Some dogs feel the cold far more than others. Whippets, dachshunds, Italian greyhounds and senior terriers will shiver through an October morning while a husky is still rolling in the frost. If your dog is hunching its back on walks, curling up tight under the radiator, or refusing to go outside when the temperature drops, a proper jumper can change the whole tone of winter.
A dog jumper is not the same as a rain coat or a waterproof. It is a layer — a bit of warmth across the chest and back to take the chill off indoors, in the car, or on a dry winter walk. The good ones stay put, wash well, and do not interfere with a harness. The bad ones bunch up, itch the armpits, and end up at the back of the cupboard by November.
We have pulled together the jumpers we would actually reach for, from a cheap and cheerful cable knit to a technical fleece built for hill days. Sizes, honest cons, and a proper buying guide included.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
| Equafleece Polartec Dog Jumper | All-round warmth and wet weather | £22-29 | ★★★★★ |
| Ancol Muddy Paws Cable Knit Jumper | Budget everyday knit | £10-14 | ★★★★ |
| Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece | Active and outdoorsy dogs | £55-60 | ★★★★★ |
| Pets at Home Cable Knit Henley | High-street knit with style | £15-22 | ★★★★ |
| Hugo & Hudson Cable Knit Jumper | Designer look and gifting | £40-55 | ★★★★ |
| HugglePets Legacy Cable Knit Jumper | Mid-budget with a smart fit | £12-16 | ★★★★ |
Our Top Picks
1. Equafleece Polartec Dog Jumper
Best for: all-round warmth, drying off after wet walks, and dogs with short coats
Equafleece have been stitching dog jumpers by hand in England for years, and they remain the pair most experienced whippet, greyhound and lurcher owners end up with. The jumper is made from Polartec fleece, the same fabric used in human hiking mid-layers, which makes it warmer than it looks, breathable on the move, and genuinely wind and shower resistant.
The clever bit is the drying function. If your dog comes home wet, the fleece wicks moisture away from the coat to the outside of the jumper, which means a soggy spaniel can steam dry on the sofa instead of smelling for two days. There are no zips, velcro or buckles — it pulls on over the head like a jumper, which also means nothing catches on a harness over the top.
Fit is the best in the business for deep-chested sighthounds, but the sizing guide is thorough and works well for spaniels, terriers and small to medium breeds too. It is not the cheapest option on this list, but it will still be going strong three winters later.
What we like:
- Polartec fleece is warm, breathable and wind resistant
- Wicks moisture away — works as a drying coat too
- No zips, velcro or buckles to catch on a harness
- Hand-stitched in the UK, built to last several seasons
Worth knowing:
- Pricier than supermarket options
- Pull-on design means sizing matters — measure carefully
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rain; layer a shell on top if needed
Specifications:
- Sizes available: XXS to XXXL (chest 30cm up to 90cm+)
- Suitable for: all breeds, particularly short-coated dogs and sighthounds
- Material: Polartec polyester fleece
- Colours: navy, black, raspberry, forest, plum and seasonal shades
2. Ancol Muddy Paws Cable Knit Dog Jumper
Best for: everyday cosy indoor wear on a small budget
Ancol is one of the oldest British pet brands, and their cable knit jumper is the budget pick we keep coming back to. It looks like a proper miniature Aran — chunky cable pattern, rolled neckline, a small hole at the top of the back for a harness D-ring to poke through. At around £10 to £14 depending on size, it is hard to fault for the price.
The acrylic knit is warm enough for a chilly house or a dry winter potter round the block, though it is not for proper downpours. Leg straps help keep the back from riding up when your dog lies down or jumps on the sofa. It washes on a cool cycle and holds its shape reasonably well if you dry flat.
Sizing runs a touch snug through the chest, so if your dog is at the top of a size range we would go up one. Best suited to small and medium breeds — Frenchies, pugs, cavaliers, miniature dachshunds and small terriers.
What we like:
- One of the cheapest decent dog jumpers in the UK
- Cable knit looks sharper than most at this price
- Leg straps stop it rolling up on the back
- Built-in harness hole on the collar
Worth knowing:
- Runs slightly small through the chest — size up if in doubt
- Acrylic knit, so not as warm or long-wearing as a fleece
- Not suitable for heavy rain or serious cold
Specifications:
- Sizes available: XS (25cm), S (30cm), M (40cm), L (50cm)
- Suitable for: small and medium breeds up to around 15kg
- Material: 100% acrylic knit
- Colours: charcoal grey, red, mustard, pink, navy
3. Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece Dog Jumper
Best for: active dogs, hill walks and outdoorsy households
If the Equafleece is the country-gent option, the Ruffwear Climate Changer is the technical one. Ruffwear make the fleece from 260gsm Polartec fleece with a good chunk of recycled content, and it is cut for movement — long through the back, close through the flanks, with sleeves that cover the tops of the front legs without restricting stride.
