Clothing & Accessories
This page covers what your hound actually needs (and what’s just a bit of fun). The good news? They wear everything with style.
Not fashion – function. (Okay, sometimes fashion.)
Sighthounds aren’t built like most dogs. Their long necks, narrow heads, deep chests and fine skin mean standard collars and jackets often won’t cut it. And when winter rolls in, they’re not just being dramatic – they really are freezing. Some dogs run warm. Others are shivery little skeletons at 12 degrees. You’ll get to know what your hound prefers, but don’t be surprised if they actively seek out warmth, jump under blankets, or refuse to leave the house without their coat.
It all depends on the individual hound. If in doubt, ask yourself: would I wear a jumper in this weather? If yes, your dog probably needs one too. That and seeing if their ears are cold - that’s always a good indicator. Short version - in winter, yes. In the rain, usually. Indoors on a mild day, not so much.
We’ve added a list of small businesses that provide a lot of the sighthound related items. You can view full list below.
Martingale Collars
Sighthounds are a bit... oddly shaped. All elegance and noodle limbs, with long, slender necks that are often wider than their heads. Which means a regular collar? Slips right off. Enter the Martingale collar—a clever little invention that gently tightens if your hound tries to back out, without choking or pinching. It’s safe, comfy, and stylish to boot. Whether you’re new to the sighthound world or just wondering why everyone’s talking about “martingales”, we’ve got you covered.
A Martingale collar is a special type of dog collar designed to prevent clever escape artists—like sighthounds—from slipping out. It has two loops: one that goes around the neck and another that tightens slightly when tension is applied. Unlike choke chains, it won’t keep tightening endlessly, and it’s much gentler than it sounds. It’s ideal for breeds with slim heads and strong chase instincts (looking at you, greyhounds), giving you a bit of extra security on walks without compromising comfort. Just don’t leave it on during sofa snoozes—these are walkies-only accessories.
Why Martingales are not 24/7 wear
Martingale collars tighten when pulled—and while that’s great for preventing Houdini-level escapes on walks, it’s not great for naps, lounging, or unsupervised zoomies. If the loop catches on something (like a crate bar, table leg, or even another dog’s tooth during play), it can tighten unexpectedly and cause injury or distress. Think of it like a seatbelt: brilliant when you’re out and about, but you wouldn’t wear it on the sofa, would you?
House Collars & ID Tags
Once your dog’s indoors, switch to a lightweight house collar. These are comfy, flat and non-tightening – just enough to carry ID.
A tag with your phone number is a must, even if your dog is microchipped. It can save a lot of time and stress if your dog ever slips out the front door.
And yes, you can have fun with designs, colours, or nameplates. Your hound may not care, but you will.
Harnesses
Not all harnesses are created equal. Look for one that’s escape-proof and won’t rub delicate skin.
Y-shaped front harnesses with adjustable straps are ideal. Avoid anything with chunky clips under the armpits or rough nylon that could cause friction burns.
Harnesses are especially useful for hounds who are strong on lead, frightened of traffic, or prone to bolting. They’re also a great option for those learning to walk on lead without pressure on the neck.
Coats: Winter, Waterproof, Fleece
Sighthounds feel the cold. Their fur is short, their skin is thin, and they have very little body fat. In colder weather, coats aren’t a luxury – they’re a necessity.
A good winter coat should cover the chest and belly. Fleece is great for indoors or mild days. Waterproof coats are essential in wet weather, especially if your hound flatly refuses to go out in the rain without one.
If in doubt, ask yourself: would I wear a jumper in this weather? If yes, your dog probably needs one too.
Jumpers
Jumpers (or pyjamas) are brilliant for chilly mornings, draughty homes or snoozing in the van at winter markets. They’re also an easy way to get a few “Oh my god, look at that dog!” comments on your walk, if that’s your thing.
Measuring Your Hound
Measure before you buy. Sighthounds are awkward shapes, and sizes can vary wildly between brands. If you’re buying online, check if the sizing is sighthound-specific. A “large” in one shop might barely fit a whippet in another.
Key measurements:
Length: from base of neck to base of tail
Chest: around the widest part of the ribcage
Neck: where the collar sits, high up just behind the ears
The Sighthound Superpowers
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Speed
A greyhound can hit 45mph in a few strides. Most of them, however, would prefer not to.
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Grace
Even at rest, they carry themselves with a kind of quiet elegance. Until they flop off the sofa mid-roach.
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Sleep
Greyhounds are fast. For about four minutes a day. The rest of the time, they are Olympic-level nappers.
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Lurchers
Depending on what your hound is crossed with, you’re either nodding here or disagreeing!
Types of Sighthounds
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Greyhound
The OG of the sighthound world. Greyhounds are elegant, affectionate and surprisingly lazy for a dog that can outpace a motorbike. Most rescue greyhounds come from the racing industry, so they’ve got their own quirks and care needs.
