11 Feb SportWarmer vs. ProWarmer – Which winter dog jacket is right for your dog?
SportWarmer vs. ProWarmer – Which winter dog jacket is right for your dog?
Choosing the right winter dog jacket can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort, performance and wellbeing. At Joy of Dog Sports, both the SportWarmer and the ProWarmer are premium, Finnish-designed dog jackets made for active dogs and demanding conditions — but they serve slightly different purposes.
In this guide, we clearly compare the SportWarmer vs. ProWarmer to help you choose the best winter jacket for your dog.
1. Purpose: Lightweight versatility vs. maximum winter warmth
SportWarmer – Lightweight protection for active dogs
The SportWarmer dog jacket is designed as a lightweight winter jacket and raincoat in one. It is ideal for:
- Mild to moderate winter conditions down to –10°C
- Wet, windy autumn weather
- Active training sessions
- Dogs that generate a lot of body heat, are not cold-sensitive and/or have lot of hair
- Layering with other garments if needed
SportWarmer offers excellent protection against wind, rain, and cold air, while remaining breathable and flexible. It’s a sporty choice for dogs who move a lot and still need weather protection.
ProWarmer – Ultimate warmth for demanding winter conditions
The ProWarmer dog jacket was designed to be the warmest winter jacket in our collection. It is the right choice for:
- Freezing temperatures below –10°C
- Long waiting periods during training
- Recovery after intense exercise
- Cold-sensitive dogs
- Low-activity outdoor time
If your dog needs maximum warmth and insulation, ProWarmer is built for exactly that.
2. Material & technology: Same premium base – different warmth level
Both jackets are made from premium technical fabric originally developed for professional human sports. The advanced membrane structure:
- Blocks cold air completely
- Is windproof and waterproof
- Maintains excellent breathability
- Stays soft and flexible even in freezing temperatures
However, the key difference lies in insulation.
SportWarmer material
- Technical multi-layer membrane fabric
- Lightweight construction without extra lining
ProWarmer material
- Same advanced membrane technology
- Plus a high-quality soft lining for extra insulation
- Significantly warmer interior microclimate
In real winter testing, the ProWarmer maintained a dramatically higher interior temperature compared to outside conditions — making it ideal for extreme cold.
➡️ ProWarmer (kept the dog 34°C warmer than outside): After a 30-minute walk in –21°C winter weather, the temperature inside the jacket measured +13°C. Check the test here.
➡️ SportWarmer (kept the dog 24°C warmer than outside): After a 30-minute walk at –21 °C, the lightweight SportWarmer maintained an interior temperature of +2-3 °C, keeping the dog comfortably above freezing even in extreme cold.
3. Fit & design: Freedom of movement comes first
Both SportWarmer and ProWarmer are:
- Designed and handmade in Finland
- Ergonomically shaped
- Designed to fully cover major muscle groups and joints
- Built to allow full front leg movement
- Engineered to stay perfectly in place — even at full speed
The jackets provide full front and back coverage, while ensuring unrestricted movement for performance dogs.
4. Collar & coverage
Both jackets feature a functional long collar, but this becomes especially valuable in the ProWarmer during deep winter.
The multifunctional collar can be:
- Worn fully up to cover the ears
- Folded down
- Tightened behind the ears to protect the neck
For dogs with cold-sensitive ears, this is a particularly important feature.
5. Visibility & safety
Both jackets include:
- High-quality reflective edgings
- 360° visibility in low-light conditions
- Bright colour options for additional safety
The reflectors are soft and stretchy, meaning they do not irritate even sensitive dogs.
Quick comparison: SportWarmer vs. ProWarmer
| Feature | SportWarmer | ProWarmer |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth level | Moderate winter warmth (temperatures: +10 °C to –10 °C) | Maximum winter warmth (temperatures: +5°C down to –30°C) |
| Best for | Active training & wet weather | Freezing & extreme winter |
| Weight | Lightweight & sporty | Warmer with soft lining |
| Windproof | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Breathable | Yes | Yes |
| Freedom of movement | Excellent | Excellent |
| Designed & handmade in Finland | Yes | Yes |
Important sizing note: ProWarmer vs. SportWarmer fit
Although ProWarmer and SportWarmer follow the same measurement chart, they do not feel identical on the dog.
Because the ProWarmer includes an additional soft lining for extra insulation, it may feel slightly more fitted compared to the SportWarmer in the same size. The outer measurements are the same, but the lining reduces the inner space slightly.
This is especially important to consider if your dog:
- Has a thick or long coat
- Is between two sizes
- Has a broad chest or heavy winter fur
For heavily coated dogs, the SportWarmer is often fully sufficient to provide excellent protection against wind, rain, and cold air — without the extra layer of insulation.
If your dog generates a lot of body heat naturally, the lightweight SportWarmer typically offers enough weather protection while maintaining maximum breathability and freedom of movement.
Which one should you choose?
Choose SportWarmer if:
- Your dog is highly active and/or have lot of hair
- Winters are moderate
- You want a versatile rain & winter jacket
- You prefer a lighter feel
Choose ProWarmer if:
- Your dog gets cold easily
- You train and walk in freezing temperatures
- Your dog waits between performance sessions
- You want maximum warmth without bulk
Designed for joy – Made for real winter conditions
Both jackets represent premium Finnish dog sports innovation, created for active dogs and dedicated handlers who are active in real winter conditions.
To give you a deeper look into the design, materials and performance behind both models, we’ve also published dedicated videos where Heidi Hendrell, Founder of Joy of Dog Sports, explains:
- The design philosophy behind SportWarmer and ProWarmer
- The membrane technology and material choices
- How the jackets perform in real winter testing
- Why fit, freedom of movement and comfort are always our top priorities
In the videos, Heidi shares the thinking behind every detail — from full muscle coverage to breathable warmth — helping you understand which jacket best suits your dog’s needs.
➡️ ProWarmer: Check the video here
➡️ SportWarmer: Check the video here
Whether you choose the lightweight versatility of the SportWarmer or the extreme winter protection of the ProWarmer, your dog stays:
dry, warm and comfortable.
Because winter should never limit your training or outdoor activities — it should simply require the right gear.
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