A full-length YKK zip down the back makes it quick to get on and off, which matters on a cold car park on a dark morning. Reflective trim and a light loop for a Ruffwear Beacon round off the package. It is not waterproof, but it dries fast and shrugs off a light shower on its own.
The price is punchy at around £55 to £60, but this is the jumper to buy if you actually take your dog on proper walks in proper weather. Fit suits medium and large active breeds best — spaniels, pointers, labradors, collies — and we would go by chest measurement rather than breed.
What we like:
- 260gsm Polartec fleece is technical-grade warm
- Full zip down the back makes getting it on simple
- Reflective trim and Beacon light loop for winter visibility
- 75% recycled polyester content
Worth knowing:
- Premium pricing — around 4x the cost of a basic knit
- Not suitable for very narrow-chested breeds — measure carefully
- Not waterproof; pair with a shell for heavy rain
Specifications:
- Sizes available: XXS to XXL (chest 33cm to 107cm)
- Suitable for: medium to large active breeds
- Material: 260gsm Polartec fleece, 75% recycled polyester
- Colours: Obsidian Black, Red Sumac, Canyonlands Orange
4. Pets at Home Cable Knit Henley Dog Jumper
Best for: a quick high-street pick up with proper sizes
Pets at Home have steadily improved their own-brand clothing range, and the Cable Knit Henley is a smart mid-price jumper you can walk into a store and try on — which is half the battle with dog clothes. Available in red, grey and navy, it has a classic cable knit front, ribbed cuffs and a little faux button placket at the neck that is purely cosmetic but makes it look less like a tube sock.
The fit is a little more generous than the Ancol through the chest, which suits stockier breeds like Staffies, Frenchies and beagles better than slim sighthounds. A small opening at the back of the neck accommodates a harness or collar lead.
It is not going to replace a technical fleece on a hill walk, but for the school run, the garden, and curling up on the sofa it looks good and wears well for the money. Colours in store often differ from online, so it is worth a look either way.
What we like:
- Widely available across UK high streets
- Good sizing range and more generous cut than budget knits
- Classic Henley styling looks smarter than most cheap jumpers
- Straightforward returns if the size is wrong
Worth knowing:
- Acrylic knit — indoor or dry weather use only
- Button placket is decorative, not functional
- Colour range rotates with the season
Specifications:
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Suitable for: small to large breeds, favours stockier builds
- Material: acrylic knit
- Colours: red, grey, navy (seasonal)
5. Hugo & Hudson Cable Knit Dog Jumper
Best for: a proper gift or a dog that goes to the pub
Hugo & Hudson sit at the designer end of the British dog clothing market, and their cable knit jumper is the one you buy when you want your whippet to look like it has just walked out of a Notting Hill townhouse. The knit is heavier and softer than the high-street versions, the neckline is neater, and the finishing — from the label to the ribbed cuffs — is a noticeable step up.
Colours rotate seasonally but the house palette of ecru, charcoal, burgundy and forest green is consistent. It is warm enough to serve as a proper jumper in the house and on dry walks rather than being purely decorative, which is more than can be said for a lot of boutique dog clothing.
Not cheap at £40 to £55 depending on size, but the build quality shows after twenty washes. Fit runs closer to European cuts, so a medium is genuinely a medium — more Cavalier than Cocker Spaniel.
What we like:
- Heavier, softer knit than high-street equivalents
- Smart, restrained styling that suits all breeds
- Ages well — still presentable after a season of washes
- Strong gift option if you know someone with a small dog
Worth knowing:
- Pricey — you are paying for styling and finish
- Sizing runs a touch slim through the chest
- Not suitable for wet weather
Specifications:
- Sizes available: XS to XL (chest 30cm to 68cm)
- Suitable for: small and medium breeds; a good gift jumper
- Material: acrylic and wool-blend knit
- Colours: ecru, charcoal, burgundy, forest (seasonal)
6. HugglePets Legacy Cable Knit Dog Jumper
Best for: a step up from the cheapest knits without spending a fortune
HugglePets sit in the sensible middle ground — a touch better finished than the rock-bottom budget pile, a lot cheaper than a Hugo & Hudson. The Legacy cable knit has a slightly looser chest than the Ancol and longer back coverage, which makes it a better shape for longer-bodied breeds like Cockers, Cavaliers and miniature schnauzers.
A small ribbed roll-neck stops draughts blowing down the collar, and the leg openings are big enough not to pinch behind the armpits — a common complaint with cheap knits. It washes well, keeps its shape, and comes in a handful of grown-up colours rather than the usual novelty red-and-green.
If the Ancol is slightly too short or too snug for your dog and the designer options feel like overkill, the HugglePets is the one we reach for most often. Good value for around £12 to £16.
