After a muddy walk or bath, a good dog drying towel makes all the difference. But there’s a huge performance gap between cheap terry cloth and a proper microfibre or shammy towel. We’ve tested and compared the best UK options for 2026 — from budget towels to premium drying coats.
Best Dog Drying Towels at a Glance
| Product | Type | Material | Absorbency | Machine Wash | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat | Drying coat | Double-thickness towelling | ★★★★★ | ✅ 40°C | £30–£45 |
| SnuggleSafe SUPERDRYING | Flat towel | Microfibre | ★★★★★ | ✅ 40°C | £12–£18 |
| Henry Wag Microfibre Towel | Flat towel | Microfibre | ★★★★ | ✅ 40°C | £8–£15 |
| Rubyloo Shammy Towel | Shammy | PVA chamois | ★★★★★ | ✅ Hand wash | £10–£16 |
| Pet Wiz XL Microfibre | Flat towel | Microfibre | ★★★★ | ✅ 30°C | £8–£12 |
| Ancol Microfibre Towel | Flat towel | Woven microfibre | ★★★ | ✅ 40°C | £5–£10 |
Towel vs Drying Coat vs Shammy
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfibre towel | 4–7× more absorbent than cotton, fast-drying, lightweight, machine washable | Needs rubbing, can slip off wriggly dogs | Quick post-walk wipe-downs, paw drying |
| Drying coat/robe | Hands-free drying, stays on while dog moves, full body coverage | More expensive, bulkier to store, sizing can be tricky | Post-swim, post-bath, long-coated breeds |
| Shammy (PVA chamois) | Extremely absorbent when damp, holds up to 7× its weight, wrings out easily | Must stay slightly damp in storage, different texture | Heavy-coated breeds, working dogs, show dogs |
Our Top Pick: Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat
The Ruff and Tumble remains the gold standard for dog drying in the UK. Its double-thickness towelling absorbs water rapidly while keeping your dog warm, and the coat design means you can put it on after a walk and let your dog dry while relaxing. Available in 13 sizes from XXS to XXXL, covering everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Machine washable at 40°C.
Best Flat Towel: SnuggleSafe SUPERDRYING
Described by many owners as “the best drying towel they’ve ever used,” the SnuggleSafe SUPERDRYING towel dries dogs four times faster than standard towels. Available in two sizes (small/medium and large), it retains performance across 500+ machine washes. Excellent for quick paw wipes and post-walk rubdowns.
How to Choose the Right Size
| Dog Size | Breeds | Towel Size | Drying Coat Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 8kg) | Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Dachshund | 60 × 40 cm | XXS–XS |
| Medium (8–20kg) | Cocker Spaniel, Staffie, Beagle | 100 × 60 cm | S–M |
| Large (20–35kg) | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer | 140 × 70 cm | L–XL |
| Giant (35kg+) | German Shepherd, Great Dane, Newfoundland | 140 × 80 cm+ | XXL–XXXL |
Care & Maintenance Tips
- ✅ Wash microfibre at 30–40°C — high heat damages the fibres and reduces absorbency
- ✅ Never use fabric softener — it coats microfibre fibres and destroys their absorbent properties
- ✅ Air dry or tumble dry on low heat only
- ✅ Store shammy towels slightly damp in their container — they go stiff if fully dried out
- ✅ Wash separately from lint-heavy items (cotton towels, fleeces)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are microfibre towels better than cotton for dogs?
Yes. Microfibre absorbs 4–7 times more water than cotton, dries much faster, and is lighter to carry. It also picks up dirt and loose hair more effectively.
What is a shammy dog towel?
A shammy (chamois) towel is made from PVA material that absorbs up to 7 times its weight in water. Unlike microfibre, it works best when slightly damp and can be wrung out and reused multiple times in one session.
Are dog drying coats worth it?
Yes, especially for dogs that swim regularly, have long coats, or dislike being towelled. Drying coats provide hands-free, all-over drying while keeping your furniture and car clean. The Ruff and Tumble is the UK’s best-selling option.
Can I use a human microfibre towel on my dog?
Yes, a clean human microfibre towel works fine. However, pet-specific towels tend to be more robust, better sized (longer, narrower), and feature hand pockets or fastening tabs designed for dogs.