The best dog fleeces for winter walks

Dogs need fleeces if they’re small, short-haired, older, puppies, or have health issues, while thick-coated breeds usually don’t. Cold-sensitive breeds include Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Greyhounds, Whippets, Staffies, Boxers, plus puppies and seniors; Huskies and similar breeds rarely need extra warmth. Signs your dog is cold include shivering, slowing down, lifted paws, cold ears, or reluctance to walk - especially in wet, windy, or sub-7°C weather. Top fleece picks from TOG24 are Rover for everyday warmth, Fido for extra insulation, and Fetch for lightweight active walks, with fleeces best for mild cold and insulated jackets for deeper chill.

It's a frosty winter morning…

You've bundled up in your cosiest TOG24 fleece before heading out, and there’s your dog at the door - tail wagging, ready to take on the cold with nothing but their birthday suit! While some pups are hardy enough to trot along without a second thought, others start shivering the second the wind picks up.

That’s where fleece dog coats come in. Just like your own fleece keeps you toasty without weighing you down, a good fleece for dogs does exactly the same for your four-legged friend. Whether you've got a tiny terrier who shivers the second the wind picks up or an older dog whose joints need a bit more care, the right dog fleece can turn a bleak winter walkies into something far more enjoyable.

But how do you know if your dog actually needs an extra layer? Which breeds feel the cold more than others? And how do you know if your pup's shivering from cold or just excitement about that squirrel in next door’s hedge? Let's get into everything you need to know about keeping your dog comfortable on chilly walks.

Do dogs actually need to wear fleeces?

The short answer? It depends on your pooch. Years of selective breeding mean that some dogs aren’t quite as equipped for chilly weather as their wild ancestors.

Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Italian Greyhounds have less body mass to keep warm and often sport fine, thin coats that offer little insulation. Short-haired breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Staffies, and Boxers can feel the cold even more, lacking that thick undercoat that keeps working breeds warm and cosy.

Senior dogs and puppies struggle with cold, too. As dogs age, their metabolism slows, making it trickier to stay warm, while puppies haven’t grown their full adult coat yet. Dogs with health conditions like arthritis can benefit from a dog fleece coat, as extra warmth can help soothe stiff joints on cold days.

 

On the flip side, some breeds are built for the cold. Huskies, Malamutes, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands have thick double coats that handle freezing temperatures with ease. These mutts rarely need an extra layer - in fact, a fleece might overheat them! Young, healthy dogs with dense coats also normally manage perfectly well without added clothing.

Cold bothers some pups, but for others, it’s the warm days that are tougher. If you want to keep your dog safe whatever the season throws at you, check out our guide on How To Walk Your Dog Safely In Hot Weather.

Signs your dog is cold and needs a coat

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re cold, but they give plenty of clues if you know where to look.

Shivering is the obvious one. If your dog’s trembling on a walk and it’s not from excitement or nerves, it’s a clear sign they could do with some extra warmth. Some dogs hunch their bodies, tuck their tails, or curl into a ball to hold on to every bit of heat.

Keep an eye on their behaviour too. A normally bouncy dog who suddenly hesitates at the door, walks slower than usual, or keeps trying to turn back home is probably feeling the chill. You might also notice them lifting their paws off icy paths, whining, or looking for shelter - all signs they could do with a fleece coat.

One of the easiest ways to tell is by checking their body. Give their ears a feel (cold tips are a dead giveaway) and run your hand over their back or belly. If they’re chilly or their gums look pale, it’s probably time to pop on a coat or keep the walk a bit shorter.

And don’t forget the weather - once temperatures drop below 7°C, most dogs will appreciate a coat, especially if it’s raining cats and dogs! Remember, damp and gusty conditions feel colder than the thermometer says, so a dog fleece or padded jacket can make all the difference on frosty walks.

Best dog fleece jackets for winter

Here are our top picks from the TOG24 collection, each designed to keep your pup cosy on winter walks.