What we like:
- Longer cut through the back for longer-bodied breeds
- Ribbed roll-neck keeps warmth in around the collar
- Generous leg openings — less armpit rub
- Grown-up colours rather than novelty prints
Worth knowing:
- Still acrylic knit — not for rain or deep cold
- Sizing is generous; size down for a snug fit
- Stocked online rather than on most high streets
Specifications:
- Sizes available: XS to XL
- Suitable for: small to medium breeds, especially longer-bodied builds
- Material: acrylic knit
- Colours: navy, charcoal, burgundy, mustard
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Jumper
What to Look For
The first question is what you actually want the jumper to do. A cold house on a January evening, a chilly but dry winter walk, or a proper wet and windy Sunday hill walk all have different answers. Acrylic knits are fine for the first. Polartec fleece handles the second and third.
Fit matters more than almost anything else. A jumper that is too short will ride up under the armpits and chafe. One that is too long will get caught under the back legs when your dog squats. Measure the length of your dog’s back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and the chest at its widest point just behind the front legs, then use the brand’s own size chart — dog clothing sizing is wildly inconsistent between brands.
Check that there is some provision for a harness — either a slot on the back for the D-ring or a neckline that pulls on over a harness that is already in place. Wrestling a jumper over a full Y-harness on a cold morning is the quickest way to stop using one.
Types of Dog Jumper
Cable knit jumpers
The classic look. Usually acrylic, warm for indoor wear and dry walks, and available at every price point from £8 to £55. Good for show, less good for showers.
Fleece jumpers and sweaters
Polyester or Polartec fleece. Warmer for the weight than acrylic knit, more wind resistant, and often wicking — they dry a wet dog while they wear it. The Equafleece and Ruffwear options on this list are both fleece.
Wool and wool-blend jumpers
Softer and warmer than pure acrylic, but more expensive and harder to wash. Pick these for aesthetics and small-breed use rather than muddy walking dogs.
Size Guide
Dog size reference:
- Small (under 10kg): Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Toy Poodles, mini Dachshunds
- Medium (10-25kg): Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, French Bulldogs, Border Collies
- Large (25-40kg): Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds
- Extra Large (40kg+): Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands
For jumpers, always measure back length (neck to tail base) and chest girth (behind the front legs) and cross-reference with the individual brand’s chart. A labrador can be a medium in one brand and a large in another.
How Much Should You Spend?
Budget (under £15):
Acrylic cable knits from Ancol, HugglePets and supermarket own-brands. Fine for indoor use and dry walks on small or medium dogs. Expect one or two winters of wear.
Mid-range (£15-35):
Better finished knits, entry-level fleece, and own-brand jumpers from larger retailers like Pets at Home. The sweet spot for most pet parents.
Premium (£35+):
Technical Polartec fleece from Equafleece and Ruffwear, designer knits from Hugo & Hudson, wool blends. Worth the money if your dog actually needs warmth for real walks or you wash it often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog really need a jumper?
Most healthy, well-coated medium to large breeds do not need a jumper in a British winter, but plenty of dogs genuinely benefit. Short-coated breeds like whippets, greyhounds, dachshunds, pugs and Staffies feel the cold. Senior dogs, puppies, recently clipped dogs and recovering dogs all benefit from a warm layer. If your dog hunches, shivers, or refuses to go out when it is cold, a jumper is worth trying.
Can dogs wear a jumper under a harness?
Yes, and in fact a jumper under a harness is the more reliable setup than a harness under a jumper. Look for jumpers with a small slot or opening on the back so the harness’s lead attachment can poke through, or simply put the jumper on first and the harness over the top.
How do I wash a dog jumper?
Acrylic and polyester fleece jumpers are almost all machine washable on a cool 30-degree cycle. Wash them inside out, skip the fabric softener (it clogs fleece fibres), and lay them flat to dry. Wool and wool-blend jumpers usually need a hand wash — check the label.
What size jumper does my dog need?
Measure back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail and chest girth behind the front legs, then use the manufacturer’s size chart. Never buy by breed alone — two labradors of the same breed can easily be two different sizes.
Will a jumper keep my dog dry in the rain?
No — a jumper is a warmth layer, not a waterproof. For rain you need a proper rain coat on top. Fleece jumpers like the Equafleece are shower resistant and dry fast, but they are not a substitute for a shell in heavy rain.
Final Verdict
For most UK pet parents, the Equafleece Polartec Dog Jumper is the one to beat — warm, quick-drying, built in Britain, and genuinely useful across the whole winter. If you want a cheap cable knit for indoor wear and mild walks, the Ancol Muddy Paws is remarkable for the money. And if your dog is an active, outdoorsy type who logs real miles through the cold months, the Ruffwear Climate Changer is worth the extra.
