Best coat for a greyhound
Greyhounds feel the cold more than almost any other breed, because they carry very little body fat and have a thin, single-layer coat rather than the insulating double coat most breeds have — a coat isn't an optional extra for most greyhounds through a UK autumn and winter, it's close to a necessity for anything beyond a quick garden trip.
Why greyhounds need a coat more than most breeds
Greyhounds are bred for speed, which means a lean, low-fat build with very little natural insulation, combined with a short, fine, single coat with no dense undercoat to trap warmth. That combination means they lose heat quickly in cold or wet weather, and it's common to see a shivering greyhound on a walk where other dogs are entirely comfortable.
Many greyhounds also come from a racing or kennel background where they were kept in warm, controlled environments, which can make the adjustment to a typical UK house and garden even more noticeable in terms of temperature sensitivity.
What actually matters in a coat
Length and coverage matter more than styling — a coat that covers from neck to tail base, and ideally down over the belly for a deep-chested breed with little natural belly coverage, does far more good than a short, decorative jacket that only covers the back. A properly fitted coat should sit snugly without restricting the shoulders, since a greyhound's stride is long and unrestricted movement matters for a comfortable walk.
A waterproof or water-resistant outer layer matters for wet UK weather specifically, since a soaked coat loses most of its insulating value and can end up making a dog colder rather than warmer. A separate warmer, fleece-lined coat for very cold, dry days and a lighter waterproof layer for wet weather covers most conditions between them.
Getting the fit right
Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail along your dog's back, and check that measurement against the specific coat's size chart rather than buying by weight alone, since greyhounds' long, lean build doesn't map neatly onto sizing built around stockier breeds. A coat that's too short leaves the lower back and hindquarters exposed, which is exactly where a greyhound feels the cold most.
Check the fit around the neck and chest too, since a coat that gapes at the front lets in wind and rain regardless of how well it covers the back.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Hooded Dinosaur Dog Raincoat
A waterproof hooded dog raincoat with a fun dinosaur spine and yellow fins. It features full-coverage legs, a reflective strip and a built-in D-ring for a lead, keeping smaller dogs dry and visible on wet walks.
From£29.99
Dog Sports Jacket For Medium & Large Breeds
A sleek zip-up sports jacket with full leg sleeves and reflective trim, designed to keep medium and large dogs warm and dry on cold-weather walks. Easy-fit and snug at the cuffs.
From£24.99
Hooded Fleece Bear Cloak for Dogs
A hooded fleece bear cloak that wraps your dog in soft warmth, with sweet little ears on top.
From£16.99
Full-Body Waterproof Dog Raincoat
A full-body waterproof raincoat covering all four legs to keep your dog dry and mud-free outdoors. Reflective strips improve visibility in low light and the secure buckle fastening gives an adjustable fit.
From£28.99
Breathable Mesh Dog Boots with Reflective Strap
Lightweight breathable mesh dog boots with a wear-resistant non-slip sole and a reflective hook-and-loop strap for grip and night-time visibility. Keep paws cool and protected on walks. Sold as a set of four.
From£11.99
Warm Stretch Snood for Dogs, Ear and Neck Cover, S, M and L
A stretch snood that gathers long ears back against the head and out of food bowls, puddles and brambles, knitted in a soft cationic-spandex blend in purple or blue.
£10.99
Protective Hunting Dog Armour Vest
A heavy-duty camouflage protective vest for working and hunting dogs. The reinforced, puncture-resistant body panel helps shield the chest and torso from cuts, stabs and bites in rough outdoor terrain.
£255.99
K9 Tactical Dog Helmet with Goggles
A protective K9 tactical dog helmet with a clear shatter-resistant goggle visor that shields the eyes from sun, wind and debris. Vented hard shell with an adjustable chin strap and removable ear covers for a secure, custom fit.
£67.99
Striped Hooded Dog Dungarees Outfit
A two-piece dog outfit with a striped hooded top and bear-pocket dungaree overalls.
From£7.99
Waterproof Reflective Dog Coat
A lightweight waterproof dog coat with reflective piping to keep your dog dry and seen on rainy walks.
From£11.99
Fair Isle Knit Dog Jumper
A colourful Nordic Fair Isle jumper with ribbed trims to keep dogs warm all winter.
From£8.99
Halloween Pumpkin Knitted Dog Jumper
A warm navy knitted dog jumper with an embroidered jack-o-lantern pumpkin and Halloween lettering, finished with bright orange and yellow striped trims. A cosy, festive layer for spooky-season walks.
From£9.99
Common questions
- Do all greyhounds need a coat?
- The vast majority benefit from one in UK autumn and winter weather, given how little natural insulation the breed carries. A few individual dogs tolerate cold better than others, but a coat is a sensible default for this breed rather than something to consider only in extreme weather.
- What length of coat does a greyhound need?
- Full coverage from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and ideally down over the belly, works better than a short jacket that only covers the back. Greyhounds have little natural belly coverage, so that area gets cold quickly without protection.
- Do greyhounds need a coat indoors?
- Most don't, provided the house is kept at a normal temperature, though some particularly cold-sensitive greyhounds, especially older or ex-racing dogs, do appreciate a lighter indoor coat or blanket in a cold room.
- Should a greyhound coat be waterproof?
- For wet UK weather, yes — a soaked coat loses much of its insulating effect and can leave a dog colder than no coat at all. Many owners keep a waterproof layer for wet days and a warmer fleece-lined coat for cold, dry ones.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.