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.
Transparent Waterproof PVC Dog Raincoat with Hood, XS to 2XL
A clear PVC raincoat with a hood and adjustable chest and waist, cut for small dogs from an 18cm back up to a 42cm back, so collar and markings still show through.
From£11.99
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
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, Warm Coat
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
Padded Coral Fleece Four-Legged Dog Suit, XS to XXL, Many Designs
A padded coral fleece suit with sleeves for all four legs, in designs from dinosaurs to elk, for small dogs who lose heat faster than they can make it.
From£11.99
Baxta & Binx Beaumont Extreme Dog Jacket, Sage
The Beaumont Extreme is an all-weather jacket from Baxta & Binx, here in sage, in sizes Small, Medium, Med+, Large, X-Large and XXL.
From£18.99
Padded Pet Coat in Pink or White with Full Size Chart, XS to 2XL
A padded pink or white coat with a published size chart running from a 20cm to a 45cm back, so you can measure your dog and order the right size first time.
From£11.99
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
Reindeer Four-Leg Padded Dog Coat, Arctic Velvet, XS to XXL
A double-padded four-leg suit in Arctic velvet that covers the belly and inner thighs, which is where a thin-coated dog actually loses most of its heat.
From£11.99
Printed Polyester Dog Raincoat, Three Patterns, Sizes S to XL
A lightweight printed polyester raincoat in three patterns - travelling bear, ice cream and scattered flowers - made in four sizes for dogs needing a shower layer, not a storm coat.
£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
Four-Leg Padded Dog Coat in Pink Coral Velvet, Sizes S to 2XL
Coral velvet gives warmth without bulk, which makes this the four-leg suit for damp autumn afternoons and cold houses rather than for deep midwinter fields.
£12.99
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.