The Redhound Guide to Whippet Coats
With hundreds of ‘coats for whippets’ available online how do you choose a whippet coat that is right for your hound? This guide is here to help!
Do Whippets NEED Coats?
YES they DO – when it’s cold or wet, a whippet, a breed with thin fur and little fat on their bodies will need a coat or jumper. OR their walk will be a miserable experience for you and the dog!
How Cold is too Cold for a Whippet?
This depends on your dog’s age and activity level. Younger, active dogs will feel the cold less than an older dog and they do have different coat requirements. Young dogs will need to be kept warm in a coat that allows them to run around without restriction. An older one who likes a sniff and plod will benefit from a jumper under a coat that gives warmth and wind protection.
How do I know if my Whippet is Cold?
They will SHIVER! Sit and stare at you and maybe whine. My gauge has always been the ears, if those expressive pointy ears are cold, then the coat goes on. Equally if mine are running around and panting, a quick check of the ears, if hot, the coat comes off.
Whippet Puppy Coats – will I need one?
If you collect your pup in the late autumn, or during winter, you might have some issues with toilet training if you don’t have the right clothes! Whippets feel the cold and generally hate the rain so a waterproof coat and a warm jumper are the bare minimum. But, in those early days, a whippet body is not fully formed so if you only need a coat for a couple of months a good option is to buy second hand. A whippet specific shape coat is not necessary until the age of around 6 months. Jumpers are going to be the best option.
How do I Choose a Coat for my Whippet?
Whippets have a very specific shape; they have small heads, slim necks, deep chests and tiny waists. NOT ALL DOG COATS WILL FIT A WHIPPET – you need designs that are made with their shape in mind. All of our coats are designed for the whippets elegant shape.
Whippet Coats for Winter and Cold Weather
The Canterbury – quilted and fleece lined with long snood neck
The Whitstable – water resistant fleece lined with long snood neck
The Be Seen – Bright, fleece lined with reflective piping detail
Coats to Layer
The Norwich – washable quilted coat
The Norfolk – wax cotton, wind proof coat
Whippet Coats for Wet Warm Weather
Lightweight Rain Macs include: The Carlisle, Cardiff, Chester and Chester Light – all made from super lightweight cotton lined with water resistant mesh. Designed to be packed away into it’s own bag, it can be taken out on all walks so you can be ready when the grey cloud comes over to give you an unexpected soaking!
The Cardiff and Carlisle are also great for layering over a jumper or tee shirt.
Alternative Whippet Raincoats
The Quilted Gilet. If you are looking for a coat that is more like a jumper to wear the Quilted Gilet is a good option. It can be worn over a jumper or tee shirt, secured by poppers underneath and allows your whippet the freedom of movement that a jumper does – no worries about the strap being pulled open when your dog is having a play with others in the park.
