Sighthound clothes – whippet and Italian greyhound
Sighthound clothes are a necessity rather than a choice. Whippets and Italian greyhounds are bred for speed: thin skin, almost no fat layer and a short coat with no undercoat mean the body barely insulates at all. Janutex overalls fit a sighthound’s deep chest and narrow waist — and are sewn in Finland.
Why does a sighthound need clothes?
A sighthound has one of the lowest body-fat percentages of any dog, and its short coat soaks through in minutes. In cold, wet weather the muscles cool fast — for an athletic dog that is also an injury risk, because a cold muscle strains easily. A warm layer before and after exertion does the same job as a human athlete’s tracksuit.
For everyday walks an overall or a coat depending on the weather; in freezing conditions a padded layer keeps a lean body warm for the whole walk.
What fits a sighthound?
- Deep chest: room at the chest without bagging at the waist.
- Stretchy material: a galloping sighthound extends fully — the garment must not shorten the stride.
- High collar: a long, thin neck is exposed to wind.
- Light weight: a lean dog will not happily carry a heavy garment.
Popular choices
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Janutex Fleece Overall for DogsSoft, warm fleece overall for active dogs. Wide colour range and breed-specific cuts, made in Finland.From53,40 € (incl. VAT 25.5 %)/pc -
Janutex Mud Overall – Waterproof Dog Overall for Outdoor LifeWaterproof overall with the best fit on the market. Protects from rain, mud and splashes — with cuts for every breed.From67,10 € (incl. VAT 25.5 %)/pc -
Janutex Combination Overall – Breathable, Waterproof ProtectionBreathable mesh body with waterproof legs and belly. Ideal for changeable spring and autumn weather.From60,78 € (incl. VAT 25.5 %)/pc
Choosing a size for a sighthound
An Italian greyhound typically takes 30–35 and a whippet 45–55. Measure the back length and the chest girth at its widest, then see the measuring guide — on a deep-chested dog the chest girth decides the size more often than the back length.
Frequently asked questions
Why do sighthounds feel the cold so easily?
Whippets and Italian greyhounds have thin skin, a very short coat with no undercoat, and an exceptionally low body-fat percentage. The body is built for speed, not insulation — so a sighthound needs a garment in cool weather almost as a rule.
What kind of garment suits a sighthound's build?
A sighthound's deep chest, narrow waist and long neck need sizing that leaves room at the chest while following the body at the waist. A stretchy material follows the gallop without pulling.
Does an Italian greyhound need clothes indoors?
In a cool home a thin layer can be useful, since an Italian greyhound constantly seeks warmth. The priority is still outdoor clothing: a windproof, warm layer for every walk from October to April.
Does the same size fit a whippet and an Italian greyhound?
No — an Italian greyhound typically takes 30–35 and a whippet 45–55. Measure the back length and chest girth and compare with the size chart.