The Dachshund Clothes Guide › How to Put On (and Take Off) a Dachshund 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: gather the suit and pull it over your Dachshund’s head like a turtleneck, tuck the front legs into the leggings, slide the suit back along the body, then put in each back leg. To take it off, reverse it: back legs first, then the front legs and head.
Before you start
- Check the size. A suit that is too small is hard to get on; see how to measure.
- Put the harness on first if your dog wears one.
- Have a treat ready, and practice a few times at home before the first cold walk, so the suit becomes part of going out.
Putting it on
- Over the head. Gather the suit from the back toward the neck opening and pull it over your dog’s head, like putting on a turtleneck.
- Front legs. Tuck each front leg into its legging. On short Dachshund legs this is easiest with the leg gently bent.
- Slide it back. Pull the suit back along your dog’s long body toward the back legs, smoothing it as you go.
- Back legs. Lift one back foot at a time and insert each back leg into its legging.
- Check the fit. The suit should lie smooth along the back and around the chest, and the leash opening on the back should sit over the harness ring.
Taking it off
- Sit your dog on your lap with its back against your chest.
- Keep the back legs bent while you slide the back leggings off.
- Once the back legs are out, pull the suit forward off the front legs and over the head, like pulling off a turtleneck.
Why there are no zippers or velcro
Our Dachshund bodysuits stretch to go on, so there are no velcro, zippers or clasps to rub, catch fur or come undone on a walk. The Heavy Fleece Bodysuit also stretches sideways for dogs of different weights. That stretch is what lets a form-fitting suit go over the head and still follow a Dachshund’s long, low shape.
Harness and leash
Put the harness on first, then the suit, and bring the harness ring through the discreet leash opening on the back. Clip the leash to the ring as usual.
Bathroom breaks
Our bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions, so there’s no need to take the suit off for a walk or a bathroom break. The Heavy Fleece Bodysuit is designed for walking, running in the snow and going to the bathroom.
Care
- Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits: machine washable and dryable.
- Heavy Fleece Bodysuits: fully machine washable.
- Extra Heavy Fleece Bodysuits: machine wash cool, dry on low heat; it air dries in minutes.
- Windblock Fleece Bodysuits and Extra Heavy Windblock Fleece Bodysuits: machine wash in cold water and air dry only; they dry in minutes.
- Jammies: machine washable and dryable. Rompers: machine wash cool, dry on low heat.
The care line on each product page always has the final word.
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 you put a bodysuit on a Dachshund?
Gather the suit and pull it over the head like a turtleneck, tuck the front legs into the leggings, slide the suit back along the body, then insert each back leg.
How do I take a bodysuit off my Dachshund?
With your dog on your lap, back against your chest, keep the back legs bent and slide off the back leggings first, then pull the suit off the front legs and over the head.
Does my Dachshund need to take the bodysuit off to go to the bathroom?
No. Houndz bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions.