Best coat for a Lurcher
A Lurcher's short, thin coat and very low body fat mean they feel the cold far faster than most breeds, so a well-fitted coat that covers the belly and chest — not just the back — genuinely matters rather than being an optional extra. Fit is the single biggest factor, because a Lurcher's deep chest and narrow waist do not suit a coat cut for a stockier dog.
Why Lurchers feel the cold so much
Sighthounds like the Lurcher carry very little body fat compared with most breeds, which is part of what makes them so fast, but it also means they have almost no natural insulation against the cold. Combined with a short, fine coat rather than a dense double layer, a Lurcher can start shivering in weather that a stockier, thicker-coated dog would barely notice.
This is not a matter of a dog being fussy — it is a genuine physical difference, and a Lurcher left without a coat in cold, wet weather can become properly cold rather than just uncomfortable, which is worth taking seriously on longer winter walks in particular.
Getting the fit right
A Lurcher's body shape — a deep chest, a tucked-up waist and a long back — means a coat cut for a more evenly proportioned dog often gapes at the belly or slides around at the waist. Look for a coat specifically shaped for a sighthound's build, with a longer belly panel and a snugger waist, rather than a generic rectangular coat sized off length and girth alone.
Measure your Lurcher's length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and their girth around the widest part of the chest, rather than guessing from their weight or a standard size chart — Lurchers vary a lot in build even within the breed, and a size that suits one may not suit another of the same height.
Choosing the right weight of coat
A lighter, showerproof coat is usually enough for damp but mild days and helps a Lurcher stay dry without overheating on a brisker walk. For genuinely cold weather, a padded or fleece-lined coat gives real warmth rather than just wind and rain protection, and is worth having as a second option for winter.
Owning both a lightweight and a warmer coat, rather than one coat for all conditions, covers most of the year better than trying to make a single coat do everything — a Lurcher out on a cold, wet January walk needs something different from one on a cool but dry autumn morning.
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 Lurchers really need a coat?
- Most do, particularly in cold or wet weather, because they carry very little body fat and have a thin coat with almost no natural insulation. It is not about fashion — a Lurcher without a coat in genuinely cold conditions can get properly cold rather than just a bit chilly.
- How do I measure my Lurcher for a coat?
- Measure the length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail along the back, and the girth around the widest part of the chest. Use both measurements against the specific coat's size guide rather than going by breed or weight alone, since Lurchers vary a lot in build.
- Should a Lurcher coat cover the belly?
- Ideally, yes. A Lurcher's deep chest and tucked waist mean a coat that only covers the back leaves a lot of exposed skin underneath, which matters given how little natural insulation the breed has. A coat shaped for a sighthound's build usually includes a longer belly panel for this reason.
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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.