Dog raincoats and waterproofs: how to choose the best one

The rains arrive and, with them, the same old question: "Mar, do I put a raincoat on the dog or doesn't it matter?" And then, two minutes later: "what's the difference between a raincoat and a waterproof?" Good question — because many blogs use the two terms interchangeably without explaining anything. I'll tell you the way I tell it to clients when they come in on a rainy day with the dog soaking on their shoulder: what a good raincoat needs, how to get the size right, which breeds really need it and which models from the catalogue people take home when they know it's going to rain.

And yes, I'm going to talk about the Yellow Babord. It's the catalogue's star piece, the one I sell the most, and the one you'll have seen if you've ever searched for "dog raincoat" online. I'll explain why too.

Raincoat vs waterproof: are they the same?

Let's start with the basic doubt. Technically, raincoat and waterproof aren't exactly the same. A raincoat is a thin, light garment, designed to protect you from occasional rain — the classic fisherman's yellow. A waterproof is a broader term covering any water-repellent garment, including raincoats but also trench coats and more elaborate technical jackets.

In the world of dog clothing, in practice, the two terms are used interchangeably. Most of the garments you'll see at Mascoboutique are labelled as "waterproof" or "dog waterproof", but in real use they behave like raincoats: thin synthetic fabric that repels water, hood, belly fastening, no padding. For our clients, it doesn't matter what you call it — what matters is that it does three things, which I'll get to now.

The only useful distinction we make at the shop is between thin unlined raincoat (for mild rainy days, when you just need to keep the dog dry) and lined waterproof (slightly thicker, with a warm interior, for days when it rains and is also cold). Both repel water. The difference is whether the dog will get cold or not.

What a good dog raincoat needs to have

Real waterproofing vs water resistance

Here's the first trap. Many raincoats are sold as "waterproof" when they're actually only "water-resistant". Not the same thing. A water-repellent fabric handles a drizzle or a short shower; a truly waterproof one handles continuous rain without water going through the fabric.

For a dog, the difference shows after five minutes of walking. If you buy a "water-resistant" raincoat and live in Galicia or Asturias, you come home with a soaked dog underneath. If you need real protection for real rain, look for technical fabrics —polyester with membrane, or polyurethane— labelled as waterproof. The ones we carry at Mascoboutique (Milk & Pepper Babord, Tribord) are genuinely waterproof, not merely water-resistant.

That it covers what matters (back, chest, belly)

This is where most market raincoats fail. Many only cover the back —because that's the silhouette that looks good in the photo— but leave the chest and belly exposed. When the dog walks down the street, water hitting the pavement splashes upwards and soaks everything the raincoat doesn't cover. Result: you come home with a dog that's dry on top and soaked underneath.

A good dog raincoat needs to:

• Cover the whole back, from the neck to the start of the tail.
• Cover the front chest — the most exposed area when walking.
• Cover part of the belly (at least a third) — to stop splashes from below.
• Belly fastening with snap buttons or velcro — not at the back, where water can get in.

The legs, usually, aren't covered — raincoats with sleeves for all four legs exist, but they're a nightmare to put on and dogs tolerate them terribly. Better the standard raincoat and, if needed, a small towel to dry the paws when you get back.

Easy to put on and take off

This sounds obvious but it's where the battle is lost with many dogs. If putting the raincoat on the dog takes three minutes of wrestling every day, you end up not bothering. And then it's pointless.

The features that genuinely make life easier:

• Head opening with elastic neck or zip, not through the legs.
• Quick belly fastening (snap buttons or velcro), accessible with the dog standing.
• Back opening to clip the lead to the harness without taking the garment off.
• Removable hood — many dogs hate them. Being able to remove it is the difference between a raincoat the dog tolerates and one he doesn't.

How to choose the right size

Same as with any dog clothing: measuring is essential. Especially with raincoats because, if it's too big, water gets in through the openings; if it's too small, the dog can't move properly and will shake it off.

The three measurements you need, same as for any garment:

• Back length: from the base of the neck to the start of the tail. This is the main measurement — the raincoat has to cover exactly that distance. Too long and it covers the tail and gets dirty; too short and it leaves the rump wet.
• Chest girth: just behind the front legs. Determines the width of the garment. Allowance: 1-2 cm so air circulates and it doesn't squeeze.
• Neck circumference: so the head passes without forcing and the collar fits snugly.

If the brand uses numeric sizing (like Milk & Pepper, from 26 to 45), the number corresponds roughly to back length in centimetres. Measure your dog's back and pick the corresponding number — that simple. If the brand uses S-M-L, get its specific size chart. And, as with any garment, if your dog falls between two sizes, pick the smaller one: with the raincoat, a big size lets water in through every opening.

