Miles and I walk/hike a minimum of 4.5 miles every day, rain or shine. If we have time to be out longer, we are! Because we are outside so much, I’ve tried a lot of dog coats to help Miles handle extended winter conditions. Miles used to wear Ruffwear and Pomppa, but fit has always been a issue for his terrier body. With most dog coats, yet again it feels like life is always trying to fit terriers into a Sheltie/Border Collie world! 4 years ago I tried Hurtta thanks to the urging of a friend, and I have not looked back. If you’ve ever owned a Hurtta dog jacket you will know what I mean. The attention to detail is outstanding, their sizing is really detailed, and their multiple points of adjustment on every coat ensure a perfect fit for any dog. The following is intended to help you determine which of our top 3 Hurtta coats are right for your pup. If you are an active adventurer, it is tough not to have all 3. If you don’t care about dog coats, stay for the fun adventure pictures!
Hurtta Monsoon
For: rainy days, fall, mild to medium cold weather
Miles wears: size 14
Miles wears this jacket all year round when it is raining. It has the most attractive shape and keeps him dry but not too hot in warmer months, and warm and dry well into late fall and early winter. The Monsoon sells out often – a similar coat is the Drizzle. It has a good amount of reflective decoration for city walks, and the well-designed hip flaps are essential for keeping your dog’s hips/back dry and warm as they exercise in the rain and/or cold. It also has a snood if your dog’s ears are sensitive to the wind or rain (which can help too if your dog is frightened by wind noises).
Hurtta Downpour/Rain Blocker
For: messy rainy weather, tick prevention(!), wind, snow, mild to moderate cold
Miles wears: size 14M
As the weather slides into that time of year where it isn’t quite fall anymore, the Hurtta Downpour/Rain Blocker becomes our go-to. It is really comfortable and lessens how much I have to bathe Miles when the leaves on the ground become a disgusting wet pulp that likes to cling to his fur. It is also a great snowsuit when it isn’t extremely cold, and does a wonderful job of protecting Miles from tick-infested areas without chemicals (I check his face and feet when we come home – so easy!). If you have a dog who gets those clumps of snow on their legs, this coat is a must-have. It is also our favorite on windy days.
Side note: how crazy is it that this photo is totally unedited?
Hurtta Extreme Warmer
For: winter, cold, snow, wind, moderate to extreme cold
Miles wears: size 14
The Hurtta Extreme Warmer comes out when the weather drops near and below freezing, and is a must-have if you travel to or live where it remains near or below freezing for very long. It warms better than any coat we have ever tried, without question. For puppies and senior dogs it is invaluable for protecting their hip joints in the cold (which was my biggest disappointment with the Pomppa). Hurtta is the only brand I know of that protects hips this well and still allows the dog full range of motion. Like the Monsoon it also has a snood if your dog’s ears get cold!
Pairing the Downpour + Extreme Warmer
For: VERY COLD WEATHER
When the cold is so bitter it stings my eyes and nose, I double Miles up. This combo has worked wonderfully for us and allows total protection and full range of motion. If you are an avid adventurers like us, it also saves you money from needing another coat!
Other stuff I use in the winter:
Nite Ize Waterproof Light
For: in the rain, in the evening
Hurtta Padded Harness
Our go-to, recommended by canine orthopedic and rehab professionals
Miles wears: size 24/28
Size up if between sizes. Fit for loose chest and adjust belly strap to be snug. Ours layers over Miles’ coats with minimal (extreme warmer) to no (monsoon, downpour) adjustment.
{ … I am not a Hurtta brand rep! 😂 Stay warm everyone! }
We like the downpour suit because it covers the upper legs and the fit is perfect. However, it is always a challenge for us to put on- especially at 6 am in the morning LOL – partly because of the tricky design but mostly because the zipper slider and pull are so tiny making it impossible for someone with average to large hands (like my husband’s:) to negotiate.
Hi Gail! I am tickled that our recommendation years ago was helpful, but also sorry you are having trouble (do you curse me right now when trying to get it on?! Hehe!). My tip is to lay the front feet area down and use a treat to lure Bailey to stand with their front feet over the two front leg areas. Then feed little Bailey a treat while you gently pull up on either side of the front of the coat — and BAM! Both front legs are in. From there I find getting the back legs in really logical and easy. That is my hack! If it isn’t making sense, reply here, and I will make a video for you. 🙂
I like the idea of doubling up the Downpour and the Extreme Warmer for more coverage, especially on the legs. Miles looks so stylish in his!
