The Pacific Northwest has never been known for cold or snowy winters… Until recently. In the last few years, we’ve had snow, ice, and prolonged freezing or hovering around freezing temperatures. Last winter, it became clear that the gear I had for Miles was not sufficient. He would get so chilled from our outings that I had trouble keeping him warm at home long afterwards. We spend a lot of time outdoors, and this worried me!
I decided to try a brand that is new to North America: Pomppa Oy. Pomppa is a high-quality dog coat company from Finland. I ordered from the North American distributor Clean Run. I decided to order two sizes to find the right fit. The size guide said to choose the smaller size if your dog is between sizes, however, I found that due to the boxier midsection of a terrier, sizing up was best for even the leanest terrier such as Miles. I ordered a 32 and a 34, and the 34 is a close fit for Miles. Toppa is the most extreme-weather coat Pomppa offers. Miles has been wearing his Toppa on most outings since November. I never imagined Miles would be wearing it outdoors in the PNW for months on end, but here we are, still using it well into March! Here is a gallery so you can get an idea of the fit and how well this coat serves the wild and athletic dogs.
My criteria for Miles’ winter coat are (needs met by Pomppa in bold):
- Lining comfortable for the hard, wiry hair of a terrier
- Fit designed for unrestricted, athletic movement — absolutely no chaffing or awkward straps or fabric
- Fit that is comfortable in resting position — dog should be able to wear the close-fitting coat and rest comfortably in the car crate with no tightness
- Fast and comfortable to get on and off — no need to lift or man-handle feet, legs, or neck
- Good for snow and heavy rain
- Durability for washing machine cleanings
- No velcro
- No tail hole (lets be honest here — having to quickly adjust the coat before the dog goes to the bathroom, or finding yourself late to do so — not fun)
- Keeps all areas of the body warm
- Versatile for various weather conditions
- Perfect, adjustable fit
Pros: The lining is heavenly, and doesn’t irritate Miles’ hard wiry coat. I wish I could have a coat with lining like this! It is also really easy to get on unlike most dog coats — The Toppa has only one area to secure it, which is unique for this kind of of extreme-weather dog coat.
Cons: I find the fitting REALLY awkward. This coat is expensive and I had to order two and return one to make sure I got the right fit, and even then, Miles is still between sizes. My biggest sadness though? The nicely shaped hip flaps do not cradle the hips when he moves, which in my opinion is a must for active dogs. Instead I feel like they fan cool air to his hips, which is not ideal.
Toppa Pomppa: Extreme Weather Dog Coat
Hi Emma & Miles. Thanks for posting this. Your photos are fantastic and the coat looks great. Have you tried washing it yet? Susan
Glad it is helpful Susan! I have washed it 4 times in my washing machine with other clothes on warm. After I hang it up overnight and it is ready to go. It washes very well. Miles has sensitive skin so keeping his gear clean is important. The cushy lining is exactly like when I got it too!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! Miles looks quite fetching in his new jacket. Will definitely have to check one out for Reggie! Tried, true and tested! Miles should request compensation from the company for his endorsement! LOL! Agility tested by a champion.
Reggie would love one! Thank you for the compliments, indeed Miles is a great endorsement. Seeing him be able to move around so well made me really happy. We’ve had other coats where he moves stiffly because I think they are restrictive. 🙂
GAH!!!! I need to get one of these coats for Mungo. We have been FREEZING up in North Dakota. This looks perfect for the heavier snow and then the tweed jacket for the fall! Love it!!! Thank!
Yes it would be perfect for your area. This is the first winter Miles was happy with his gear — previous ones I’d been doubling up clothing to keep him warm and even then it wasn’t doing the job. Now he looks handsome and is comfy. I want to see pics of Mungo when you get one!
That looks like a great coat. Oliver uses Chilly Dogs – a company made right here in Ottawa. They have the same strap style as the one Miles is wearing, which I love. I learned very quickly Oliver’s first winter that velcro would not last. We have both a Chilly Dogs winter coat and a raincoat. The main design difference is they don’t cover Oliver’s back hips like Miles’ coat does, and they maybe aren’t as waterproof as I sometimes wish them to be. But they’re so easy to put on and off and wash well.
A great coat is invaluable in bad weather. Thanks for this recommendation.
Hi Danielle! My friend has those coats for her dogs, they are nice! For our needs, I wanted something with a thicker more rain-proof shell, liner that was not fleece (I dont like how fleece wears over time, collects dog hair and catches on a very wiry coat, and isn’t warm enough), and I wanted a coat that would cover Miles’ hips. For Miles all of those were important, but especially hip coverage! For a dog who is powering around in the cold, keeping the hips warm is so wonderful to prevent soreness. Miles isn’t a young guy anymore but he is still as active as when he was young. I am very happy with this coat for his needs.
What a beautiful coat, Miles!
Thanks Molly!!!
I never get enough of seeing those little teeth!
Me either!
Could a light weight harness fit over this Toppa Pommpa jacket?
Absolutely. I use one often!
I’ve been looking at this coat for a while. Is the collar opening low enough to work with a halter? This has been my only hesitation, as both my dogs wear halters in the city.
Thanks!
Hi Alex, do you mean a harness? If that is what you mean, I actually have my dog wear his with the harness over the coat. It is more comfortable that way for him. His harness adjusts so that it can be worn alone, or widened to fit over the coat.