When do Italian Greyhounds actually need clothes?

This article includes insights from Mila Blagojev, founder of the FCI-registered Orjana Galaxy kennel. For more than a decade, she has bred Italian Greyhounds with a focus on preserving the breed's health, temperament and structure. Her dogs include multiple international champions.

Italian Greyhounds typically need clothing when cold, wet or windy conditions cause them to lose body heat faster than they can comfortably maintain it. For many dogs, that means lightweight layers below around 16°C and warmer protection as temperatures fall below 13°C, although rain, wind, age, health and activity level are often just as important as temperature itself.

Unlike many breeds, Italian Greyhounds have very little body fat, no insulating undercoat and exceptionally fine coat coverage with sparse hair on the neck, chest and belly. Combined with their small size and low overall body mass, this causes them to lose heat more quickly than many other dogs. They can also overheat surprisingly quickly in hot weather, as their fine coat and thin skin provide little protection from direct sun exposure.

However, that doesn't mean they should be dressed all the time. Clothing that is poorly fitted, worn unnecessarily or used in the wrong conditions can interfere with movement, damage the coat and create problems of its own.

Understanding when clothing genuinely helps starts with understanding what makes Italian Greyhounds different. As you'll discover, knowing when not to dress an Italian Greyhound is often just as important as knowing when to.

Why are Italian Greyhounds more sensitive to weather?

Italian Greyhounds are generally believed to have originated around the Mediterranean and spent centuries as companion dogs in aristocratic households. Unlike many working breeds, they were bred for companionship rather than spending long days outdoors in harsh weather. They evolved alongside people in relatively sheltered environments. Their role was not to withstand harsh winters or spend entire days exposed to rain, wind and cold.

They have exceptionally short coats, no insulating undercoat, thin skin and very little body fat. Unlike breeds that carry a layer of insulation beneath their coat, Italian Greyhounds lose body heat and can overheat very quickly.

Many also have very sparse hair coverage on the chest, stomach and neck. These areas are particularly exposed during cold, wet or windy weather, and some Italian Greyhounds may have even less natural protection due to hair thinning or alopecia.

As breeder Mila explains:

"One of the biggest misconceptions about Italian Greyhounds is that clothing is purely cosmetic because they look cute in clothes. In reality, well-designed clothing is a practical tool for managing temperature, protecting delicate skin and allowing the dog to remain comfortable in conditions they were never naturally equipped for."

Their sensitivity becomes obvious once you live with one. A Labrador may happily continue a walk in cold rain. Many Italian Greyhounds will start looking for the nearest blanket and questioning your decision-making.

If Italian Greyhounds come from warm climates, why do they overheat?

Many people assume that because the breed has Mediterranean origins, they are naturally equipped for intense heat. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the breed. In reality, much of the breed's history was spent as a companion to nobles and aristocratic households rather than as an outdoor working dog exposed to weather extremes.

In Mila's experience, many Italian Greyhounds are comfortable at around 28°C in dry conditions, provided they have access to shade, water and the ability to rest. Direct sun exposure, high humidity and vigorous exercise can make the same temperature feel much hotter.

Unlike cold weather, where the challenge is retaining body heat, hot weather introduces a different set of risks. Italian Greyhounds can overheat surprisingly quickly during exercise, particularly in direct sun, on hot surfaces or in humid conditions.

Like many small animals, Italian Greyhounds tend to respond to temperature changes more quickly than larger breeds. Their relatively small body size means they have less thermal mass to buffer them against environmental conditions. During vigorous exercise, body temperature can rise rapidly, especially when heat from the environment, the ground and physical activity all combine at once.

Italian Greyhounds are built for comfort, not weather extremes. Warmth is enjoyable. Excessive heat can be dangerous.

At what temperature do Italian Greyhounds usually need clothes?

There is no universal number. Age, health, activity level, wind and humidity all matter. As a general rule, if the weather is cool enough that you would not be comfortable spending extended time outdoors in a t-shirt, your Italian Greyhound will often benefit from an additional layer.

Most healthy adult Italian Greyhounds are comfortable without clothing in dry conditions above 18°C, but many benefit from additional layers as temperatures fall below that point.

These figures should be treated as practical guidelines rather than strict rules. Individual dogs vary considerably, and weather conditions often matter more than temperature alone.

A dry, sunny 10°C day may feel comfortable. A windy, damp 10°C day can feel dramatically colder.

Do Italian Greyhounds get cold more easily in wet weather?

Many owners focus entirely on the number shown in the weather app. Italian Greyhounds care far more about what the weather actually feels like. Temperature is only one part of the equation. Wind, humidity and rain can dramatically change how comfortable a dog feels outdoors.

Water conducts heat away from the body far more efficiently than air. Once the coat becomes wet, the body loses heat much more quickly, particularly in breeds with very little natural insulation. Wind then accelerates this process further by continuously removing the thin layer of warmer air surrounding the body.

This is why an Italian Greyhound may be perfectly comfortable on a dry, sunny 8°C morning but reluctant to walk in a damp, windy 12°C drizzle.

As Mila explains:

"A cold, dry day and a cold, damp day are not the same thing. Many Italian Greyhounds remain comfortable in surprisingly low temperatures when the weather is dry, but become uncomfortable much sooner when moisture and humidity are involved."

For many Italian Greyhounds, the difference is not the temperature itself. It's the combination of moisture, wind and exposure.

How to know if an Italian Greyhound is cold or anxious?

Shivering is one of the most misunderstood behaviours in Italian Greyhounds. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that a shaking Italian Greyhound must be cold. In reality, the breed commonly trembles for several different reasons, including cold, excitement, stress, anticipation and anxiety.

