The Dog Bodysuit Guide › How to Measure Any Dog for a Bodysuit
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 your dog standing, measure length from the base of the neck (just in front of the withers, where the collar sits) to the base of the tail, and girth around the largest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Note the weight too, and the age for a growing puppy. Then compare with your breed line’s sizing guide.
What you need
A soft tape measure, your dog standing square, and a helper if your dog wriggles.
Step by step
- Length. Find the withers, the top of the shoulders. Start the tape just in front of them, at the base of the neck where a collar sits, and run it 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.
- Weight and age. Write both down. They help confirm the size, especially for young dogs.
Line-by-line details
The method is the same for every line, with a few differences in each sizing guide:
- Italian Greyhound: start the length about 1.5" in front of the withers. Sizes 14, 16 and 18. Italian Greyhound sizing guide
- Dachshund: start the length about 1" in front of the withers. 5 sizes, Miniature to Standard. Dachshund sizing guide
- Whippet: the Whippet guide measures length from the base of the neck to the end of the back legs, so follow its instructions. 3 sizes. Whippet sizing guide
- Miniature: Miniature sizing guide
- Toy & Teacup: Toy & Teacup sizing guide
- Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog: 3 sizes. Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog sizing guide
Example: the Italian Greyhound chart
| Size | Length | Girth (chest) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 13-14" | 15-16.5" | 7-11 lbs |
| 16 | 15-16" | 17-19" | 11-16 lbs |
| 18 | 17-18" | 19.5-21" | 16-23 lbs |
Check the chest against the length
Most dogs in the Toy, Miniature, Italian Greyhound and Whippet sizing have a chest 2-2.5" larger than their length. Dachshund chests can be 3-4" larger. If your dog’s numbers are very different, it may be very large or small chested for its line, and we can help.
Between sizes, mixes and puppies
- 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’ll help you figure out the right size.
- For a mix, contact us before you order with the breed (or mix), length, girth and height. See which breed line fits my dog.
- Puppies: Miniature Dachshunds aged four to six months wear Petite/XXS, and 6-9 months typically XS. An Italian Greyhound of 12-14 months may be at full length but not full chest size. Note the age in your order.
If a size isn’t right, unworn garments with tags can be returned or exchanged within 14 days, and exchanges of up to 2 garments are re-shipped free within the US.
Ready to find your dog’s bodysuit?
Browse the breed lines (Italian Greyhound, Dachshund, Whippet, Miniature, Toy & Teacup, Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog), compare the size guides, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my dog for a bodysuit?
Measure length from the base of the neck, just in front of the withers, to the base of the tail, and girth around the largest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Compare both with your breed line's sizing guide.
Should I go by weight or measurements?
Measurements. Every Houndz in the Hood line is sized and shaped to a breed, so the right size depends on length and girth, not just weight.
What if my dog is between sizes?
Write the chest size in your order comments, or contact us with the length, girth and height before you order, and we will recommend a size.