The Miniature Dog Clothes Guide › How to Measure a Miniature Dog 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 dog’s length (base of the neck, in front of the withers, to the base of the tail) and girth (the largest chest circumference, just behind the front legs). Then compare with the Miniature size chart below. If your dog is between sizes or a mix, send us the measurements and we’ll help.
What you need
A soft tape measure, your dog standing square, and a second person if your Miniature wriggles. Always use a soft tape for length and girth.
Step by step
- Length: start at the base of the neck, about 1 inch in front of the shoulders, and measure along the back to the base of the tail.
- Girth: wrap the tape around the deepest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Keep it snug but not tight.
- Weight: weigh your dog in pounds.
- Age: let us know if your dog is under 13 months.
- Breed: tell us the breed or mix.
For the best sizing, put all of this in the comments section of your order.
Miniature size chart
| Size | Length | Girth (chest) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 11-12" | 13-17" | 6-11 lbs |
Most Miniature breeds have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length. Size 12 is the one size in the Miniature line, and every Miniature style uses it: bodysuits, Jammies, Rompers and the extras.
Between sizes, or not quite on the chart?
- If your dog is in 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.
- For a mix, the shape matters more than the breed name. Send the length, girth, weight and breed mix to our contact page or email admin@houndzinthehood.com.
- If your dog is smaller or larger than the Miniature chart, ask us which of our other breed lines might fit.
Why measuring matters more with a bodysuit
A bodysuit covers the chest, belly and all four legs, so a good fit is what keeps it smooth and warm. That full coverage is exactly why a bodysuit is the better choice over a coat or sweater, and why we ask for both length and girth rather than one number.
Measuring tips
- Measure twice to be sure of both numbers.
- If your dog has long or fluffy hair, keep the tape against the body rather than over the top of the hair.
- Measure with your dog standing, not sitting or lying down.
If the size isn’t right
Returns are accepted within 14 days by mail, and the customer pays return shipping. For a size exchange, we re-ship up to 2 garments free within the US. See Returns & Exchanges.
Ready to find your Miniature’s fit?
Browse all Miniature dog clothes, check the Miniature sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my Chihuahua or Yorkie for clothes?
With a soft tape, measure length from the base of the neck (about 1 inch in front of the shoulders) to the base of the tail, and girth around the deepest part of the chest behind the front legs. Compare both with the size chart.
What size are Houndz Miniature clothes?
The Miniature line comes in size 12: length 11-12", girth 13-17", weight 6-11 lbs.
What if my dog is between sizes?
Write the chest size in the comments section of your order, or send us the length, girth, weight and breed, and we will help you choose.