According to breeder Mila, context is often more important than the shaking itself.

As Mila explains:

"Italian Greyhounds shake for many reasons. Cold is one of them, but excitement, stress and anticipation can look very similar. It is important to consider the situation, not just the shaking."

When is clothing genuinely helpful?

One of the most common mistakes owners make is assuming that clothing is always beneficial. In reality, the usefulness of clothing depends entirely on the problem it is solving.

As breeder Mila explains:

"The purpose of clothing should be to improve the dog's comfort and wellbeing. If it is not solving a specific problem, it is probably unnecessary."

For Italian Greyhounds, clothing is most helpful when environmental conditions increase heat loss or create discomfort that would otherwise limit the dog's ability to move, exercise or rest comfortably.

Situations where clothing is often beneficial include:

The goal is not to keep an Italian Greyhound permanently dressed. The goal is to keep the dog comfortable, active and able to enjoy its environment without unnecessary thermal stress. In other words, clothing should function as equipment, not decoration.

When is clothing unnecessary?

Italian Greyhounds do not need to wear clothing all the time. While clothing can be extremely beneficial in the right conditions, unnecessary layers can be just as problematic as insufficient protection.

Most healthy adult Italian Greyhounds are perfectly comfortable indoors without clothing, particularly in heated homes. Likewise, many dogs do not require heavy layers during vigorous exercise, even in relatively cool weather.

This is because movement generates heat.

During running, play and other high-intensity activities, body temperature rises naturally. A dog sprinting around a field has very different thermal needs from a dog standing still on a cold pavement. In some situations, excessive clothing can trap heat, restrict airflow and increase the risk of overheating.

Clothing is often unnecessary when:

One of the most common mistakes owners make is assuming that an Italian Greyhound who enjoys warmth should be kept wrapped up at all times.

In reality, Italian Greyhounds benefit most from clothing that responds to the conditions rather than clothing that is worn continuously. The right layer at the right time improves comfort. The wrong layer can get in the dog's way.

Can Italian Greyhound clothes cause problems?

Yes.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Italian Greyhound clothing is that any layer is better than no layer. In reality, poorly designed clothing can create discomfort, interfere with natural movement and even increase the risk of injury.

Italian Greyhounds are one of the most athletic companion breeds. Their long stride, flexible spine and deep chest allow them to accelerate, turn and change direction at remarkable speed. Clothing that does not accommodate this movement can alter the way the dog naturally moves.

Common problems associated with poorly fitted clothing include:

In Mila's words:

"The purpose of clothing is to improve comfort, not to interfere with movement. If a garment changes the way an Italian Greyhound walks, runs or plays, something is wrong."

This is particularly important because Italian Greyhounds move differently from many breeds. Their stride is longer and their spine is more flexible. Clothing should move with the dog rather than against it. The best clothing is often the clothing the dog barely notices wearing.

What makes clothing suitable for an Italian Greyhound?

A common mistake is assuming that clothing should fit loosely to avoid restricting movement. In reality, the opposite is often true. Clothing that is too loose can shift during movement, bunch around the shoulders, twist around the body or interfere with natural gait.

According to breeder Mila, good clothing should almost disappear once it is on. A properly fitted garment should stay in place without constant adjustment, allow full shoulder extension, protect the chest and abdomen, and remain secure while the dog is walking, running or playing. It should not rub sensitive areas such as the armpits, neck, groin or tail, nor should it twist around the body during movement.

As Mila explains:

"When clothing fits correctly, the dog should be able to walk, run, play and rest exactly as it would without it."

One of the most misunderstood aspects of fit is looseness. Many owners assume that a loose garment is automatically more comfortable. In practice, excessive fabric often creates more problems than it solves. Loose clothing can shift, bunch and catch during movement, particularly when a dog is running at speed.

A well-fitted garment should feel secure without being tight.

The simplest test is often the most revealing: if the dog can move naturally, forget it is wearing the garment and continue its normal activities without adjustment, the fit is probably correct.

Common mistakes new owners make

Dressing for the season instead of the weather

Italian Greyhounds respond to temperature, wind, rain and humidity, not the month on the calendar. A dry winter day may be more comfortable than a damp autumn afternoon.

Assuming every shiver means cold

Italian Greyhounds also shake when excited, anxious, anticipating something enjoyable or feeling stressed. Context matters as much as the shaking itself.

Leaving clothing on indoors unnecessarily

Most healthy adult Italian Greyhounds do not require clothing in a warm home and may become too warm if heavily layered.

Buying clothing that is too large

Loose garments often shift, bunch and interfere with movement. A well-fitted garment is usually more comfortable than an oversized one.

Choosing clothing based on appearance alone

Fit, comfort and freedom of movement should always come before aesthetics. The best garment is one the dog barely notices wearing.

Final thoughts

Italian Greyhounds do not need clothing because they are delicate. They often need clothing because they are a breed with very specific anatomical and environmental needs. Their fine coat, low body fat and sensitivity to weather mean they can become uncomfortable in conditions that many other dogs barely notice.

At the same time, more clothing is not always better. The right garment, worn for the right reason and in the right conditions, can improve comfort, protect against the elements and allow a dog to remain active year-round. The wrong garment can restrict movement, cause irritation and create problems of its own.

As breeder Mila Blagojev emphasises, the goal is not to keep an Italian Greyhound permanently dressed. The goal is to help the dog remain comfortable, healthy and able to move naturally in whatever conditions it encounters.

If you're unsure what type of clothing your dog actually needs, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to help owners choose the right layer for their dog, climate and lifestyle.