The Dachshund Clothes Guide › Do Dachshunds Need Coats?
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: yes, in cold weather most Dachshunds need more than their own coat, and the better choice is a four-leg bodysuit, not a coat. A Dachshund is long and low, with a broad chest and short legs, so the chest, belly and legs are the parts closest to cold pavement, slush and snow. A bodysuit covers all of them; a coat covers the back.
Where Houndz Dachshund clothes began
Our first Dachshund Bodysuit was made in 1998 for Lucy, a mini Dachshund in New York City. It was cut to her length, her girth and her leg length, because the clothes made for “small dogs” didn’t follow her shape. Since 1999 every Houndz in the Hood pattern has been sized and shaped to the breed, the way a dressmaker fits a client.
Why a long, low dog needs full coverage
- The underside is close to the ground. On a short-legged dog, the chest and belly are near wet sidewalks and snow on every walk.
- A long back. A coat sized for an average small dog often stops short of the tail or slides to one side.
- A broad chest and a low tuck. Dachshund chests can be 3 to 4 inches larger than their length, so generic sizes pinch the chest or hang loose along the back.
Watch your own dog
Every Dachshund is different. If your dog slows down, hangs back at the door or shivers on a cold walk, it needs more cover, and the answer is more coverage of the body, not a thicker layer on the back alone.
Why a bodysuit is the better choice
A Houndz in the Hood Bodysuit covers the full body, including the chest and legs. It stretches to go on, with no velcro, zippers or clasps; it has a discreet leash or harness opening on the back; it is cut to allow all bodily functions; and it is machine washable. It is designed for walking, running in the snow and going to the bathroom.
Which bodysuit for your weather
- Fall, spring and mild winters: Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits ($52), a medium-weight fleece that resists wind and rain and can be worn inside too.
- Cold, windy winters below 45°F: Heavy Fleece Bodysuits (from $56).
- Freezing days: Extra Heavy Fleece Bodysuits ($67), a very thick velour fleece.
- Wind and snow, down to 15°F: Windblock Fleece Bodysuits ($68), wind-blocking and water-repellent.
- Below 25°F: Extra Heavy Windblock Fleece Bodysuits ($74).
All the winter fleeces are for outside wear only. Take them off when you come in, and switch to Jammies or an Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit for the house.
For the full temperature guide, see how cold is too cold for a Dachshund. To see how a bodysuit and a coat compare point by point, read bodysuit vs coat for a Dachshund.
Five sizes, miniature to standard
The Dachshund line comes in 5 sizes, XS to XL, from the smallest Miniature to the longest Standard. You only need two measurements, length and girth, to choose. Our measuring guide walks you through it.
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
Do Dachshunds need coats in winter?
Most do in cold weather. A Dachshund is long and low with short legs, so its chest, belly and legs are close to cold ground. A four-leg bodysuit that covers all of them is the better choice than a back-only coat.
Is a bodysuit better than a coat for a Dachshund?
Yes. A bodysuit covers the chest, belly and legs as well as the back, stays in place on a long body, and has no velcro, zippers or clasps. Houndz bodysuits also have a discreet leash opening on the back.
Can my Dachshund wear a winter bodysuit indoors?
No. Heavy, Extra Heavy and Windblock fleece bodysuits are for outside wear only. Indoors, choose the Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit or Jammies.