Is it necessary to get a coat for my Greyhound? We often get this question from new Greyhound owners, the answer is a definite: It depends!
Greyhounds have shorter and thinner fur than many other breeds and hardly any subcutaneous fat. That’s great for racing as they will cool down quicker than other dogs. On the other hand that makes them more sensitive to the outside temperature.
In order to keep vital organs at a constant temperature their bodies have to work harder in winter. This also has consequences on their diet, exercise and danger of injuries.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
They might be not as sensitive to cold as some believe, but you should be aware of this issue as they won’t be able to tell you once they get uncomfortable.
If a healthy adult greyhound has the opportunity to keep warm while running free and playing with other dogs they do not need any clothing, even in temperatures around 0°C / 35F.
Many Greyhounds lose fur once they move from a cooler climate to a region with a warmer climate and moving into a heated house also plays a role. So if your Greyhound has a thin coat, keep your eyes open for signs of freezing.
Our Greyhound Patch (see above) hardly ever needs a coat. Even in temperatures around 0°C / 35F it doesn’t seem to bother him. Our other Greyhound Penny lost quite a lot of fur when She moved in with us. The result was that she started shivering when temperatures dropped below 0° / 35F or if temperatures were slightly higher but there was a strong wind. So we made sure to get her a coat[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_ src=”https://greyhound.world/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Patch-mit-Jacken-06.-Oktober-2018-17-20-19-Klein.jpg” alt=”Greyhound wearing a dog coat” title_text=”Patch mit Jacken 06. Oktober 2018 17 20 19 (Klein)” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
So if you take your Greyhound on leisurely walks on the leash or even strolling through town – depending on the outside temperature, a warming coat can be useful here and ensure that the bored Grey doesn’t have to freeze.
The same applies, by the way, when greyhounds have to wait in the car for a long time in winter – here the interior cools down very quickly. A “well dressed” Greyhound is sure to wait more comfortably.
Older or injured greyhounds who are no longer as agile also benefit from a coat in winter. You can often see covered dogs at racing or coursing events. A coat to keep warm after warming up can be useful in very cool weather or long start delays. For the dog’s muscles, however, it is certainly better if they are heated by movement from the inside and not only from the outside through the coat. In addition, a sudden “temperature drop” caused by taking off the coat when the dog is completely “dressed” and warmed up immediately before the start is not really healthy for the muscles. After each run, however, a coat is a good idea if the weather is appropriate to prevent cooling down when running. What should I watch out for when getting dressed? Normal dog coats from pet shops often do not have the right fit for greyhounds. A coat specially made for greyhounds often fits much better, and also extends far enough down over the rear to warm the sensitive muscle groups on the thighs. A belly and breast flap also protects this sensitive region from drafts, but can cause hygiene problems when walking with males … Fleece fabric has proven itself as a good material for pure warming coats, if the coat is also to be suitable for bad weather, water-repellent upper material is appropriate.
Another topic is rain and the issue if you should get a raincoat for your Greyhound. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.7.5″ _module_preset=”default” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.7.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
What temperature is too cold for a greyhound?
Most greyhounds cannot endure temperatures below freezing for more than 10 to 15 minutes. Greyhounds left outdoors can get frostbite and even freeze to death much sooner than other breeds of dogs that have heavier coats.
What temperature should it be to coat a dog?
Generally, temperatures at or above 45°F will not require any special sweater or coat. When temperatures start to fall below 45°F, some cold-averse breeds will get uncomfortable and will need protection.
Most of the time Whippets and Italian Greyhounds will wear their coats outdoors. Although some sighthounds will need a coat indoors too. If they are in a particularly cold room, or a draughty location, they will need a coat or onesie to keep them comfortable.
Due to the misleading size charts, many users got jackets that were too tight on their dogs, especially around the chest area. Consider purchasing your Greyhound one of these wonderful jumpers or sweaters. They are sure to keep them warm during any season and are truly some of the best Greyhound clothes on the market.
At what temperature does a dog need a coat?
Whippets and Italian Greyhounds need warm, functional clothing as they suffer from the cold and often require a coat, jumper or onesie to keep them comfortable and happy in the colder months.
At Occam, we have spent years studying the clothing needs of Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. Our collection is made up of simple, practical and well-fitted coats, jumpers and onesies for all occasions.
Whether you’ve already got a sighthound (or two) in your life, are a soon-to-be owner or just curious about these creatures, here’s our rundown on why they need coats to get them through the chilly days.
They have very low body fat and short coats which makes it harder for them to retain heat. In the cooler months, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are known to shake, this is their way of warming up their muscles (or telling you it’s time to put a coat on).
Another reason that they often need an extra later is down to their dislike of water. Many sighthounds hate water, avoiding swimming, puddles and rain. Most will require a waterproof coat or onesie if you are planning to walk in rainy weather.
If you feel chilly in a t-shirt, it’s likely your whippet or Italian greyhound will also be feeling the cold. Depending on location, most sighthounds in the UK start wearing their coats in the early autumn months. They will need them all the way through the winter, through to late spring. This isn’t to say they won’t need them on cooler summer days and nights. In essence, it’s always a good idea to have a coat or jumper at the ready for them.
Most of the time Whippets and Italian Greyhounds will wear their coats outdoors. Although some sighthounds will need a coat indoors too. If they are in a particularly cold room, or a draughty location, they will need a coat or onesie to keep them comfortable. Some sighthounds prefer to sleep in a jumper or a onesie as it can act as a comfort blanket.
When it comes to selecting a coat for your Whippet or Italian Greyhound it’s important to consider the usage. For outdoor and indoor use our Beuys design is perfect. Beuys is available for Whippets and Iggies. For wet weather days we recommend the our Riley raincoat or the Søren onesie, these designs are made from softshell which is completely waterproof. Softshell is a waterproof fabric bonded with a soft fluffy jersey lining which helps to keep your sighthound well insulated.
The Søren Whippet Onesie provides full-body coverage, for those wet and muddy walks where you’d like to avoid a shower this is perfect.
Our Judd Onesie is another versatile garment that can be worn outdoors or inside as pyjamas. The fleece lining is soft to their body and is designed for free movement. Judd is available for Whippets and Italian Greyhounds.
When choosing a coat or jumper for your sighthound its important to note a design for ease of movement – a coat shouldnt restrict any limbs. Make sure there is enough room around the chest and the coat fits well along their spine. If a coat is fitted well there shouldnt be any need to buy a bigger size but you may want to consider this if you are going to be layering.
We’ve spent time working on each Occam design with the help of the sighthound community in London – talking functionality, design and fit. Whippets and Iggies have a unique form, at Occam we start every design by taking this into consideration.
You can follow the link here to learn how to measure your whippet or iggy.