Greyhound, Whippet and Italian Greyhound Coat Sizing
By the PuppyUnion team · Updated
Size a sighthound coat by back length and chest together: Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have a deep chest, a very narrow waist and a long back, so standard coats that fit the chest are usually too short and baggy at the waist. Choose coats cut for sighthounds, with a long back, a high neck and an adjustable belly strap.
Typical sighthound measurements
| Breed | Chest girth | Back length | Usual size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Greyhound | 13–18" (33–46 cm) | 11–15" (28–38 cm) | S – M |
| Whippet | 24–30" (61–76 cm) | 18–22" (46–56 cm) | XL – 2XL |
| Greyhound | 28–34" (71–86 cm) | 24–28" (61–71 cm) | 2XL – 3XL |
Reference ranges only – measure your own dog. Our Greyhound and Whippet clothes and Italian Greyhound clothes pages leave out styles that are too short in the back for a sighthound (when the size chart lists back length).
How to measure a sighthound
- Back length: base of the neck to base of the tail – this is the measurement that matters most.
- Chest girth: around the deepest part of the chest (it's lower than you think) plus about 2" (5 cm).
- Neck: sighthounds have long necks; a high, snug collar or turtleneck keeps heat in.
What fits best
- Turtleneck sweaters and onesies stretch to follow the deep chest and narrow waist – great for cold houses and cool walks.
- Coats with an adjustable belly strap stop the coat flapping at the waist.
- Insulated winter coats below freezing – sighthounds have thin coats and very little body fat, so they get cold quickly.
- Pajamas for cold nights; many sighthound owners use them all winter.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't normal dog coats fit my Greyhound?
Greyhounds have a deep chest, a narrow waist and a long back. A coat that fits the chest is usually too short and loose at the waist – size by back length and choose a cut with an adjustable belly strap.
What size does an Italian Greyhound wear?
Most Italian Greyhounds wear S or M, with a chest of about 13–18 inches and a back of about 11–15 inches. Measure your dog – a long back may need a size up.
Do Whippets need coats?
Most do in cold weather: they have a thin coat and little body fat. Many are more comfortable in a coat below about 45°F (7°C) and need an insulated coat below freezing.