Pets
The Best Dog Raincoats: 4 Compared (and One to Skip)
We compared four dog raincoats on published waterproof rating, seam construction, belly coverage, harness compatibility, sizing and care.
The short version
The Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO is the pick: Hurtta states a water column above 10,000 mm with all seams taped, and it adds a wide belly flap, a waterproof inner collar and reflective details. The Ruffwear Sun Shower is the second buy, with a published 3,000 mm rating, a leash portal that fits over most harnesses, leg loops for wind and sizing by girth. The Chilly Dogs Harbour Slicker suits dogs whose shape defeats standard coats, since it comes in Standard, Long and Lean, and Broad and Burly fits, and it is made in Canada, though no waterproof rating is published. Skip the Gold Paw Rainpaw as a standalone raincoat: it is well made in the USA with PFAS-free waterproofing, but it publishes no rating, says nothing about seam taping, and is described as wind resistant rather than windproof. Best for: owners of dogs who walk in all weather.
Our picks at a glance
- Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO - Buy. A fully seam-taped raincoat with a water column above 10,000 mm and a belly flap that actually keeps mud off.
- Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat - Buy. A light, relaxed-fit raincoat with a published 3,000 mm rating and a leash portal that works over a harness.
- Chilly Dogs Harbour Slicker Dog Rain Coat - It depends. A Canadian-made slicker offered in three body shapes, which is the answer for dogs no standard coat fits.
- Gold Paw Series Rainpaw - Skip. A soft, quiet, US-made rain layer with no published waterproof rating and nothing said about seam taping.
The verdict in 30 seconds
What mattered most
- Published waterproof rating
- Seams
- Shell
- Belly coverage
- Harness and lead
- Sizing
A dog raincoat has to stay waterproof while a dog runs, shakes and rolls, fit a body shape that varies more than any human's, and work with a harness and a lead. The useful specifications are a waterproof rating, whether the seams are taped, how much of the belly and chest is covered, how the coat is sized, and whether the lead can reach the harness. Few brands publish all of them, and the difference between a coat with a rating and a coat that simply says waterproof shows up on the first long walk in the rain. We compared four coats that span those approaches.
A fully seam-taped raincoat with a water column above 10,000 mm and a belly flap that actually keeps mud off.
Best for: Dogs who walk in heavy rain and mud and owners who want the house to stay clean.
- Hurtta states a water column above 10,000 mm with all seams taped, the highest published rating here.
- A wide belly flap shields the belly from mud, sand and splashes and helps hold the coat in place.
- An adjustable waterproof RainStopper inner collar, reflective prints on the back hem and a reflective chest stripe.
- The most expensive coat in this comparison.
- A lead loop is only built in on the two smallest sizes, 23 and 25.
- Hurtta's own sizing method takes measuring to get right, and fit varies between breeds.
- More coverage means more coat to dry after every walk.
A light, relaxed-fit raincoat with a published 3,000 mm rating and a leash portal that works over a harness.
Best for: Active dogs on trails who wear a harness and need a coat that goes on in seconds.
- Ruffwear publishes the shell: 70D/210D nylon ripstop with a 3,000 mm waterproof rating, a nonfluorinated DWR and a PU coating, bluesign approved.
- A leash portal on the back fits over most harnesses, and leg loops add a secure fit in wind.
- Sized by girth with a published chart, for example XS for 17 to 22 in girth, plus an oversized storm collar and reflective accents.
- 3,000 mm is less than a third of Hurtta's published figure.
- Ruffwear describes it as a loose fit that drapes the body, which can flap on small or slim dogs.
- No belly panel is described, so the underside stays exposed to splashes.
- Seam taping is not mentioned on the product page.
A Canadian-made slicker offered in three body shapes, which is the answer for dogs no standard coat fits.
Best for: Greyhounds, whippets, bulldogs and other breeds whose shape defeats standard sizing.
- Three fits: Standard, Long and Lean for narrow-shouldered, long-bodied breeds such as sighthounds, and Broad and Burly for wide barrel chests and short backs.
- Designed and manufactured in Canada, with a Duraflex buckle and adjustable webbing on the chest panel and Velcro on the body and belly panel.
- A micro fleece chest panel stretches with the shoulders, and 3M Scotchlite reflective details add low-light visibility.
- No waterproof rating is published, only a waterproof, windproof and breathable nylon shell.
- Seam taping is not mentioned.
- The fleece chest panel is not waterproof and absorbs water in heavy rain.
- Chilly Dogs says to avoid hot water and any heat when washing, so drying takes time.
A soft, quiet, US-made rain layer with no published waterproof rating and nothing said about seam taping.
Best for: Light rain and layering over a fleece on dogs who dislike noisy fabrics.
- Made in the USA with a PFAS-free waterproof fabric from a bluesign certified mill, OEKO-TEX 100 certified.
- Stretchy bonded fabric that Gold Paw says does not crinkle or rustle, with a recycled polyester mesh lining.
- Collar and harness access, reflective trim at the collar and belt, and an optional front harness hole.