Best all-rounder: Rover sherpa dog coat

The Rover sherpa fleece dog coat is an absolute all-rounder for comfort and warmth. Made from soft sherpa fleece, it keeps your dog snug without being bulky - making it perfect for everyday winter walks. The fabric traps heat brilliantly while staying lightweight and breathable, and with sizes XS to XL, there’s a fit for most breeds!

Best for extra warmth: Fido padded dog coat

When the chill sets in, the Fido padded coat is a winter essential. Its classic quilted design keeps dogs warm without slowing them down, while the adjustable fastening ensures a comfy fit for all shapes and sizes - available from XS to XL. Lightweight but cosy, it’s ideal for older pups, short-haired breeds, or any dog that feels the cold. The handy lead hole means walks stay hassle-free, and the tough fabric can take on muddy paws, puddles, and all your outdoor adventures.

Best lightweight fleece for dogs: Fetch padded dog coat

For pups who never stop exploring, the Fetch padded coat is made for busy paws. Warm enough to fend off the chill but light enough to let them dash, sniff, and play, it’s easy to pop on thanks to the full-length zip and handy lead cut-out. The reversible design adds a reflective side for early-morning or evening adventures, while the various colourblock patterns look great without getting in the way of grubby paws. Available in XS to XL, it’s the perfect coat for pups on the go.

Fleeces vs insulated dog jackets

Choosing between a fleece for dogs and an insulated dog coat comes down to your pooch and the weather.

Fleece coats are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for active pups or milder cold. They allow full movement and work well on autumn days or as a mid-layer under waterproofs.

Insulated jackets trap more heat, making them better for very cold days, older dogs, or breeds sensitive to low temperatures. They’re slightly bulkier but keep your dog extra cosy.

For damp, windy days, layering a fleece under a waterproof gives the best of both worlds. If you’re picking just one, a fleece like the Rover Sherpa is a reliable all-rounder, while an insulated option like the Fido adds extra warmth when the cold bites.

Measuring, fitting, and caring for your dog’s fleece

A well-fitting fleece keeps tails wagging and paws happy. Grab a soft measuring tape and let’s get it paw-fect:

• Back length: from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail.

• Chest measurement: wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest, just behind their front legs. Make sure you can slide two fingers underneath - we’re after cosy, not constricting.

 

 

Check the coat’s sizing chart, and if your pup’s between sizes, go one size up - extra room keeps deep-chested dogs or those with winter fluff comfy. A proper fit should cover the back without dragging past the tail, sit snugly behind the front legs, and let your dog walk, run, or roll in the mud without the coat moving around.

Washing your dog fleece coat is a walk in the park with the right routine. Shake off dried mud first, then pop it in the wash on a gentle cycle with cool or lukewarm water. Skip fabric softener - it flattens fleece fibres and makes them less cosy. Turning it inside out helps protect fastenings and keeps it looking fresh.

Air drying is best: hang it somewhere warm, but away from direct heat.  If you use a tumble dryer, choose the lowest setting and finish with a bit of air drying to keep the coat soft. Spot clean your dog fleece between washes to keep it looking fresh, store it somewhere dry, and hang it up rather than stuffing it in a drawer.

With the right fit and a little care, your dog’s fleece coat will stay soft, snuggly, and ready for every chilly walk that comes their way.

Keep your dog cosy this winter

At the end of the day, the right dog fleece coat is really about helping your dog enjoy the outdoors as much as you do. Some dogs need a little extra help staying toasty, others just like a cosy layer - either way, a snug fleece makes winter far more fun for everyone.

Think about how your dog moves, how they react to the cold, and what kind of walks you both love. Get the fit right, choose a warmth that suits their pace, and you'll turn winter wanderings into their favourite part of the day.

If you’re planning your next adventure together, don’t miss our Dog Lover’s Guide to Dog-Friendly Walks in the Lake District for some incredible, pup-approved routes. And if you’re ready to wrap them up for the season, take a look at our dog fleece coats and dog toys and accessories at TOG24 - everything they need for cosy, comfortable, tail-wagging walkies.