Protect Your Pup: The Best Protective Dog Vests for Upland Bird Hunters
I should have known better. I was heading out for a quick late-season hunt in the swamp behind my parents’ house—mostly canary grass and no fences—so I decided not to put a vest on my Brittany. Somehow, she still ended up with a nasty chest gash that required urgent attention from my vet. If you’re a bird hunter, you know this story all too well. Our dogs are elite athletes working in tough conditions. Cuts happen. A protective dog vest can help prevent some of these injuries. I can promise you this: my Brittany will never hunt without her protective vest again! In this article, we’ll explore the best protective dog vests on the market today.
What to Look for in a Protective Dog Vest for Your Upland Hunting Dog
There are many protective vest options available today, but they are not all created equal. When selecting a vest for your dog, consider these top three factors:
1. Fit
A crucial factor to consider is fit. Contact the manufacturer with your dog’s breed information and weight to get recommendations on the ideal size. Be sure to test the vest well before heading into the field. It should fit well without being too tight or too loose, especially around the front legs, ensuring your dog can move comfortably and freely.
2. Protective Coverage
Protective coverage can be challenging due to the differences in dog breed body types. A vest that perfectly protects key areas on Springer Spaniel, may not suit a German Shorthair Pointer as well. Ideally, the vest should provide ample protection for the front of the chest and the area where it curves under the front legs. Ensuring these areas are well-covered helps prevent injuries from brush, thorns, barbed wire, and other field hazards.
3. Quality Materials
Material quality matters! I’ve found some vests that look great online but are made from inferior materials that offer little to no real protection. Investing in a high-quality vest made from durable, protective materials provides better safety for your dog and can save you from costly vet bills in the long run.
By focusing on these key aspects—fit, coverage, and quality materials—you can ensure your upland hunting dog stays safe and comfortable in the field.
Top Protective Dog Vest Options:
Tyro Dog Vest
My current favorite vest is the Tyro Field Shield vest. The founder of Tyro was inspired to develop this vest after his dog had an injury similar to my Brittany. The Tyro vest is handmade and features an innovative design that offers much greater protection where the front legs meet the chest than other models I’ve tried.
The high-impact areas of this vest are protected with a very durable, puncture-resistant material called SuperFabric®. The blaze areas of the vest are made from four-way nylon stretch with rip-stop materials. A body-length zipper runs along the back, making it easy to take the vest on and off. You can adjust the fit at the neck and bottom to fine-tune the fit to your dog. This vest is breathable, lightweight, and has cooling properties when wet. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a higher quality dog vest that offers better protection for your dog. Plus, each vest is sewn right here in my home state of Minnesota.
SYLMAR Body Guard Dog Vest
I’ve used the Sylmar Body Guard Dog Vest for several years. It is an excellent basic vest designed for durability and reliable protection in the field. Constructed with Rip-stop 500 denier Cordura nylon for lightweight strength and an additional layer of 1000 denier Cordura nylon for the chest and body plate, this vest provides enhanced protection against thorns, brush, barbed wire, and other hazards encountered during hunting.
Sylmar designed this vest for easy wear and removal. It features three adjustable buckles along the back that ensure a secure fit. The long adjustment straps allow for customization to accommodate different dog breeds and sizes, and once properly fitted, they can be trimmed for a more tailored fit. The Sylmar Body Guard Dog Vest is proudly made in the USA, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and reliability. It is available in various high-visibility colors to improve your dog’s visibility in the field, adding an extra layer of safety. This vest is a great choice for hunters looking for a balance of protection, ease of use, and durability at an affordable price point.
$48 – Sylmar / Gun Dog Supply
Scheels Outfitters Performance Dog Hunting Vest
The Scheels Performance Dog Hunting Vest features a durable Denier outer shell designed for abrasion and cut resistance, making it ideal for navigating thick brush on upland hunts. The neoprene chest panel offers minor impact resistance and flexible movement, while the front chest protector provides additional safety for your dog.
This Scheels Outfitters hunting dog vest also includes a 4-inch wide hook and loop closure, allowing it to accommodate a variety of dog breeds and sizes. As with most items from Scheels, this vest is good quality. However, I believe that one area that could enhance its design is adding more protection around the front legs and lower chest area for increased safety.
CUGA Standard Vest
The CUGA Standard Vest is a durable and well-constructed option that provides great protection for your hunting dog. Made from 1000 Denier Cordura brand fabric, it offers superior resistance to abrasions, punctures, and wear, making it ideal for thick brush.
The vest features a hook and loop closure system ensuring a secure and adjustable fit that stays in place. The folks at Cuga designed this vest with an ergonomic fit to allow maximum mobility and ample protection to the chest and underbelly areas. Cuga is made in the USA with high-quality craftsmanship. Additionally, it comes in various sizes and colors to suit different breeds and visibility needs. The CUGA Standard Vest is a practical and reliable choice to keep your dog safe and comfortable.
Protective Dog Vests – Final Thoughts
Choosing the right protective vest for your upland hunting dog is a crucial investment in their safety and performance. A well-fitted, high-quality vest with ample protective coverage ensures your dog can navigate challenging terrain while protecting them from potential hazards. While no vest will protect your dog from every hazard they might encounter, taking the time to research and select the best option for your dog’s specific needs will certainly save you from many potential injuries, help keep your dog safer, and keep you hunting longer. Prioritize fit, coverage, and material quality to give your canine companion the protection they deserve.
Related Content: Ask a Vet – Field Care and First Aid for your Hunting Dog
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