dog’s body type. Size: 16 sizes with adjustable back, neck, and chest | Insulation: Fleece lining that covers neck, chest, and belly | Durability: Water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable But even if you’re buying a coat with adjustable straps, a soft tape measure is an essential tool to help you figure out the exact distance from your dog’s neck to tail - the most common measurement for coats. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on the recommendations of dog owners with the same breed as your pup and a bit of luck to find a coat online that will fit comfortably.

Ideally, the brand you’re considering will provide detailed size charts and offer a wide size range. The best dog coats are designed with this in mind and are made of stretchy fabric with adjustable straps at the chest and neck to create a snug but comfortable fit. The more adjustable a coat is, the better it will fit a bunch of different kinds of dogs - and the more likely it is to fit your dog if you can’t try it on them before you buy. While they might both be considered small dogs and might even wear the same-size coat, they have totally different neck widths, and the proportions of their chest and shoulders are very different.

Imagine the difference in body shape between a Chihuahua and a pug.

#HELIOS DOG JACKET PLUS#

To help you find the best outerwear for your particular dog, we asked Waxman and 14 other cool dog owners and dog walkers, plus a New York City dog photographer, about the dog coats and jackets they like best. If possible, she suggests bringing your dog to a store to try on different brands, as coat sizing can vary greatly. “It’s important that any coat fits well to allow for natural movement and to prevent any chafing or rubbing,” says Tory Waxman, a veterinarian and co-founder of Sundays all-natural dog food. Along with finding the right level of warmth, you’ll need to think about the fit, since comfort will determine how willingly your dog wears your coat of choice, and body proportions vary wildly from dog to dog. There are reversible down vests in poppy colors, durable canvas work jackets in muted tones, miniature parkas complete with faux-fur hoods, and even full-body rain- or snowsuits for dogs who start to shiver anytime the temperature drops below 50 degrees.

Luckily, there is no shortage of nice-looking and practical canine outerwear, with options available for every type of dog and dog owner. Bigger dogs (especially those with double coats like Labrador retrievers and Australian shepherds) do better in the cold, but they can still benefit from wearing a coat and other gear to keep their fur dry and clean, lessening the need for a bath after slushy or muddy walks. The same is true for most little dogs, who have been bred to spend their winters curled up on laps rather than braving icy winds and snowdrifts. Though my own dog - a five-pound toy poodle named Uli - would try to convince you otherwise, the coat she was born with isn’t warm enough to protect her from freezing temperatures.

Helios dog jacket