Don’t be surprised if they’re scared of stairs, cling to you like Velcro, or try to nap in the fridge. They’re weird, quirky but absolutely adorable.
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Lurcher
Not a breed, but a type. Lurchers are usually a cross between a sighthound (like a greyhound or whippet) and something else – often a terrier, collie or staffie. This makes them a bit of a lucky dip, in the best possible way.
They can be scruffier, more playful, and sometimes a bit more energetic than their greyhound cousins. Lurchers are common in rescue centres across the UK and Ireland and are just as charming (and just as capable of outrageous lounging).
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Whippets
Whippets are basically pocket-sized greyhounds with heaps of sassiness and Mariah levels of demands. Still speedy, still snuggly, just a bit smaller and often a bit more energetic.
Some whippets are more sensitive or vocal than greys, but many of the same quirks apply. Coats in winter. Soft beds. Strong prey drive. Zero concept of personal space. Might end up demanding more cuddles than they deserve.
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Salukis
The royal divas of the sighthound world. Salukis are graceful, gentle and often aloof. They’re stunning to look at, but not always the easiest to train or read.
If a greyhound is a sleepy uncle, a saluki is the slightly mysterious cousin who only visits when it suits them. Think Cleopatra crossed with Beyonce and a dash of madness.
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Italian Greyhound
Teeny tiny sighthounds that look like they’ve been drawn by a fashion illustrator after a few too many…erm. Italian greys (or Iggies), are dainty, delicate, charming and completely bonkers.
They’re also always cold and will try to climb in under your clothing or covers (depending where you might be). They need warmth, attention and an understanding of their diva energy.
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Borzoi, Wolfhound, Deerhound, Afghan and Co.
These are the giants (and glam-rockers) of the sighthound world. Less common in rescue, but no less enchanting.
Some have long flowing coats, some resemble deer in pyjamas, all share that same sighthound combination of grace, sensitivity and occasional goofiness.
Myths & Misconceptions
What people think they know about sighthounds… and what’s actually true.
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Nope. Greyhounds and many other sighthounds are world-class sprinters, not marathon runners. They're more ‘one zoomie, three naps’ than ‘hike every hill in Ireland’. Most are perfectly happy with a couple of short walks a day, and the occasional burst of dramatic galloping.
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They're actually the best house dogs. Even better in apartments as they won’t need to bother with the stairs! Quiet, clean, polite, and unnervingly good at doing nothing at all. Greyhounds in particular were practically designed for domestic life: minimal shedding, rarely bark, and they somehow take up all of the sofa with just one leg.
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It depends. Some sighthounds have a strong prey drive (especially if they’ve been encouraged to chase in training), but many can live happily with cats, small dogs, and even rabbits, with proper introductions and patience. It’s not a no, it’s a let’s see.
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Bless. These dogs are basically skin, bone, and drama. Without much body fat or a thick coat, sighthounds hate the cold and will 100% judge you if they’re not wearing a fleece. Or two. Unless, of course, they’re mixed with a hardy breed such as a terrier or collie. Get to know your dog and then make a decision.
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Oh, they’re clever. Selective, stubborn, and sometimes too clever. These dogs just don’t see the point in doing things that aren’t fun, comfortable, or treat-related. They’re problem-solvers, especially when the problem is: how can I get that snack without moving too much?
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Nope. While many greyhounds in Ireland and the UK are bred for racing, there are also non-racing greyhounds, lurchers (sighthound mixes), and whippets who’ve never set paw on a track. Each one’s story is different, but they all deserve soft landings and a lifetime of cuddles (at a time of place of their choosing, of course).
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The racing industry loves what these dogs can do, not who they are. Many are discarded once they’re no longer fast enough. Injuries, abandonment, and neglect are heartbreakingly common. That’s why we’re here: to give them a future beyond the finish line.
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Send us your favourite sighthound myth via the Contact Page, and we’ll add it to the list (with a side of sass).
Why We Say ‘Ex-Racer’ Instead of ‘Rescue’
We use the phrase ex-racer because it’s clear – it tells people where the dog came from and what they were bred to do. But make no mistake, our greyhounds are rescues.
Not all of them are formally “retired.” Many don’t get that far. Some never make it to the track at all. Others are discarded the moment they’re no longer useful. If they didn’t race or course, chances are they were used for underground racing, lamping, dog baiting, or simply passed between owners with no stability, structure or care.
In Ireland especially, many sighthounds are bred with no intention of ever seeing a licensed track. That doesn’t make their experience any less traumatic – or their need for rescue any less urgent.
So we say ex-racer for clarity. But we always mean rescue.
Because rescuing a greyhound isn’t about giving them a comfy retirement. It’s about giving them a second chance.