Blog

On this page, you’ll find all blog articles from Rapid Dog Wear, ranging from practical tips to in-depth information about Sighthounds and more. We will explore topics such as Sighthound muzzles, collars, behaviour, and health. We also regularly share behind-the-scenes insights, donation updates, and stories from the Sighthound community. Whether you have a Galgo Español, Greyhound, Saluki, Podenco or any other Sighthound, this is the place to find information, inspiration, and helpful tips.

Blog, Lurcher

What Is a Lurcher?

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A Lurcher is a crossbreed between a sighthound (such as a Greyhound, Saluki, or Whippet) and a working dog (such as a Shepherd or Collie). These versatile dogs are especially popular in the United Kingdom.

Origin

Lurchers originated in England, where Greyhounds were traditionally owned by the upper class and used for hunting. Only people with sufficient wealth or land were legally allowed to hunt with purebred sighthounds.

As a result, people from lower social classes began crossing sighthounds with other breeds. This led to the creation of the Lurcher: a fast, efficient hunting dog used by common people and poachers to catch food, such as rabbits and hares.

Over time, hunters discovered that certain crosses produced even better hunting dogs, combining speed with intelligence and endurance. Because these dogs had to be kept hidden from authorities, they were often kept indoors, eventually becoming both working dogs and family companions.

Common Lurcher Crosses

Lurchers can vary widely in appearance and ability, depending on the breeds used. Common crosses include: Greyhounds Whippets, Salukis, Deerhounds or Irish Wolfhounds mixed with Border Collies, Bedlington Terriers or Bull Terriers.

These combinations are bred to create dogs with speed, stamina, courage, and a strong work ethic. In the UK, Lurchers have traditionally been used for hunting rabbits, hares, foxes, and even rats. Today many Lurchers, especially Whippet and Border Collie mixes, excel in dog sports such as agility and flyball.

Temperament

The temperament of a Lurcher is often similar to that of a sighthound: calm, gentle, and affectionate. They typically form a strong bond with their owner and enjoy being close to their family without being overly demanding. Indoors, they are usually relaxed and quiet, while outdoors they can be energetic and full of enthusiasm, especially when given the opportunity to run.
Lurchers are intelligent and generally easy to train, although they can show an independent streak depending on their lineage. Many have a strong prey drive, which means they may instinctively chase small animals. At the same time, they are sensitive dogs that respond best to a calm and positive approach, as they can be affected by tone of voice and the overall atmosphere at home.
Their personality can vary depending on the breeds involved in the cross, but many Lurchers combine the laid-back nature of a sighthound with the focus and work ethic of a herding or working breed. This often results in a loyal, adaptable companion with both a playful and occasionally clownish side.

Blog, Muzzles

Are sighthound muzzles suitable for other dog breeds?

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Yes, a sighthound muzzle can be used for non-sighthound breeds. However, it’s important to consider the width of the muzzle. For dogs with very broad heads, these muzzles may not be the best fit, but for many other breeds they work perfectly well.

We offer sighthound muzzles in four sizes. In general:

  • Size 0 (designed for Italian Greyhounds) rarely fits other breeds
  • Size 1 is typically only suitable for Whippets and similar-sized dogs
  • Sizes 2 and 3 are much more versatile and can fit a wide range of breeds

One of the biggest advantages of sighthound muzzles is their lightweight design. Dogs barely notice they’re wearing one, which makes them more comfortable for everyday use. They’re also available in various colors, giving them a softer and more friendly appearance compared to traditional muzzles.

Sizes 2 and 3 are very similar in overall dimensions, but they differ in height. If your dog has a larger muzzle circumference or needs extra space to pant comfortably, size 3 is usually the better option.

Make sure to always check the product specifications for exact measurements and follow the sizing guide to ensure the best fit.

Which breeds typically fit these sizes?

Size 2 is often used for German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Shepherd mixes or Sighthound mixes.

Size 3 is commonly suitable for Bull Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Weimaraners, Huskies, Vizslas, Dobermans and Standard Poodles.

Thanks to their comfort, fit, and lightweight structure, sighthound muzzles are a great option for many dog breeds. Not just sighthounds.

Behaviour, Blog, Muzzles, Sighthounds

Why do sighthounds wear a muzzle?

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A common question is: why do sighthounds wear a muzzle? Are they aggressive? There’s often a stigma around the use of muzzles, but in reality, they are a practical and responsible tool used for many different reasons.

There are several situations where a sighthound may wear a muzzle, for example:

  • If your dog tends to eat dirt or unwanted items during walks
  • During a veterinary visit, so the vet can safely examine the dog
  • To prevent your dog from licking or biting a wound
  • To stop your dog from catching prey while outdoors
  • If your dog plays too roughly with others
  • While traveling, as muzzles are required by law in some countries

A standard muzzle usually doesn’t fit a sighthound properly due to their unique head shape. That’s why we offer specially designed sighthound muzzles that provide a secure and comfortable fit.

