Kurgo Dog Lifejacket vs Ruffwear: Which is Better?

Kurgo and Ruffwear are both companies with a reputation for producing high-quality products for adventurous dogs. But which of these top two brands is the top dog food in the country? I tested the Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog and the Ruffwear Float Coat for dogs to find out which of these top-rated products is really the best for keeping a dog swimming. floating.

Kurgo or Ruffwear: Which is Best for Dogs?

Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life jacket

My Terrier Mix Miss Bennet quickly sinks into the water, but it’s not confidence that drives her – it’s fear. She didn’t learn to swim until she was three years old and still enjoys water from its edges, barking at anyone who goes further. However, she will occasionally throw cannons into the water in search of a tennis ball, which she never chases on land.

I have chosen Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life jacket for Miss Bennet, measure her bust and length and choose a small one accordingly. It seemed a bit too small for a teenager to her, but after checking the size for the medium size, I decided to keep it — and I’m glad I did. After Miss Bennet’s bouncy hair deflated in the water, it was a better fit.

The best features of the Kurgo dog life jacket:

• Rugged construction with ripstop and neoprene nylon.
• Two small handles on the back of the jacket for great control when needed.
• Metal D-ring for connecting chains and other accessories (and even serves as a bottle opener). NOTE: The design of the Kurgo dog life jacket was recently updated. Some product descriptions say there are two D-rings, but the latest version of the life jacket I tested, only had one.
• Three adjustable straps allow for a full custom fit.
• Light and flexible.
• Bright colors and reflective bezels for excellent visibility.
• Soft fabric interior feels comfortable.

What I don’t like about the Kurgo life jacket:

• The straps require a lot of fiddling to get the right fit, which is a challenge when the coat is on an excited and wet dog.
• The breast pad didn’t come out all the way, exposing Miss Bennet’s skin and fur all the way to the straps.
• Single D-ring at the back of the life jacket — inconvenient for leash control.
• Neither handle is padded for comfortable lifting.

Overall, I am satisfied with the Kurgo Surf N Turf Life jacket. It did assist Ms. Bennet in the water, but it did not reduce her mobility. She happily ran laps around the pool until she was ready to jump – or fall – in.

There are no life jacket durability ratings available on dog lifejackets, but the slimmer profile suggests that the Kurgo Dog Lifejacket may be more suitable for stronger swimmers who don’t need as much strength. floating. While fitting different straps can be a challenge, it is very versatile, making it a good choice for dogs who need a more custom-fit harness.

Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life jacket

Logan, our Labrador Retriever, loves water. He is known to swim in leisurely circles. He is also a fan of his Mobility-focused sessions at the fitness pool.

I have chosen Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life jacket for Logan, an updated version of an older jacket we’ve used and loved before. At 65 pounds, he’s on the smaller side for his breed, but I measure him to be sure, then choose the right jacket.

The best features of Ruffwear dog life jacket:

• The inner foam layer is thick, creating optimal buoyancy.
• Full wrap around provides cushioning between the belt and the dog’s skin at all points.
• Bright color options offer good visibility on the water.
• Thick, padded handles allow for comfortable lifting.
• It has a D-ring, located on the front of the jacket, for lanyards and other attachments, and a fabric loop for a clip-on light.
• Made of durable materials, the soft exterior and covered straps help prevent bumps that could damage the coat or endanger your dog.

What I don’t like about the Ruffwear dog life jacket:

• While providing excellent float protection, thick padding can be uncomfortable — or overkill — for some dogs in some circumstances.
• Assembly is less of a hassle than the Kurgo, but it’s also less customizable, with the thickness of the jacket making it sturdier.
• The D-ring is plastic and hidden under the handle, protecting it but making it harder to reach.

True to the brand’s reputation, it is clear that Ruffwear built the Float Coat for adventure and durability. The thick outer construction and protected straps will help it operate in both rougher waters and relatively calm pools. Ruffwear dog life jackets are especially good for less skilled or less confident dogs, with a thick foam layer for optimal buoyancy.

Even for a water-loving dog like Logan, the Ruffwear dog life jacket allows it to swim comfortably, reducing stress on the body while providing maximum pleasure.

Introduction: Kurgo for advanced swimmers, Ruffwear for the less confident

Based on our testing, both the Kurgo and Ruffwear dog life jackets are great options for a day on the water. Both are safety-focused – but their designs favor slightly different swimming and playing styles.

Miss Bennet and Logan in their life jackets at the pool.

After reading all the reviews and details on the two products, my initial pick for each dog turned out to be hectic. The features and benefits noted in the reviews and listings are not distinct enough to distinguish them. However, after using two coats, I will reverse my original decision. Miss Bennet needed extra buoyancy and a firm grip to pull her out of the water. Logan doesn’t need much buoyancy but, with his skinny body and barrel chest, will benefit from the flexible fit of the Kurgo jacket.

In the end, these are pretty minor differences. Both dog life jackets have earned their stellar reviews and I am looking forward to many more days of drifting and having fun in the pool.

Who will like Kurgo?

• Experienced Swimmer
• Baby mice prefer flexibility and freedom of movement
• Dogs with unusual body types often need a more customizable life jacket

Who would love Ruffwear?

• The baby mice are wary of water and appreciate the extra buoyancy
• Beach dogs swim in fresher water
• Pet parents prioritize control (good leash and padded handle)

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