Choosing a vest for your dog isn’t as easy as it seems. With the variety of options on the market, it’s hard to find the perfect one for your German Shorthaired Pointer.
GSPs are large, but their bodies are slim. So it may be a bit tricky choosing a vest that suits them.
Luckily for you, I rounded up the best options on the market, so you don’t have to waste much time looking.
The Best Vest for GSP
Your dog’s vest should be resistant to the weather elements, comfortable, and durable.
You don’t want to replace it every few months, so considering the materials and the quality is crucial.
With these considerations in mind, I rounded up the best options on the market.
- Carhartt Pet Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat – Top Pick
- Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest
- Browning Dog Protection Vest Dog for Hunting
- SlowTon Winter Dog Coat
Carhartt Pet Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat
We are currently in Wyoming, and I can tell you, this vest is perfect for my GSP, Hank. He wears it all the time and loves it.
If you want a vest that’ll protect your dog from all elements and under all circumstances, the Carhartt Chore may be the best option for you.
It’s lightly insulated to keep your dog warm in the cold weather, but it’s not too heavy that it’ll bother him.
On top of that, the rugged duck canvas is highly durable, with a cover that’s resistant to water. You can take your dog out in the rain without fear.
Carhartt made this vest for energetic dogs who move around a lot. It’s designed to withstand wear and tear and protect your dog in the process.
If you frequently take your dog on hiking trips or rugged worksites, the vest will be an ideal choice.
The vest wraps around your dog using a hook and loop closure and attaches to the chest and neck.
The attachments are made of heavy-duty velcro that hardly budges, and there are two pockets on the jacket for treats.
Pros
- Polyester layer for added warmth
- Water-resistant surface for rainy weather
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
Cons
- No hole available for a harness
Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest
If you frequently go on hunting trips with your Shorthaired Pointer, the neoprene vest from Browning may be what you’re looking for. It’s made of durable neoprene to offer both warmth and flexibility.
Plus, its natural colors will help your dog blend in with nature and hide from hungry eyes.
The vest is trimmed from all sides that may cause chafing and irritate the dog’s skin. Its chest plate is padded to protect the dog from any sharp rocks or sticks he may encounter.
In addition to that, the straps that attach the vest are adjustable, so you can fit them around your dog comfortably.
Pros
- Perfect for hunting
- Flexible, breathable material
- Adjustable straps to fit most dogs
Cons
- Some users mentioned the vest isn’t as durable as it seems.
Browning Dog Protection Vest Dog for Hunting
If your dog doesn’t prefer full vests, this one from Browning will do the trick. It’s made up of thick straps that don’t cover a large surface on your dog’s body.
Therefore, it should be comfortable enough not to bother the dog in the hot weather.
The straps are adjustable to fit any dog comfortably, and the chest plate has protective padding to protect your dog’s skin from injuries.
The hook and loop closure is also sturdy enough not to budge while the GSP is playing around.
The vest’s material is waterproof and tear-resistant, so you can ensure it’ll stay with your dog for years.
Not only that, but it’s also reflective to offer visibility in low light conditions.
Seeing as German Shorthaired Pointers are avid hunters, the Browning vest will be just what they need for the next trip.
For more on the best Neoprene vests, check this post out.
Pros
- Reflective material for visibility in low light
- Waterproof for rainy weather
- Adjustable straps to fit most dogs
- Affordable price for tight budgets
Cons
- Some users mentioned that the edges start fraying after a while
SlowTon Winter Dog Coat
If you’re buying a vest for your dog to wear in the winter, you’ll hardly find a better one than this.
The SlowTon coat is designed to provide the utmost warmth, equipped with a turtleneck collar and a polyester exterior.
A lot of effort went into making this coat. It features a long collar that can be rolled down for less coverage.
It’s lined with breathable fleece that warms your dog without creating an odor. Additionally, there’s a drawstring to help you adjust the size when you need it.
The coat is water-resistant, so your GSP can run in the rain all he wants. It’s also wind-resistant, so it’s overall ideal for the winter.
On the inside, the jacket is made of soft polar fleece. The material is highly insulative—suitable for snowy and rainy conditions.
Lastly, the jacket is designed to offer enough mobility for your dog. Its straps are elastic, so they’ll keep the coat intact in the harsh wind without straining your dog’s movement.
Pros
- Perfect for wintery and snowy conditions
- Well-made with durable materials
- Reflective strip for visibility in low light
Cons
- Some users mentioned that the zipper keeps opening
How to Determine the Right Vest Size for Your GSP
The size is one of the trickiest aspects when choosing a vest for your GSP. To know the right size, follow these steps:
- Measure the distance from the tail’s base to the neck’s base
- Measure the dog’s girth all-around, right behind the front legs
- Measure the neck’s circumference
Most companies only list the first measurement, but it’s better to do them all just to make sure.
If your dog ends up between two sizes, always choose the higher one. Most vests already come with adjustable straps, so you’ll be able to adjust them to fit.
The Final Verdict
My top pick out of my list is undoubtedly the Carhartt Chore Dog Coat.
The duck cotton material is just what your dog needs for his hunting trips. It’s insulating, durable, and flexible. Plus, the water-resistant fabric is a bonus.
My second favorite is the winter coat from SlowTon. It’s perfectly built for snowy conditions with its turtleneck collar and fleece material.