Breeds that need it most (and breeds that don't need it as much)

The raincoat isn't for every dog equally. Who needs it most:

• Small short-haired breeds: chihuahuas, yorkies, recently-clipped bichons, dachshunds. They walk closer to the ground, get more splashes, and regulate temperature worse when wet.
• Breeds with fine or straight coat without a double layer: greyhounds, podencos, lurchers. They have no protective coat and get soaked fast.
• Older dogs: from 8-10 years onwards, getting wet and cold affects them more. The raincoat avoids cold shocks that can chain into colds.
• Any dog that lives in a very rainy area (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country, Cantabria) and walks several times a day — the accumulation of soaked walks takes its toll.
• Dachshunds: the long back suffers from persistent damp in the lumbar area. A raincoat keeps the back dry and reduces muscular discomfort.

Who doesn't need a raincoat —or doesn't need it much—:

• Breeds with double coat: German shepherd, husky, golden retriever, labrador. The inner coat naturally repels water and the dog shakes himself off on return.
• Field or water breeds: cocker, golden, retriever, Newfoundland. They're genetically designed to get wet — and many enjoy it.
• Young, healthy dogs walking in areas with little asphalt. The splash from below is what bothers most, and in parks or dirt paths it's less.

In any case, if your dog trembles or stops in the rain, that tells you everything. He doesn't ask — he shows you.

Our selection of waterproofs at Mascoboutique

Out of the whole waterproof category we carry at the shop, these are the ones I recommend most. Almost all by Milk & Pepper —the French brand has made us the best raincoats in the catalogue, year after year— and they cover all sizes, from a chihuahua to a medium-large dog.

Yellow Babord Waterproof. By Milk & Pepper. It's the catalogue's star raincoat and the one I sell the most every rainy season. Classic fisherman's yellow, hood with zip (removable, important), back opening to clip the lead to the harness without uncovering the dog, belly fastening with snap buttons, and inner lining in striped blue and white cotton so it's comfortable. Milk & Pepper numeric sizing from 26 to 45 (the number equals back length in cm) — it works from a mini chihuahua to a small-medium dog. If you're only going to buy one, this is the reference.

If you prefer another colour, the same Babord model also comes in Red, Pink and Sailor stripes. Same cut, same sizing, same quality — only the print changes. The stripes are the ones I get asked for the most for photos.

If your dog is medium —over a 45 back length—, the larger version of the Babord is the Tribord, also by Milk & Pepper. Same features but with a double row of buttons to fit a larger dog's chest better. Available in Pink, Red and Yellow.

If you're after something more technical —more resistant, with precise fit to the dog's body—, the Milford Waterproof by Hunter is the other reference in the catalogue. German brand, matte yellow finish with yellow-and-white striped interior, velcro at the waist to adjust to the dog's body (not buttons), adjustable elastic neck and back opening for the lead. Available in yellow and also in Taupe for clients who prefer a more discreet tone. Works for small and medium breeds alike.

A separate mention: waterproofs with an integrated harness sewn into the garment also exist —they have the lead anchor stitched onto the back, so in one step you dress the dog and clip on the lead—. Useful especially for small dogs who aren't comfortable wearing layers and a harness at once. We don't have a fixed model in this category right now: if you're interested, write to us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what's available in shop at the moment.

For days when it rains and is also cold, the Lined Waterproofs add a warm interior to the water protection. Available in khaki green and beige. For chihuahuas, yorkies and cold-sensitive breeds in damp climates.

To see the whole catalogue, take a look at our full dog waterproofs section.

In short

If you came in with the doubt "which raincoat should I buy for my dog?", here's the quick summary:

• Raincoat and waterproof: in dog clothing, used interchangeably. What matters isn't the name but the features.
• Truly WATERPROOF fabric, not just water-resistant. You'll feel the difference after five minutes of rain.
• It needs to cover back, chest and part of the belly. If it only covers the back, you come home with a dog soaked underneath.
• Removable hood. Some dogs hate them — being able to remove it is key.
• Back opening so you can clip the lead to the harness without uncovering the dog.
• Measure back length and pick the corresponding size. If between two, the smaller — a big raincoat lets water in through every opening.
• Breeds that need it: chihuahua, yorkie, dachshund, greyhound, small short-haired dogs and breeds without a double coat.
• Breeds that don't need it as much: German shepherd, golden, husky, cocker — their natural coat already repels water.

My recommendation if you're only going to buy one: the Yellow Babord by Milk & Pepper. It's been in the catalogue for years and nothing has beaten it in quality-protection ratio. Measure your dog, pick the size by back length, and I promise the next downpour your dog will face it like a Dutch fisherman.

If you're unsure about size or model, write to us on WhatsApp with weight, breed and back-length measurement. And if you live in Madrid, drop by the shop — we try them on with you there, so you take home the one that really fits.

About the author

Mar is the founder of Mascoboutique. What started as an idea to dress and equip her own dog became, over the years, a reference boutique in Madrid for families with dogs. Every raincoat, harness or accessory that comes into the shop passes through her hands first: she tests the materials, looks at the stitching and pictures the dog who's going to use it. That exigency is what she also applies to the blog: here we don't recommend what sells best, but what she'd put on her own dog.