The Toy & Teacup Dog Clothes Guide › How to Measure a Teacup or Toy 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, about 1/2 inch in front of the shoulders, to the base of the tail) and girth (around the deepest part of the chest, just behind the front legs). Weigh your dog in pounds, then match all three to the size chart.
What you need
A soft tape measure (always use a soft tape for length and girth), a scale, your dog standing square, and a helper if your dog wriggles.
Step by step
- Length: start at the base of the neck, about 1/2 inch in front of the shoulders, and measure along the back to the base of the tail.
- Girth: circle the deepest, largest part of the chest, behind the front legs. Snug, not tight.
- Weight: in pounds.
- Age and breed: note whether your dog is under 13 months, and the breed or mix.
Toy & Teacup size chart
| Size | Length | Girth (chest) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (Teacup) | 7-8" | 8-10" | 3-5 lbs |
| 10 (Toy) | 9-10" | 11-13" | 6-8 lbs |
Most Toy and Teacup dogs have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length.
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’ll help you choose.
- For the best sizing, add the length, girth, weight, age (if under 13 months) and breed or mix in the order comments.
- Prefer to ask first? Email admin@houndzinthehood.com or contact us with the measurements.
Some winter styles come only in size 10. See Teacup vs Toy sizing for which styles come in size 8.
If a size isn’t right, we re-ship size exchanges of up to 2 garments free within the US. See Returns & Exchanges.
Two examples
- A dog 9.5 inches long with a 12 inch chest, weighing 7 pounds, matches size 10 (Toy) on every measurement.
- A dog 8 inches long with a 10.5 inch chest, weighing 5 pounds, sits between sizes 8 and 10. Write the chest size in your order comments and we’ll help you choose.
Why the chest matters
Most Toy and Teacup dogs have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length, and a bodysuit has to close comfortably around the chest to fit. That is why we ask for the chest size whenever a dog is between sizes, or very large or small chested.
Measuring a young dog
If your dog is under 13 months, tell us the age in your order comments along with the measurements, so we can take it into account when we help with the size.
Ready to find your tiny dog’s fit?
Browse all Toy & Teacup clothes, check the Toy & Teacup sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my Teacup dog for clothes?
With a soft tape, measure length from about 1/2 inch in front of the shoulders to the base of the tail, and girth around the deepest part of the chest. Weigh your dog in pounds and compare with the size chart.
What sizes does the Toy & Teacup line come in?
Size 8 (Teacup): length 7-8", girth 8-10", 3-5 lbs. Size 10 (Toy): length 9-10", girth 11-13", 6-8 lbs.
What if my dog is between sizes?
Write the chest size in the comments section of your order, or email admin@houndzinthehood.com with the length, girth, weight, age and breed, and we will help you choose.