Whippet and Greyhound Measuring Guide (With Size Chart)
Meta Description: Find the perfect fit for your sighthound with our complete size guide. Whether you own an Italian Greyhound, Whippet, Lurcher, or Greyhound, learn how to measure your dog accurately for clothing that fits like a glove.
Whether you’re the proud parent of a fast-growing whippet puppy or an elegant adult greyhound, choosing properly fitting clothing is essential for comfort, mobility, and style. At Whiptails, we specialize in tailored apparel for sighthounds, and we know that finding the right size isn’t always as simple as small, medium, or large.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to measure your sighthound, understand their growth stages, and choose clothing based on real-life data and dimensions. Whether your dog is still developing or has reached full maturity, we’ve got you covered—with size charts, expert advice, and tips to accommodate breed-specific variations in chest girth, neck size, and height.
Understanding Sighthound Proportions
Sighthounds—including Whippets, Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, and Lurchers—have a distinct silhouette: deep chests, narrow waists, and long limbs. These unique proportions make standard dog clothes a poor fit.
Key characteristics to consider:
- Deep chest girth – Sighthounds have one of the largest chest-to-waist ratios in the canine world.
- Slim neck and waist – Necklines must be secure but not tight.
- Long legs – For full-body wear like coats or onesies, leg length must be factored in.
- Lean muscle development – As your dog matures, their size changes in shape more than in weight.
Why Accurate Measuring Matters
Unlike generic sizing, our sighthound-specific clothes at Whiptails are designed with breed growth patterns, maturity levels, and activity levels in mind. A snug but non-restrictive fit ensures:
- Better mobility and comfort.
- Protection from the elements.
- Reduced risk of rubbing or chafing.
- Stylish, streamlined look.
See our Greyhound Clothes, Whippet Clothes, and Italian Greyhound Clothes.
How to Measure Your Sighthound
To get the most accurate sizing for your dog’s clothes, use a flexible measuring tape and note the following three critical dimensions:
1. Chest Girth
Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement for sighthound clothing.
- A whippet puppy at 12 weeks might have a 14” girth.
- A fully grown adult female whippet typically has a 19–22” girth.
- Greyhounds can range from 27” to over 32”.
2. Neck Circumference
Measure the base of the neck, where a collar naturally sits.
- Italian Greyhounds: 7–9 inches.
- Whippets: 10–14 inches.
- Greyhounds: 14–18 inches.
3. Body Length
Measure from the base of the neck (where it meets the shoulders) to the base of the tail.
- Whippets: 17–22 inches.
- Greyhounds: 26–33 inches.
Pro Tip: Don’t measure too loosely or too tight—snug but not tight is best.
Size Chart by Breed
Here’s a helpful reference based on typical measurements for various sighthounds:
Breed | Neck (in) | Chest (in) | Length (in) | Estimated Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Greyhound | 7–9 | 13–17 | 13–17 | 3–6 |
| Whippet Puppy (3 mo) | 7–9 | 14–17 | 15–17 | 5–7 |
| Adult Whippet (M/F) | 10–14 | 19–23 | 18–22 | 10–15 |
| Large Whippet | 12–15 | 23–25 | 22–24 | 14–18 |
| Greyhound (Small) | 13–16 | 27–30 | 27–30 | 23–29 |
| Greyhound (Large) | 14–18 | 30–34 | 30–33 | 30–38 |
See our size guide for more information.
These are general guidelines. For a perfect fit, always measure your own dog.
Growth and Development: What to Expect
Whippet Growth Stages
- Birth to 3 Months: Rapid growth. Whippets may double in size.
- 3–6 Months: Slower growth in length; they start to gain muscle.
- 6–12 Months: Begin to show adult proportions but still filling out.
- 12–18 Months: Reach full height and length, but chest and muscle will continue to develop.
When do whippets stop growing?
Most stop growing in height at around 12 months, but continue filling out until 18 months.
Greyhound Growth Chart
Greyhounds follow a similar pattern but over a slightly longer timeline. Most reach full height around 14 months, but mature muscling continues up to 2 years.
Common Size Variations (and How to Adjust)
Sighthounds can vary significantly even within the same breed. Some adult females are petite and narrow-chested, while males may be broader and more muscular. Other influencing factors:
- Genetics: Bloodline can affect size and shape.
- Diet & Activity: More active hounds develop lean muscle.
- Age: Older dogs may lose muscle tone or develop broader chests.
What to do if your dog is in between sizes?
Opt for the larger size for comfort and layering, or contact us for custom-fit advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size is a fully grown Whippet?
Most adult whippets fall into the Medium or Large Whiptail size, with chest girths between 19″–23″ and back lengths around 20″. Use our size chart as a reference and measure your dog for accuracy.
Q: Can I use these sizes for other breeds?
This guide is specifically designed for sighthounds—dogs with long, narrow bodies and deep chests. Standard breeds like Labradors or Pugs will need different sizing considerations.
Q: How often should I re-measure my puppy?
Measure your whippet or greyhound puppy every 2–4 weeks during the first 6 months to keep up with their rapid growth.
Q: My greyhound has a broad chest—should I size up?
Yes. When in doubt, go for the larger option. Our garments are stretchy, but sizing up avoids constriction.
Why Choose Whiptails?
At Whiptails, we design clothing exclusively for sighthounds, taking into account:
- Typical growth patterns
- Body scale and proportions
- Breed-specific size data
- Comfort and coverage needs
Our mission is simple: deliver stylish, high-quality, well-fitting apparel for Whippets, Greyhounds, and Italian Greyhounds—whether they’re lounging on the sofa or racing through the fields.
Internal Links to Explore
To help you choose the best fit and outfit for your sighthound, check out these helpful resources:
Final Tips for Sizing Success
- Always measure first – Don’t rely on guesses.
- Check for seasonal changes – Dogs may bulk up or slim down.
- Read our garment descriptions – Some stretch more than others.
- Contact us – We love helping you find the perfect fit.
Ready to Shop?
Explore our latest collection of sighthound apparel designed specifically for Italian Greyhounds, Whippets, and Greyhounds. With the right measurements and our tailored sizing, your hound will look—and feel—amazing.
