A winter suit for an Italian Greyhound: what to look at when choosing

A winter suit for an Italian Greyhound: the short answer

For frost and long walks an Italian Greyhound does well in a winter suit: it covers more than a sweater. The breed copes poorly with cold and damp, and short-haired dogs are advised a coat or sweater with a high collar. But a suit is no magic: you need a good fit and a sensible walk.

The essentials:

• Choose by measurements: back, chest, neck (our measuring guide).
• Look for a high collar, a covered back and sleeves for four legs.
• The lower edge must not press on the belly.
• Check how it fastens and goes on: a back fastening is convenient but must not press.
• Still shorten walks in frost and do not stand still.
• Compositions in our catalogue are still being confirmed: see the product card.

When a suit is needed and when a sweater is enough

A suit makes sense if:

• you walk in frost or strong wind for more than a few minutes;
• the dog shivers, lifts its paws or pulls toward home even in a sweater;
• it is a puppy, a senior or a weakened dog;
• you need protection for the back, belly and legs, not just the chest.

A sweater or hoodie is often enough in dry cool weather. More on the criteria in our article on whether Italian Greyhounds get cold. The sources give no single temperature: go by the dog.

What to look at in a suit

Sleeves for four legs. They cover the hind legs too, which is handy in frost. Check:

• sleeve length: they must not slide down or hinder the stride;
• cuffs: they hold the sleeve but do not squeeze the leg;
• freedom in the armpits.

Four sleeves are harder to put on and to match for length: check at the fitting.

Collar. A high collar protects the neck. It must not press on the throat or hinder breathing. If the garment goes on over the head, the neck opening must pass the head easily.

Back and fastening. In our catalogue the winter suits have a fastening on the back. The fastening must not press or snag fur and skin. If the harness goes over it, check there are no folds.

Lower edge. It must not press on the belly or hinder the dog’s relieving itself. More in our article on how a suit is built.

Fit. The dog walks, sits and lowers its nose to the ground as usual, not “in a spacesuit”. More in our article on fit.

The catalogue: three winter suits

Our catalogue has three models: black with small light dots, chocolate with small light dots, and cream with a large black print. All have sleeves for four legs, a collar and a back fastening. See the product cards for details and compositions: compositions are still being confirmed, so we make no claims about insulation.

Choose by measurements and fit, and colour to taste: a contrasting colour makes the dog more visible at dusk (our article on city walks).

Snood, boots, paws

• Snood. It covers the neck and ears and goes well with a suit without a high collar. The catalogue has knitted snoods.
• Boots. They are extra paw protection, but the dog must get used to them gradually.
• Paws. Use petroleum jelly or another vet-approved protectant before going out, and wash the paws and belly after the walk.

More in our article on winter walks.

How to get it used to a suit

An Italian Greyhound is sensitive: introduce it at home, gradually, with a treat.

1. Let it sniff and show a treat.
2. Put it on for a few minutes at a calm moment.
3. Let it walk around the room.
4. Then a short walk.

If the dog stops moving, freezes or refuses to walk, take the garment off and sort out the fit.

After the walk

• Take the suit off; damp fabric chills.
• Wash and dry the paws and belly (de-icers and salt).
• Dry the suit fully, especially the collar and cuffs (our article on clothing care).
• Check the skin for rubbing from seams, straps and the fastening.

At home

In a warm flat it is better to take the suit off: the dog may overheat. Signs of overheating: frequent heavy panting, looking for a cool place.

Frequently asked questions

• Does an Italian Greyhound need a winter suit? In frost and on long walks usually yes; for short dry walks a sweater is often enough.
• Which matters more: sleeves or collar? All of it: collar, sleeves, lower edge and fit.
• How do I choose a size? By measurements: back, chest, neck.
• Can I walk long in a suit? Better to shorten: a suit does not cancel the cold.
• How do I care for it? By the label; dry fully, especially the collar and cuffs.

What to remember

• A suit covers more than a sweater, but you need measurements and fit first.
• A high collar, a covered back and four-leg sleeves are the main things.
• In frost shorten walks and do not stand still.
• After a walk wash the paws and dry the garment fully.