Layering for dogs: how to dress for the weather
Layering is something most people already do without thinking. A warm layer in the morning. A shell when the rain starts. Removing one when the sun breaks through.
It’s a habit that comes from spending long hours outdoors. In places with unpredictable weather, like Norway, learning to dress for all weather conditions becomes second nature. It helps adapt to the weather and effort: adding warmth when standing still and staying dry when moving.
The same logic applies to dogs. Their gear should be just as adaptable as yours.
This guide will help you build a flexible system that keeps your dog warm, dry, and comfortable, from city walks to mountain trails.
What is a layering system for dogs?
Dogs warm up fast when moving and cool down quickly when resting. Add wind, rain, or snow, and that heat loss speeds up.
Layering helps manage those changes: a few functional layers used together can handle most conditions.
Your dog can stay comfortable through all four seasons with just three smart pieces or fewer.
Protective baselayer: A thin, stretchy, and breathable full-body layer that protects skin and fur from ticks, foxtails, and snow burrs.
Insulated midlayer: A warm fleece or wool layer worn on dry and cold days or added insulation under a waterproof shell on wet days. Learn more about midlayers for dogs.
Protective outer layer: A windproof and waterproof dog jacket with taped seams that protects against the elements while letting moisture escape from it. Learn more about raincoats for dogs.
Is layering needed for dogs?
Dogs are incredibly diverse in handling wet, cold, or warm weather. Their coat, size, age, and health all influence whether and how much layering they need.
A proper layering system helps keep your dog comfortable and prevents fatigue or more serious health concerns when it gets too cold or wet for extended periods of time. When a dog’s coat gets wet or flattened, its ability to trap warm air drops sharply, and it can lose up to half its insulating power. Wind will dramatically increase convective cooling. Layering helps block these effects so your dog stays dry, warm, and safe when the weather turns.
Let’s break it down:
- Coat-type: Double-coated dogs already have natural insulation. But in heavy rain or icy conditions, even they lose heat. A shell or a warm dog jacket will benefit them in extreme conditions. Short-haired and single-coated dogs need protection much sooner, often both insulation and waterproofing.
- Size: Small dogs lose heat faster than large ones because of their higher surface area to body mass. Layers help reduce that heat loss without putting extra strain on their system.
- Age & health: Puppies, seniors, lean builds, and dogs with health issues like hypothyroidism or arthritis need more warmth and protection. Their thermoregulation isn’t as strong, and cold can affect joints and recovery.
Choosing the right layers
Avoiding overheating
Dogs generate a lot of heat during high-energy activities like running, hiking, or skiing. Choose breathable materials to help your dog release excess warmth. Look for signs like heavy panting or slowing down, and be ready to adjust layers as needed. Since all our jackets are built for performance, they are designed with high breathability to support dogs in motion.
Maintaining freedom of movement
Your dog's last need is a bulky layers that fight their stride, whether jumping over streams or zooming through the grass. Layers must move with the body, not against it, and never so tight that they crush the undercoat. Your dog should be able to walk, run, sit, and lie down easily. We design all our jackets and suits with panel construction that follows a dog’s anatomy, allowing full freedom of movement in all situations.
Gear compatibility
Each layer should work together without bulk, rubbing, or pressure points. For this, prefer lightweight, soft, and flexible fabrics and dog apparel with multiple adjustment points for a better fit. Smart design details, like the offset zippers on our Trail quest fleece overall and Fjord overall raincoat, can make a big difference in comfort. If your dog wears a regular harness, make sure the outer layer includes a leash portal, so you don’t lose access or disrupt the fit when layering up.
Our layering favourites
Every piece we design stands strong on its own, but built together, they let you adapt to the moment while giving your dog complete freedom of motion.
Protective baselayer: Protector suit
The Protector suit offers snug, full-body coverage without restricting movement. Its breathable 4-way stretch material helps protect fur and skin from foxtails, ticks, and snow buildup. It’s perfect under a winter dog jacket, or on its own when you need a light, protective layer. The Protector t-shirt is also available for chest and shoulders-focused protection.
Insulated midlayers: Trail quest fleece series
Made with premium Polartec® fleece, the Trail quest fleece series delivers lightweight warmth without bulk. Soft yet durable, each piece offers a snug fit that stretches and moves with your dog, thanks to the flexible gridded fleece underside.
The Trail quest fleece pullover has a clean, trim-free design that provides core warmth whether your dog is on the move or resting after the trail. The Trail quest fleece overall brings full-body coverage for dogs who feel the cold more quickly, with protection from neck to paws.
Both are designed to sit comfortably under a harness and an outer layer, built for adventure, rest, and everything in between.
Discover Trail quest fleece pullover
Discover Trail quest fleece overall
Waterproof outerlayer: Fjord series
When rainshowers and windstorms hit, the Fjord series keeps the adventure going. Built with a 3-layer highly waterproof shell and taped seams, these jackets shield your dog - and any layer underneath - from rain, wind, and mud without sacrificing breathability or movement. Every detail is designed for dogs in motion, right down to trail-tested features like drainage holes that make a difference outdoors.
The Fjord raincoat 2.0 is a lightweight, packable dog raincoat with four adjustment points and a leash portal for easy harness access. For full-body coverage and extra protection in deep mud or harsh weather, the Fjord overall raincoat is the ideal match. Its offset zipper lines up perfectly with the Trail quest fleece pullover, preventing pressure points where layers overlap, and it also features a leash opening. The Freemotion tech™ design lets your dog move naturally, even when dressed from head to paws.
When less is more: our 2-in-1 layering solutions
For cold and rain: Fjord lined raincoat
When cold, rainy weather isn’t the exception but the norm, the Fjord lined raincoat simplifies everything. It combines the trusted waterproof shell from the Fjord series with a soft, insulating Primaloft® ACTIVE lining, cutting down on dressing time and gear clutter while keeping your dog warm and dry in one streamlined layer.
For cold and snow: Glacier series
When deep cold sets in, the Glacier jacket 2.0 and Glacier wool jacket 2.0 deliver expedition-level protection. Insulated with high-end Primaloft® or natural wool and paired with a windproof shell, they block out snow, wind, and light rain while allowing complete freedom of movement. They are a must for harsh winters and snowy adventures, and a perfect ally for any cold-sensitive dog. Pair with the Protector suit for total coverage. A leash opening is built in for easy harness access.
Discover Glacier wool jacket 2.0
Whatever the forecast, your dog is now ready. Layer up and enjoy the moment!