- No waterproof rating is published, so there is no way to compare it with the Hurtta's 10,000 mm or the Ruffwear's 3,000 mm.
- Seam taping is not mentioned anywhere on the product page.
- Described as wind resistant rather than windproof.
- Gold Paw positions it for layering over fleece, which is a different job from a standalone raincoat.
| Criteria | Monsoon Coat II ECO Top pick | Sun Shower Dog Raincoat | Harbour Slicker Dog Rain Coat | Rainpaw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy it | Buy it | It depends | Skip it |
| Best for | Dogs who walk in heavy rain and mud and owners who want the house to stay clean. | Active dogs on trails who wear a harness and need a coat that goes on in seconds. | Greyhounds, whippets, bulldogs and other breeds whose shape defeats standard sizing. | Light rain and layering over a fleece on dogs who dislike noisy fabrics. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range |
| Published waterproof rating | Water column above 10,000 mm | 3,000 mm | Not published | Not published |
| Seams | All seams taped | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Shell | Melange outer fabric, woven lining | 70D/210D nylon ripstop, nonfluorinated DWR, PU coating | Waterproof, windproof, breathable nylon | Waterproof bonded stretch fabric, PFAS-free |
| Belly coverage | Wide belly flap | Not described | Velcro belly panel | Not described |
| Harness and lead | Lead loop on sizes 23 and 25 only | Leash portal fits over most harnesses | Harness hole versions sold separately | Collar and harness access, optional front hole |
| Sizing | Hurtta numbered sizes, XS options at 40 and 45 | By girth, XXS upward | By chest girth in three body fits | Numbered sizes |
| Reflective details | Back hem prints and chest stripe | Reflective accents | 3M Scotchlite | Collar and belt trim |
| Stated origin | Not stated | Not stated | Made in Canada | Made in USA |
Which one is right for you?
- Dogs who walk in heavy rain and mud and owners who want the house to stay clean. Buy it Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO
- Active dogs on trails who wear a harness and need a coat that goes on in seconds. Buy it Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat
- Greyhounds, whippets, bulldogs and other breeds whose shape defeats standard sizing. It depends Chilly Dogs Harbour Slicker Dog Rain Coat
- Light rain and layering over a fleece on dogs who dislike noisy fabrics. Skip it Gold Paw Series Rainpaw
How we judged the field
Five things decide whether a dog raincoat keeps a dog dry. The first is a published waterproof rating, because waterproof on its own is a claim, not a measurement. The second is seam construction, since stitching holes leak unless they are taped. The third is coverage, particularly across the chest and belly, where most of the splash comes from. The fourth is fit, which for dogs means a sizing method that matches their shape and a coat that stays put when they move. The fifth is how the coat works with a harness and lead, because a coat that blocks the lead clip is a coat that stays at home.
The field splits between fully featured technical raincoats with high ratings and taped seams, light trail shells built for quick use, fit-focused coats offered in several body shapes, and soft layering shells designed to go over fleece. We took one of each.
The Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO is the most protective raincoat here, and Hurtta backs that with numbers: a water column above 10,000 mm and all seams taped. The ECO update uses a melange outer fabric that Hurtta says improves water resistance and a soft woven lining that does not rustle or tangle fur. A wide belly flap shields the belly from mud and splashes and holds the coat in place, an adjustable waterproof tricot RainStopper inner collar keeps water out at the neck and chest, and the back length adjuster has moved inside the coat so it no longer snags. Reflective prints on the back hem and a reflective chest stripe add visibility. It goes on with an adjustable webbing belt and quick-snap buckle. The drawbacks are price, which is the highest here, a lead loop only on sizes 23 and 25, and Hurtta’s own sizing method, which rewards careful measuring. For wet, muddy walks it is the coat to buy.
The Ruffwear Sun Shower is the practical trail raincoat. Ruffwear publishes the shell in detail: 70D/210D nylon ripstop with a 3,000 mm waterproof rating, a nonfluorinated DWR and a PU coating, bluesign approved, and describes it as waterproof and windproof. The leash portal on the back fits over most harnesses, which solves the biggest practical problem with dog coats, and leg loops give a secure fit in wind. The oversized storm collar folds up for weather, side-release buckles make it quick on and off, the extended vest covers the hips and thighs, and reflective accents help in low light. Sizing is by girth with a published chart, from XXS at 13 to 17 in upwards. The compromises are a rating less than a third of Hurtta’s, a loose fit that Ruffwear describes as draping the body, no belly panel and no mention of seam taping. For moderate rain and active dogs it is an excellent choice.
The Chilly Dogs Harbour Slicker is the coat for dogs that nothing else fits. Chilly Dogs makes it in three body shapes: Standard; Long and Lean, for breeds like sighthounds with narrow shoulders, smaller chests and long bodies; and Broad and Burly, for very large necks, wide barrel chests and short backs, all sized by chest girth. It is designed and manufactured in Canada, with a Duraflex buckle and adjustable webbing on the chest panel and Velcro on the body and belly panel for a close fit. The shell is waterproof, windproof, breathable nylon, the chest panel is stretchy micro fleece for shoulder movement, the lining is lightweight polyester and 3M Scotchlite details add visibility. What is missing is a waterproof rating and any mention of seam taping, and the fleece chest will absorb water in heavy rain. Chilly Dogs asks for cold, gentle washing and no heat. For awkward shapes, the fit is worth those trade-offs.