These muzzles are designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. They allow enough space for proper breathing, and your dog can still pant, drink, and even take treats while wearing one.

It’s very important to gradually train your dog to wear a muzzle. With the right introduction, your dog will learn that wearing a muzzle is a positive experience.

Browse our full collection of sighthound muzzles in our online store

Blog, Silken Windsprite

Silken Windsprite

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Silken Windsprite: elegant sighthound with a soft, flowing coat

The Silken Windsprite is a relatively rare dog breed that is gaining popularity among sighthound lovers. Its name says it all: “silken” refers to the soft, silky coat, while “windsprite” reflects its light, graceful movement. If you love breeds like the Whippet or Greyhound but want something a little different in appearance and coat, the Silken Windsprite is a truly unique choice.

Appearance: elegance with a soft twist

The Silken Windsprite has the classic sighthound build: a slim, athletic body, deep chest, long legs, and a refined, narrow head with a gentle expression. What truly sets this breed apart is its long, silky coat. Unlike short-haired sighthounds, the Silken features a soft, flowing coat that is often slightly wavy. Feathering is especially visible on the ears, tail, and backs of the legs.

In terms of size, the Silken Windsprite is very similar to a Whippet: medium-sized, lightweight, and built for speed and agility.

Silken Windsprite vs Whippet: key differences

The Whippet is the most common comparison. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some clear differences.

1. Coat
The Whippet has a short, smooth, and very low-maintenance coat. The Silken Windsprite, on the other hand, has a semi-long to long coat that is soft and silky, requiring slightly more care.

2. Origin
The Whippet is an established and recognized breed with a long history in hunting and racing. The Silken Windsprite is a newer breed, developed in the United States by crossing Whippets with Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties). Genetic research also shows influences from the Borzoi.

3: Remperament
The Silken Windsprite is known for its gentle and friendly nature. Like many sighthounds, it is not dominant or harsh but rather sensitive and people-oriented.

Key personality traits:

  • Calm and easygoing
  • Affectionate and loyal
  • Social, often good with other dogs
  • Intelligent, sometimes independent
  • Sensitive to tone of voice and household atmosphere
  • Energetic outdoors

They typically form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy following them around the house, without being overly demanding. Silken Windsprites also excel in activities such as agility, lure coursing, and even as therapy or assistance dogs.

Exercise and energy: a true sighthound

Despite their soft appearance, Silken Windsprites are real athletes. They have a strong prey drive, need daily opportunities to sprint, and enjoy long walks. Like many sighthounds, they combine a calm indoor nature with explosive speed outdoors.

Health

Silken Windsprites are generally healthy dogs. In the past, conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Multi-Drug Sensitivity (MDR1) were present within the breed. Thanks to responsible breeding practices, affected dogs are now rare, although some carriers still exist.

Immune-related issues, including allergies and inflammatory bowel conditions, can occur. A small number of dogs have been diagnosed with Addison’s disease or exercise-induced hypothermia, and research into these conditions is ongoing.

Grooming and care

Although their coat requires slightly more maintenance than that of short-haired sighthounds, grooming is still relatively easy. Regular brushing helps keep the coat clean and tangle-free.
Like other sighthounds, Silken Windsprites have low body fat, making them sensitive to cold weather. This is why proper sighthound clothing, such as warm coats and sweaters, is essential during colder months.
Additionally, their unique body shape means they often need specially designed gear, such as sighthound collars, sightweight harnesses or properly fitted muzzles. Choosing the right sighthound clothing and accessories ensures comfort, safety, and freedom of movement for your Silken Windsprite.

Blog, News

US shipping update

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Due to tariffs and shipping restrictions, we were unable to ship orders to the US for several weeks. The good news is that shipping to the US is now possible again via UPS. The costs are slightly higher than before, but we can finally send packages to the US again.

Blog, Muzzles

Looking for a noseband for Don Pare muzzles?

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Many Sighthound owners use a Don Pare muzzle for their dog. Did you land on this page because you are looking for a noseband for a Don Pare 107 or 103 muzzle? Then you are definitely not the only one. More and more dog owners are discovering this simple solution.

Muzzles

When it comes to muzzles, a comfortable fit is extremely important. Muzzles are often used during walks, training sessions, or for example at the veterinarian. It is essential that a dog can still breathe and pant freely while wearing a muzzle.

Sighthounds often need a slightly different fit compared to other dog breeds. Because they are so slim and have a narrow, pointed nose, not every muzzle will fit properly. That is why there are special muzzles for Sighthounds. These muzzles are lightweight and large enough to fit their long snout comfortably. Don Pare muzzles are a good example of this type of comfortable muzzle for Sighthounds.

