Coats for Whippets, Greyhounds and Lurchers: Why Standard Sizes Don't Fit
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If you own a whippet, greyhound or lurcher, you'll know that standard dog coats rarely fit. Here's why, what a good sighthound coat needs, and how to measure for one that actually fits.
Why Sighthounds Need a Coat
Sighthounds have very short, fine coats, thin skin and little body fat. That makes them fast and elegant - and it also means they feel the cold and the wet far more than most breeds. On a cold, wet British walk, a well-fitted coat or jumper makes a real difference to how comfortable they are.
Why Standard Sizes Don't Fit
Standard dog coats are sized on average proportions. Sighthounds are anything but average:
- Deep chest, tiny waist. A coat sized for the chest is baggy round the waist and slips round; one sized for the waist won't go over the chest.
- Long back. Coats that fit the chest often stop short of the tail.
- Long, slim neck. Standard necklines gape, letting in cold and rain.
- Long legs. Leg coverage on most jumpsuits is too short.
And because whippets, greyhounds and lurchers vary so much in size - lurchers especially - there's no single 'sighthound size' that works.
What to Look For
Cut to your dog's measurements
Made to measure solves the chest-versus-waist problem, because the coat is cut to your dog's own back length, chest and neck rather than an average.
A longer neck
Several of our styles offer a double length neck, which keeps a Sighthound's long neck warm and covered.
Belly and leg coverage
A four-leg fleece jumpsuit covers the belly and legs, keeping a thin-coated dog much warmer than a coat alone, and keeps mud off on wet walks.
Layers for British weather
A fleece jumper for cool, dry days, and a waterproof coat on top when it's wet and cold. Our guide to dog coat styles for British weather explains which to use when.
How to Measure Your Sighthound
- Back length: from the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades, to the base of the tail.
- Chest girth: around the deepest part of the chest, just behind the front legs, with two fingers under the tape. Take extra care here - it's the measurement that matters most for a deep-chested dog.
- Neck girth: around the base of the neck where a collar sits, with two fingers' room.
- Leg length (for jumpsuits): from the armpit down to just above the paw.
Measure with your dog standing, take each measurement twice, and see our full guide: How to Measure Your Dog for a Jumper or Coat.
Our Favourite Styles for Sighthounds
- Fleece Dog Jumpsuit - Made to Measure (from £40) - four-leg coverage for the coldest days.
- Fleece Dog Snuggle Jumper - Made to Measure (from £28) - an everyday fleece layer, with an optional zip.
- Neoprene Dog Coat - Made to Measure (from £42) - with a standard or double length neck.
- Neoprene Custom Dog Jumpsuit - Made to Measure (from £48) - with a standard or double length neck.
- Waterproof Rainfleece Dog Coat - Made to Measure - for wet walks.
Every piece is cut and sewn by hand in our Worcestershire workshop to the measurements you give us when you order. See the full Made to Measure collection.
Sighthound Coat FAQs
Do Whippets need a coat?
Most whippets benefit from one in cold or wet weather. Their short coat and low body fat mean they lose heat quickly.
Why do coats slip round on my Greyhound?
Usually because the coat has been sized to fit the deep chest, leaving it loose at the narrow waist. A coat cut to your dog's own measurements sits much more securely.
Can you make coats for Lurchers?
Yes. Because we make to your dog's measurements, Lurchers of any size and mix are fine - just measure carefully and get in touch if you're unsure.
Not sure whether you need made to measure? Read Made to Measure vs. Standard Sizing.
Hugo and Ted: handcrafted dog clothing, made in Britain.