How to dress your Italian Greyhound: A practical guide for everyday weather

Why seasons aren’t the best guide anymore

We often think about organising our Italian Greyhounds’ clothing in terms of seasons. Winter, spring, summer, autumn. Simple, predictable, linear.

But increasingly, the weather doesn’t behave so predictably anymore. Temperatures may drop, but winter isn’t always as cold and frosty as we might expect. Where we live, January has often been mild and wet, punctuated by the odd bright, dry day.

Summer isn’t always consistently sunny and warm, at least not in the way I remember school holidays as a kid. Cooler evenings and the odd rainy day still catch us out. And for our sun-loving Italian Greyhounds, those shifts in temperature, rain, and wind often mean a little more thought goes into what they wear.

So, when we’re getting ready for the day ahead, especially if we’re heading out for longer, our mind goes to:

What if it rains? Will they be warm enough in this? Do they actually need a jumper today? Maybe they need one now, but not later?

When the season can’t make up its mind, it helps to rely on what you know and trust.

You know your dog best

Before anything else, you know your dog best.

You know the signs when they start to feel the cold.

You know how they respond when it rains.

You know when they look uncomfortable.

While Italian Greyhounds are generally more sensitive to cold and wet weather, tolerance levels vary from one dog to the next. Ultimately, it comes down to trusting your judgement when you sense your dog needs a layer of some form.

I often find that if I’m reaching for a jumper or a coat myself, Twiggy probably needs one too. And while a day might feel mild, once they’re wet, even a slight chill can leave them uncomfortable. Personally, if we’re on the go and there’s a chance of rain, I’ll always have a plan for her.

Dressing for conditions, not the calendar

When layering our Italian Greyhounds for the weather, fabric and design play an important role in their comfort.

With low body fat and thin skin, Italian Greyhounds struggle with temperature regulation across the year more than some breeds. Some days call for a layer for protection. But Italian Greyhounds also have a frame and range of motion which is quite unique. Intentional fabric choice and design that doesn’t restrict their movement is how we give them the most comfort going about their everyday.

With the right pieces to hand, dressing for everyday conditions, across different seasons and scenarios, becomes simpler than dressing by the calendar.

Everyday situations we dress for

These are some everyday routines and scenarios many of us will be familiar with  – not just in winter, but throughout the year. I can recall plenty of summer days where the temperature drops in the evening while we’re out, and Twiggy feels it.

You’re heading into the city for the day, and the weather is up and down

Some days don’t come with a clear forecast. You’re in and out of shops, cafés, trains or cabs, and the weather can change by the hour. In these moments, having a coat that’s easy to pop on and off makes being on-the-go far more effortless. This is where an overcoat like The Arlo works well, offering protection from showers without feeling heavy, fleece-lined for warmth, and practical for stop-start days. It’s adjustable if an underlayer like The Frankie feels called for too.

If there’s a chill in the air but an underlayer feels unnecessary, I’ll often pop The Rue snood into my bag. It’s an easy way to add a little extra comfort if needed, without committing to another layer from the outset.

That ease also makes it useful for Italian Greyhounds who are reluctant to go out for the toilet in the rain, when something quick and fuss-free really helps.

You live by the coast, or you’re heading there

Coastal weather can be unpredictable and windy. Even when it’s not raining, wind can cut through quickly, especially on lean, short-haired breeds. A piece like The Rae offers protection from wind and light rain while remaining breathable enough for active days by the sea. If you’re stopping for a pub lunch, its quick-drying properties mean it’ll often be dry again by dessert (if not sooner).

It’s cool, but dry, and you’re heading out for a proper walk

On crisp, dry days, full coverage often feels right, particularly for longer outings where warmth matters more than weatherproofing. On days like this, we often turn to The Jean-Pierre, as its slim, tailored fit covers the areas that need warmth most, while allowing for freedom of movement. Some of our customers have been inspiring us lately to pair it with The Rue snood.

Indoors, but cooler parts of the house

Older homes, tiled floors, and draughty rooms can feel surprisingly chilly in winter. Our Italian Greyhound loves the sofa by the front door so she can keep an eye on the neighbours, but it’s also the coldest part of the house. On days like this, I’ll sometimes dress her in a light yet cosy layer like The Frankie sleeveless fleece or The Bernadette cotton Sherpa. If she’s curled up or hunting for blankets, I know she probably needs something.

Building a small wardrobe you can rely on

Over the years, I’ve realised that in our home we tend to rotate between a small collection of pieces we reach for time and time again. They work alone and together, across different conditions and moments, and that simplicity feels particularly comforting when day-to-day life already involves so many decisions.

When you choose well, you buy once, and slowly build a small, timeless wardrobe you can rely on. Pieces designed and made with real life in mind, where fabric, construction, and ease of use are considered just as carefully as how they look. Their longevity means they don’t date or lose relevance; they simply continue to do their job, season after season, year after year.