Oliver copes quite well in the snow and cold with his Chilly Dogs coat (which we’ve loved), just completely burrowing into the snow. “Snow” is his favourite season! But after 8 or so winters and a lot of washing, it might be time for an upgrade. I also had to replace the buckle myself. As he gets older, the cold does seem to bother him faster than it used to, and so more coverage might be helpful.
Thank you for sharing these stylish options with us!
Chilly Dogs is a great Canadian company! Similar to Finland’s Toppa and the USA’s Ruffwear, their quality is excellent, but their fit isn’t always spot on for terriers. In the 4+ years I’ve been using Finland’s Hurtta brand, you will be pleased to know I’ve never had to make a repair or modification… Although Danielle I know you are the queen if DIY! Anyone reading who wants to follow a blog about amazing DIY projects check out Danielle’s blog: https://www.mixmeasuremake.com/
Oh thank you so much for the shout-out!! 🙂 You’re the best!
And yes, Chilly Dogs are made here in Ottawa! Go Ottawa!
Sadie has had her Hurtta winter coat for seven years and it was the best investment I have made for any outerwear. She is able to be a Welshie, and not stand like a statue as she does in her other garments. Glad this brand is getting some love from the welsh community.
Aww Kim I knew someone would have the same experience as me! We are so lucky to know about Hurtta. Thank you so much for commenting! ❤️ Feel free to share this post to spread the “word!”
I add some support from the Lakie club as well. We completely love all our Hurtta products!!
You take the best pictures Emma! Thank’s for the info!
Aww thanks Marilyn! Can’t wait to hear what Sailor thinks!
I love photos of Miles in his coats! Sally is a “statue-in-a-coat” dog… she hates them so much she literally won’t move! On the most bitter of Boston winter days I’ve gotten her to wear a Foggy Dog horse blanket type waterproof fleece lined coat, but mostly she prefers her own coat to any others. This makes me sad, as there are such cute coats out there, and I want to buy them all! Oh well. Miles sure does look cozy!
Love to you.. Darcy and Sally
Hey Darcy! Have you tried Hurtta before? Kim above commented that her sweet Welsh Sadie is the same with most coats, but does really well with Hurtta. With the exception of the Downpour, their coats such as the Monsoon and the Extreme Warmer fit by going over the head (a check for Welshies!) and then securing by one connection point under the belly (again a plus for a Welshie!). For dogs like Sadie and Sally you can just skip the little bum straps and be on your way to freeze-free adventures!
Emma and Miles,
I meant Foggy Mountain Dog coat… that’s the one that Sally will tolerate… like a horse blanket… keeps the freezing rain from her back, and is warm with fleece pile lining. Sorry to mis- speak. Miles looks adorable in his coat photos! Love, Darcy and Sally
Definitely check out my reply to your above comment – perhaps the Hurtta won’t be as awkward as you might have thought! As Sally ages you will benefit immensely from a coat that cradles her hips more.
Can you recommend the proper size for “Asta”,as he id still growing,but right now he is about 20 lbs.,and about 14-15 inches tall at the withers.I would rather he grows into the coat,rather than outgrow it.,thanks.Terry
Hi Terry! Miles wears a 14 in the Monsoon and Extreme Warmer, and a 14M in the Downpour. Miles is a lean athletic adult neutered male Welsh Terrier, who is 22lbs about 15 inches at the withers. I would guess that these sizes would fit Asta as well with a little wiggle room for him to grow!
We had our first snow in Cleveland this week and Griffin was in complete awe. He had never seen white stuff fall from the sky before and was amazed when it stuck to the ground. Of course, he licked it and ate it all up until his entire outdoor pen was clear 🙂 Then I realized that I still needed to buy him a winter coat before the snow really starts coming down. Viola! There was your post. Thank you, Emma, for always anticipating what our little pups need. Until the Hurtta arrives, we are keeping Griff cozy indoors with the most adorable holiday pet pajamas we found at Target. ❤
Michelle, your comment reads like a little poem! I loved imagining Griffin’s first snow. How adorable! I need a picture of his PJs, that sounds too cute! And you are not alone in asking about coats, I had so many requests I thought “I guess it is time for a post!” 🙂 I am so happy it was useful for you!