Last Updated: 29/03/2025
Dog Coat Fitting Guide
Find out which coat would be best for your pooch and how to find the right size.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 43 minutes - long read
Whether your dog is an adventurous outdoor explorer or a cozy indoor companion, a well-fitted coat can offer numerous benefits. Not only do coats help keep your furry friend warm and dry during chilly weather, but they can also be a fun way to express their unique personality.
In this article, we'll explore the advantages of using dog coats, the importance of choosing the right size, and tips for finding the perfect coat for your pup. By the end, you'll feel confident making stylish and practical choices for your canine companion.
How to Choose the Right Size Dog Coat
Dogs come in a large variety of sizes and shapes and no two dogs are exactly the same size, even within a breed. This means that the only accurate way to choose the right size coat for your dog is by measuring them. Most coats, jackets and jumpers will use back length as a measurement but to get a perfect fit you'll need to take three measurements; Length, Neck and Chest.
Some sizing guides may list breed recommendations or weight based guides, but these are not accurate determinants of size and only the three measurements can provide an accurate reference for choosing a correctly fitting coat. When you take measurements, be sure to measure in the units you are familiar with and you may be able to convert later depending on the clothing brand's measurements.
How to measure your dog for a coat
1. Get Your Dog Prepared
Start by getting your dog ready, as you will need your dog to be present to take measurements for the coat. If your dog is very wriggly or excited, you may need a helper and some high value treats to encourage them to stand still while you measure them up. Alternatively, if you are on your own, why not try a lickmat with a paste treat or peanut butter.
2. Take Three Main Measurements
Length: The first measurement is the length measurement, which measures from the base of the dog's neck to the base of the tail. Use a measuring tape and measure along the back from those two points.
Chest: The second measurement is the chest measurement, which is the widest part of the dog's chest usually just behind the elbows. Wrap the measuring tape right around the chest and take it at the widest point.
Neck: The third measurement is the neck measurement. Use this for your collars as well. Wrap the measuring tape around the neck gently where the collar would normally sit. Make sure it's tight but not too tight, and you should be able to fit two fingers underneath there comfortably.
Record your measurements. Write down your measurements so that you can refer to them when selecting a coat.
3. Find The Right Jacket or Coat For Your Dog
Find a jacket or jumper that fits your dog. With your measurements, you can choose the right size of coat for your dog. Remember that if your dog is between sizes, it's always best to go up rather than down for comfort.
If you have any questions about which jacket or jumper might be right for your pet, contact our Customer Service team or Vet team for help.
4. Try Dog Coat On
Once you have the coat that fits your dog, it's time to try it on. Make sure it's comfortable and fits well. If it's too tight or too loose, you may need to adjust the size accordingly.
Enjoy the benefits of a well-fitting dog coat that will keep your dog warm, dry and comfortable in all types of weather conditions.
Understanding Dog Coat Sizing Guides
Different brands and products will have their own sizing guides using a measurement range to assist pet parents in choosing the correct size of their products. Your dog may fit coats in a range of sizes depending on the individual brands, so you should always check the guide provided for the product you intend to purchase first.
When you look at the sizing guide, find the ranges that your dog fits into. If their measurements fall between ranges or one of their measurements fits in a smaller size, we recommend sizing up for the best fit.
Does My Dog Need a Coat?
While your average wild dog isn't going to be rocking the latest cable knit sweater, there is a large variety of dog coats available to suit a multitude of purposes. You may be looking for a coat for warmth, a raincoat or even just something to dazzle at doggy day care! Dog coats can be an option for any dog, however, there are some dogs that are more suited to rocking the latest trends.
The dogs most commonly suited to wearing coats are:
• Small dogs
• Short coated or single coated dogs
• Dogs with arthritis or joint problems
• Dogs travelling to colder temperatures than they are acclimatised too
• Less active dogs
• Lean dogs
As such some breeds are seen more commonly wearing coats or are more suited to wearing a coat due to their lack of undercoat, size and adaptability to cold whether, including the French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Whippets, Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Coats are by no means breed specific though, especially if you are looking for a specific type of coat, such as a raincoat, cooling vest, life jacket or anxiety shirt.