Noseband

Some dogs are more sensitive than others, especially around the bridge of the nose. That is why we developed a special noseband for muzzles that can make wearing a muzzle a little more comfortable.

By placing a noseband between the muzzle and the nose, you can help prevent rubbing. This is especially useful for dogs that wear a muzzle regularly, have a sensitive snout, or need to wear a muzzle for longer periods of time.

Fit

Our noseband is suitable for Don Pare 103 and Don Pare 107 muzzles. You place the noseband on the inside of the muzzle, exactly where the muzzle rests on the dog’s nose. With the press buttons on the sides, you can easily attach the noseband to the muzzle. No extra straps, no complicated closures, and no tools needed. You simply attach it when you want extra comfort and remove it just as easily.

Muzzle size 1 open

€17,50
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Muzzle size 2 open

€17,50
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
greyhound muzzle
greyhound muzzle

Muzzle size 3 open

€17,50
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-10%

Noseband for muzzles

Original price was: €9,95.Current price is: €8,95.
Add to cart
Blog, Muzzles

How a Noseband Can Make Your Dog’s Muzzle More Comfortable

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When a dog needs to wear a muzzle, comfort is just as important as safety. Many dog owners are perfectly happy with their dogs’ current muzzle, but still look for small ways to make it even more comfortable for their dog, especially when the muzzle is used regularly.

One simple solution that can make a noticeable difference is a noseband. It’s not something every dog needs, but for some dogs it can make wearing a muzzle feel a bit more comfortable.

What is a noseband for a dog muzzle?

A noseband is a soft protective accessory that is attached to the top of a dog muzzle. Its purpose is to protect the sensitive bridge of the nose from friction during longer wear.
Our muzzles are already designed to be lightweight, comfortable and safe. However, just like with collars or harnesses, some dogs have more sensitive skin than others. In those cases, a soft noseband can add a little extra protection and improve overall comfort.

When can a noseband be useful?

A noseband is especially useful if your dog:

  • has a sensitive nose (bridge)
  • is very rough when wearing a muzzle
  • sometimes develops slight redness after wearing a muzzle
  • has to wear the muzzle for an extended period (for example during travel or a long walk)

Designed for comfort

This noseband is specially made to make wearing a muzzle more pleasant for your dog. The outside is made from durable black artificial leather and it is lined with soft black faux fur.

This combination creates a comfortable balance:

  • strong enough to stay in place
  • soft enough to protect the nose
  • comfortable even during longer wear

The soft lining helps prevent friction and makes the pressure on the nose feel much gentler.

Quick and easy to attach

Another advantage of this noseband is how easy it is to use. Thanks to the practical press buttons on both sides, it can be attached to the muzzle in just a few seconds.
There are no extra straps or complicated buckles. You simply click it into place, and it can just as easily be removed again when needed. This makes it a practical accessory for everyday use.

Fits our open muzzles

The noseband is available in one universal size and fits our open muzzles in size 1, 2 and 3.

Muzzle size 1 open

€17,50
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Muzzle size 2 open

€17,50
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
greyhound muzzle
greyhound muzzle

Muzzle size 3 open

€17,50
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-10%

Noseband for muzzles

Original price was: €9,95.Current price is: €8,95.
Add to cart
Blog, News

Rapid Dog Wear at Dierenshop Sittard

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NEW: Our jackets now at Dierenshop Sittard!

A selection of our jackets is now available in-store at Dierenshop Sittard. You’ll find our dark green softshell jacket, plus a first look at the winter jacket (with cozy fleece lining) available in a brand-new pattern. It will be available in our webshop from November, but you can already find it on the shelves at Dierenshop Sittard.

Location: Dierenshop Sittard, Voorstad 5, 6131 CP Sittard, The Netherlands (near the Belgian and German border)

Blog, Donations

Donation package for Spain

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Two weeks ago, we sent a special package to a small shelter in Spain: the same place where my own dog was abandoned in a box with her siblings almost nine years ago.

The package was full of coats and collars that just barely missed our quality control (small defects, wrong colors, or wrong sizes) but are still perfectly suitable for keeping dogs warm and safe.

Hopefully, they’ll come in handy there. ❤️

Blog, News

Shipping to the US temporarily unavailable

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Unfortunately, due to the tariffs there is currently a lot of uncertainty about shipping to the USA. Most postal services have temporarily stopped shipping there.

This means we’re temporarily unable to fulfill orders to the US. As soon as there is more clarity and shipping to the US resumes, we’ll be very happy to send orders there again.

We truly apologize for the inconvenience.

 

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