Italian Greyhound Clothes Guide › Do Italian Greyhounds Need Coats?
From Houndz in the Hood, based on the fitting notes of founder Terri Goodwillie, who has made clothes for Italian Greyhounds in New York City since 1999. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: yes. Most Italian Greyhounds need a coat or bodysuit whenever it is cool outside, and many need a light layer indoors too. Iggies have a very short, thin coat, very little body fat and long, thin legs, so they lose heat fast and feel the cold long before most dogs do.
Why Italian Greyhounds get cold so quickly
- A thin, single coat. There is almost no fur to trap warm air against the skin.
- Little body fat. A lean sighthound build leaves little insulation.
- Long, thin legs and a deep chest. A lot of skin is exposed to the air for a dog that weighs roughly 7 to 23 pounds.
Our founder learned this with her first Iggy, Matisse, in 1998. By October he shivered in the park; by December he was too cold to go out, even briefly. The coats she could find came in 3 generic sizes and only covered his back, leaving his chest and legs bare.
Signs your Iggy is cold
- Shivering or trembling, even on short walks
- Refusing to go outside, or rushing back to the door
- Lifting paws or hunching up
- Burrowing under blankets indoors
If you see these signs, your dog needs more coverage, not just a thicker layer on the back.
What kind of coat works for an Italian Greyhound?
A coat that only covers the back leaves the chest, belly and legs exposed, and those are exactly where an Iggy loses heat. That is why we make four-leg Bodysuits: they cover the chest, belly and all four legs, stretch sideways so there are no zippers, velcro or buttons, and have an opening on the back for a harness or leash.
Match the weight of the fabric to your weather:
- Cool fall and spring days, 45°F and above: Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits
- Real winter, 45°F down to the 20s: Heavy Fleece Bodysuits
- Wind, snow and below-freezing days: Windblock Fleece Bodysuits or the Extra Heavy styles
See how cold is too cold for an Italian Greyhound for the full temperature guide.
Ready to find your Iggy’s fit?
Browse all Italian Greyhound clothes, check the Italian Greyhound sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Do Italian Greyhounds need coats?
Most do. Italian Greyhounds have a thin coat, little body fat and long legs, so they get cold quickly in cool weather. A coat that covers the chest and legs, such as a four-leg bodysuit, keeps them much warmer than a back-only coat.
Do Italian Greyhounds need clothes indoors?
Many do in a cool house or air-conditioning. Lightweight cotton shirts, rompers, sweatshirts or fleece jammies are made for indoor wear. Heavy and Windblock fleece bodysuits are for outside only.
Why do Italian Greyhounds shiver so much?
Their thin coat and low body fat give them little insulation, so they feel cold quickly. Shivering on walks is a common sign your Iggy needs more coverage.