The Gold Paw Rainpaw is a thoughtful product sold into the wrong role. It is made in the USA from a stretchy bonded fabric that Gold Paw says does not crinkle or rustle, with a recycled polyester mesh lining. The waterproofing uses no forever chemicals, which Gold Paw compares to the waterproofing on cloth diapers, and the fabric comes from a bluesign certified mill with OEKO-TEX 100 certification. It has collar and harness access, reflective trim at the collar and belt, and Gold Paw can add a front harness hole. As a raincoat, though, the page gives little to go on. There is no waterproof rating, nothing about seam taping, and the fabric is described as wind resistant rather than windproof. Gold Paw positions it as an outer layer over fleece, and in that role it may be ideal. As the only coat for a dog that walks in heavy rain, it is the least proven here.
Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO vs Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat: which should you buy?
The Hurtta Monsoon and the Ruffwear Sun Shower are both good raincoats, and the split is protection against convenience. The Hurtta has the highest published rating, taped seams, a belly flap and a waterproof inner collar. It is the better coat for heavy rain, muddy fields and dogs whose undersides collect dirt, and it keeps more of the mess outside the house.
The Ruffwear is lighter, simpler and better with a harness. The leash portal and leg loops make it quick to use on trails, and the published 3,000 mm rating is enough for most walks in moderate rain. If your walks are long and wet, buy the Hurtta. If your dog wears a harness, moves fast and you want a coat on in seconds, buy the Ruffwear.
What to look for
- Look for a published waterproof rating: a millimetre figure lets you compare coats; the word waterproof alone does not.
- Check for taped seams: stitching holes leak unless they are sealed.
- Match the coverage to your walks: a belly flap or panel matters for mud and puddles.
- Measure with the brand’s own method: sizing varies widely between makers.
- Plan for the harness: make sure the lead can reach the clip without lifting the coat.
- Follow the care instructions: heat and harsh detergents damage waterproof coatings.
Our final take
Dog raincoats are a category where the numbers are rare, which makes the brands that publish them easy to trust. The Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO is the pick for its 10,000 mm-plus rating, taped seams and belly flap. The Ruffwear Sun Shower is the lighter, harness-friendly choice with a published 3,000 mm rating. The Chilly Dogs Harbour Slicker is the answer for sighthounds and barrel-chested breeds. The Gold Paw Rainpaw is well made and responsibly sourced, but with no rating and no mention of taped seams, it is better treated as a layer than a raincoat.
Questions, answered
Does my dog actually need a raincoat?
Many dogs are fine without one, especially breeds with dense, oily coats. Raincoats help most for short-coated, thin or elderly dogs who get cold when wet, dogs with long coats that soak up water and mud, and owners who want less mess indoors. If your dog shivers, refuses to walk in rain or takes hours to dry, a coat is worth trying.
What does a waterproof rating mean on a dog coat?
It is a hydrostatic head figure, measured in millimetres, showing how much water pressure the fabric resists before it leaks. Higher is more waterproof. Hurtta states a water column above 10,000 mm for the Monsoon Coat and Ruffwear publishes 3,000 mm for the Sun Shower. A coat that only says waterproof gives you nothing to compare, and taped seams matter as much as the fabric, because stitching holes let water in.
How do I measure my dog for a coat?
Use the brand's own chart and method, because they differ. Ruffwear measures girth around the widest part of the rib cage and advises choosing the smaller size if your dog is between sizes. Chilly Dogs sizes by chest girth and offers different body shapes. Hurtta uses its own sizing method. Measure with a soft tape while your dog is standing, and check the neck and back length too if the brand lists them.
Will a raincoat work with my dog's harness?
It depends on the coat. The Ruffwear Sun Shower has a leash portal on the back that fits over most harnesses. Gold Paw offers collar and harness access and can add a front harness hole. Chilly Dogs sells separate harness-hole versions, and Hurtta builds a lead loop into its smallest sizes only. If you use a harness, check how the lead reaches the clip before buying.
How should I wash a dog raincoat?
Follow the brand's instructions, because heat and detergents can damage waterproof coatings. Chilly Dogs says to wash cold on a gentle cycle and avoid hot water or any heat. Gold Paw allows cold or warm washing and a low tumble dry. Rinse off mud after walks and only machine wash when needed, and fasten buckles and Velcro before washing so they do not snag.
Deciding between the top two? See our head-to-head: Hurtta Monsoon Coat II ECO vs Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat.
More Pets reviews
The Best Dog Seat Belts and Car Harnesses: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) 
The Best Dog Shampoos: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) 
The Best Dog Training Collars: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) 
The Best Elevated Dog Bowls: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) 
The Best Hamster and Small Animal Exercise Wheels: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) 
The Best Heated Pet Beds: 4 Compared (and One to Skip)