The Dachshund Clothes Guide › How to Measure a Dachshund for Clothes
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: with a soft tape, measure your Dachshund’s length from the base of the neck (about 1 inch in front of the withers) to the base of the tail, and its girth around the deepest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Then match both numbers to the size chart below.
What you need
A soft tape measure (always a soft tape, not a metal one), your dog standing square on all four feet, and a helper with treats if your Doxie likes to wriggle.
Step by step
- Length: find the withers, the top of the shoulders. Start about 1 inch in front of them, at the base of the neck, and run the tape along the back to the base of the tail.
- Girth: wrap the tape around the largest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Keep it snug but not tight.
- Age: note it if your dog is under 13 months.
- Mix: if your dog is a mix, note what it is.
For the best sizing, put all of this in the comments section of your order.
Dachshund size chart
| Size | Length | Girth (chest) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 11-13" | 14-15" | Small Miniature |
| S | 13-14" | 16-17.5" | Average Miniature |
| M | 15-16" | 18-19" | Long Miniature |
| L | 17-18" | 20-22" | Standard |
| XL | 19-20" | 22-24" | Long Standard |
Full-grown Miniatures and in-betweenies wear XS through M. Standards wear L and XL.
Why the chest matters so much
Dachshund chests can be 3 to 4 inches larger than their lengths. That is why you need both numbers: a dog with a long back and a very deep chest, or a short back and a slim chest, may sit across two sizes on the chart.
Between sizes?
- If your dog is between sizes, or very large or small chested, write the chest size in the comments section of your order and we will help you figure out the right size.
- You can also check before you buy: email admin@houndzinthehood.com or use our contact page with the length, girth, age and breed.
- For a mix, tell us the breeds. The shape matters more than the name: the line fits dogs with a rounded body, no tuck and a broad chest.
Puppies
Miniature puppies have their own sizes in the sizing guide, by age. See sizing clothes for a Dachshund puppy.
One size across the line
Every Dachshund style, from Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits and winter bodysuits to Jammies and Rompers, uses the same five sizes, so one set of measurements sizes the whole wardrobe. A bodysuit fits best when it follows the body closely: the Heavy Fleece Bodysuit is a form-fitting suit that stretches sideways for dogs of different weights.
If the size isn’t right
We re-ship size exchanges of up to 2 garments free within the US. Returns are accepted within 14 days by mail; you pay the return shipping. See Returns & Exchanges.
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
How do I measure my Dachshund for clothes?
With a soft tape, measure length from the base of the neck, about 1 inch in front of the withers, to the base of the tail, and girth around the deepest part of the chest behind the front legs. Match both to the Dachshund size chart.
What size clothes does a Dachshund wear?
Houndz Dachshund clothes come in XS (length 11-13", girth 14-15"), S (13-14", 16-17.5"), M (15-16", 18-19"), L (17-18", 20-22") and XL (19-20", 22-24"). Miniatures usually wear XS to M and Standards L or XL.
What if my Dachshund is between sizes?
Write the chest size in the comments section of your order, or email admin@houndzinthehood.com with the length, girth and age first, and we will help you choose.