Even if you aren't looking for a coat with a purpose, you can always get a coat as a fashion statement. Or better yet, why not get a matching outfit with your beloved fur-baby?
Why is it Important to Get the Right Fit?
Choosing the right coat isn't just about looking the most fashionable at the dog park. It's also about ensuring it is functional for its intended use and that your dog is comfortable wearing it.
Some key reasons why getting the right fit is important are:
- Not Too Big: A coat that is too big will cause problems for your dog. It could fall down, interfering with normal movement, it could prevent toileting and it won't provide much benefit as cold air or rain could get underneath them.
- Doesn't Cut: Check the coat doesn't cut into your dog, especially their neck, chest or around their limbs which could potentially cause injury or pain.
- Restraint: Ensure the coat doesn't restrict your dog's movement. They should still be able to run, jump and play as normal.
- Toileting: This is especially important with male dogs, they should still be able to urinate without urinating on or through the coat. Female dogs should still be able to squat.
- Temperature: Active dogs produce more body heat, and dogs with long hair or a double coat can hold in more heat. Using thick coats or woollen coats on these dogs, especially in the warmer months, may cause heat stress. Likewise, a coat that is too loose will not provide sufficient warmth.
- Fabric Flexibility: Even in a coat, your dog will be jumping around and playing so it's always good to choose a fabric with a little bit of give to allow for normal movement. A little bit of stretch or give is also important in case your dog puts on a little Winter weight.
- Longevity: Coats that don't fit properly may get caught on objects, may fall off and get lost, they could get urinated on, they may get trodden on or your dog may chew them if they are uncomfortable. All of these things may reduce the longevity of the coat.
- Hygiene: The wrong fitting coat may get stood on, dragged through the mud, urinated on, chewed on or may cause abrasions to the skin, all of which could potentially expose your dog to illness, such as viruses or bacteria in the soil or on the skin. A thick, wet coat would provide the perfect habitat for bacterial and yeast overgrowth.
Confirming the Comfort for Your Dog
When it comes to working out your dog's comfort level while wearing a coat, there are two important factors to consider: the comfort of the fit and the comfort of your dog.
Comfort of the Fit
The comfort of the fit is all about the size of the coat. It should fit closely with room for movement and play without causing any discomfort. It's the Goldilocks Principle; not too big and not too small. A coat that is too big and falls off or changes position during everyday activity will also be uncomfortable for your dog to wear. Nor should it restrict movement, cut into your dog or interfere with their normal behaviour, making them uncomfortable.
Comfort of Your Dog
The comfort of your dog refers to whether your dog likes wearing a coat, or not. Wearing a coat is an unnatural experience for dogs, who don't have coats in the wild. Dogs that are familiar with coats and have been wearing them since they were puppies will likely feel comfortable and confident in their new coat. Dogs that have never worn a coat before may be frightened and uncomfortable.
If your dog has never worn a coat before, you can train them to wear one. This is similar to teaching them to wear a harness or a muzzle.
Start by slowly introducing your dog to the coat and reward them for any positive interactions with it, such as sniffing it or putting their head into it. Loosely place the coat over them, reward and remove it. Slowly you can practise putting it over their head, reward and remove, increasing the amount of time it is on for each time. Then you can start to put it over their limbs, again increasing the time it is on for. Even after your dog is comfortable wearing it, be sure to praise them for putting their coat on so that wearing a coat is always a positive experience.
Ensuring the Maximum Life From Your Coat
Whenever we purchase a product for our pets, we hope that it will last their lifetime. Choosing the right coat size is essential to ensuring the longevity of your dog's coat.
