The Dachshund Clothes Guide › Bodysuit vs Coat: Which Is Better for a Dachshund?
From Houndz in the Hood, based on the fitting notes of founder Terri Goodwillie, who has made breed-fitted dog clothes in New York City since 1999. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: a bodysuit is the better choice for a Dachshund. A four-leg bodysuit covers the chest, belly and all four legs, stays in place on a long body and has no closures to fail. A coat covers the back and leaves the low-slung chest and belly bare.
Side by side
| Four-leg bodysuit | Back-only coat | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full body, including the chest, belly and legs | Back and sides; chest, belly and legs often bare |
| Stays in place | Held on by all four legs and shaped to the body | Can slide sideways on a long, rounded body |
| Closures | None: it stretches to go on, with no velcro, zippers or clasps | Usually velcro, buckles or zippers |
| Harness and leash | Discreet opening on the back | Varies |
| Bathroom | Cut to allow all bodily functions | Not an issue |
| Fit for a Dachshund | Five sizes from small Miniature to long Standard | Usually sized by back length only |
Why coverage matters more on a Dachshund
A Dachshund is long and low with short legs, so the chest and belly travel close to wet pavement, slush and snow. Those are exactly the areas a coat leaves open. Our Heavy Fleece Bodysuit is form-fitting and designed for all activities: walking, running in the snow and going to the bathroom, while covering the full body.
Bodysuit vs sweater or sweatshirt
Our Heavy Fleece Sweaters cover the entire chest and front legs and fit closely, and Heavyweight Sweatshirts are heavy fleeced cotton. Both are nice extras for a chilly house. But neither covers the back legs and belly, so for going out, the bodysuit is still the better choice. On mild days, that means the Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits, a medium-weight fleece that resists wind and rain and can be worn inside and out.
Which bodysuit replaces the coat?
- Fall, spring and moderately cold winters: Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits ($52)
- Cold, windy weather below 45°F: Heavy Fleece Bodysuits (from $56)
- Freezing weather: Extra Heavy Fleece Bodysuits ($67)
- Wind and snow, down to 15°F: Windblock Fleece Bodysuits ($68)
- The coldest weather, below 25°F: Extra Heavy Windblock Fleece Bodysuits ($74)
“But a coat is faster to put on”
A bodysuit takes a little practice the first few times. Once you know the routine (over the head, front legs, then back legs), it becomes quick. Our step-by-step guide shows how: how to put on a Dachshund bodysuit.
Why we started with the bodysuit
Our first Dachshund Bodysuit was made in 1998 for Lucy, a mini Dachshund in New York City, cut to her length, girth and leg length. The bodysuit has been the heart of the line since 1999, sewn in New York City’s garment district and checked by hand before it ships.
Next: which bodysuit for which weather.
Ready to find your Doxie’s fit?
Browse all Dachshund clothes, check the Dachshund sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bodysuit or a coat better for a Dachshund?
A bodysuit. It covers the chest, belly and legs as well as the back, stays in place on a long body, and stretches on with no velcro, zippers or clasps.
Can my Dachshund wear a harness with a bodysuit?
Yes. Houndz in the Hood bodysuits have a discreet leash opening on the back for a harness or leash.
Can my dog go to the bathroom in a bodysuit?
Yes. The bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions.
Is a sweater enough for my Dachshund?
A sweater covers the chest and front legs and is a nice extra indoors, but a bodysuit is the better choice for going out because it also covers the belly and back legs. On mild days, choose the Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit.