Why do sighthounds get cold easily — and how do I know if my sighthound is cold?

In my previous blog post, I explored the question "Does a dog need clothes or not?" The answer is that not all dogs need clothing. However, for certain breeds and in specific conditions, apparel can make being outdoors much more comfortable and relaxed.

For many sighthound owners, this question is familiar in every season. On cool, windy, or damp days, a sighthound owner might notice their dog behaving differently outdoors compared to warm weather. It can also happen that the dog doesn't want to go outside at all. Often, it's not just a matter of seeking comfort, but rather that the sighthound reacts very sensitively to the conditions.

Sighthounds are built to move quickly and lightly. Their bodies are aerodynamic, muscular, and have very low body fat. These exact qualities make them fantastic runners — but at the same time, more prone to losing heat.

Unlike many thick-coated breeds, sighthounds lack a proper insulating undercoat to protect their bodies from the cold, moisture, and wind. Additionally, their thin skin and low amount of fat tissue mean their bodies cool down faster, especially when standing still. The body has to use more energy to stay warm, which also makes their paws and other extremities cool down more easily.

Many people are also surprised by how much wind and moisture affect a sighthound. Cool, damp, and windy weather can feel more uncomfortable to a sighthound than dry, freezing cold. Wet ground and humid air increase heat loss rapidly, even if the thermometer still shows a relatively high temperature.

The clearest sign is often shivering, but not all dogs react the same way. Some become restless, while others slow down their pace or start stopping more often than usual. Many sighthounds also tense their bodies, lift their paws, or try to head back inside quickly.

Sometimes the signs are harder to spot. For example, a dog might seem unusually tired after a walk or avoid going outside in certain types of weather.

The most important thing is learning to know your own dog and its normal behavior in different conditions. My own Whippet, Sipe, reacts to the cold by not wanting to stop for a single moment unless absolutely necessary. Sipe likes to run our familiar route quickly and wants to take the most direct path back home.

A well-fitting piece of clothing can help reduce heat loss and make being outdoors more relaxed, especially when the weather is damp, windy, or rapidly changing.

Because for a sighthound, it's often not just about the cold air — but about how their whole body reacts to the environment.

– Laura