When choosing a coat, look for quality products from reputable brands that use durable materials and fabrics with a bit of give to ensure your coat is going to last as long as possible. Following this, choosing the right size will also guarantee the longevity of your coat. Coats that are too small may irritate your dog, causing them to bite at them, or wear through the fabric quickly. Coats that are too big may fall off and get lost, drag on the ground, get soiled during toileting or get caught on objects like sticks or fences. All these things could shorten the lifespan of your coat.
Most coats and clothing items will also come with specific care instructions. Take note of these instructions when you first purchase your coat and follow them as closely as possible. These instructions will take into consideration the fabric and materials used alongside the purpose of the coat to determine the best way to preserve your dog's coat and get the most life out of it.
Types of Dog Coats Available
Dog Winter Coats
Ensuring your pooch is snuggly warm and comfortable when out and about in the cooler months is essential, especially for a very lean, small, short-coated or sparsely-haired dog. Elderly dogs, and those who suffer from arthritis also benefit from the warmth that a coat or jacket provides.
For more tips on keeping your dog comfortable in winter, check out our Winter Pet Care Guide.
Dog Jumpers
This season's on trend must have is the chunky, cosy knit jumper. These snuggly jumpers are perfect for indoors and can also add an additional layer of warmth under a weather proof coat for those extra cold nights. Jumpers aren't just for little dogs anymore either; there's a huge range of styles and colours available this year to suit dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Dog Rain Coats
An absolutely essential piece for any dog's wardrobe is a weather resistant coat to keep them cosy during winter walkies and toilet breaks. For cooler climates look for fleece linings and insulation to ensure extra warmth, if your pooch spends a lot of time outdoors a tough water resistant dog coat with a nylon outer shell is the way to go.
Dog Shirts
Grand final weekend is sorted! Your dog can show their true colours with an official shirt and AFL and NRL merchandise from their favourite teams. Or maybe you're heading out to brunch and want to show off your matching fashion styles? Dog shirts can be a great way to make a statement, show off your pup's fashion sense or dress up your pup for a fun day out.
Dog Pyjamas
Are you one of the many pet parents who lets their furry family members share the bed? Pooch Pyjamas don't just offer extra warmth (and look adorable!), they may also help to catch dog hair and dirt to keep your sheets cleaner for longer.
Dog Cooling Vests
When you think of a coat, you probably think of snuggling up and Winter weather, but did you know that some coats are designed to cool too? With the heat of the Australian Summer, a cooling vest can be an absolute essential, promising your pup plenty of chance to relax.
Looking for more ways to keep your pup cool in the the summer weather? We have the perfect article for you: How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather.
Dog Anxiety Coats
Got an anxious pup? Specially designed anxiety vests are designed to mimic the feeling of a hug and promote feelings of calm in your pup. They can be especially beneficial for pups that may have separation anxiety or storm phobias to provide comfort and reassurance even when their owners can't be with them.
For more tips on how an anxiety coat may be able to help your pet, check out our article Thundershirts for Dogs: Do They Really Help?
Dog Life Jackets and Rashies
Some dogs are water babies and other's love nothing more than to chill on the beach and lap up the sunshine. Well there are coat options for them too! Why not check out our range of life jackets and rashies. Rashies are a great option for providing your pet sun protection while they are having fun in the sun. They are quick drying to prevent their coat harbouring water and can also help to protect your pup's skin from the salt or chlorine in your pool.
Life jackets can be especially beneficial for young dogs or puppies that may still be learning to swim and need a little bit of a confidence boost in the water. Tripaws or arthritic dogs may also benefit from a life jacket to help keep them afloat while they reap the benefits swimming has on their joints.
Dog Costumes
Whether you're heading out for a spot of brunch at your favourite dog friendly cafe, squeezing in a cheeky sunday session with your pooch pal or heading out to a Halloween party, there's nothing like a statement piece to say 'This isn't just any dog!' Showcase your dog's uniqueness with a fun, fashion forward statement piece designed to turn heads and start conversations.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
How to Choose the Right Dog Bed
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
