The Miniature Dog Clothes Guide › How to Put On (and Take Off) a Miniature Dog 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 bodysuit and pull it over your dog’s head like a turtleneck, tuck the front legs into the leggings, slide the suit back, then put in each back leg. To take it off, reverse it: back legs first, then the front legs and head.
Before you start
Every Miniature bodysuit stretches to go on and off. There are no zippers, velcro or clasps, so there is nothing to fasten. A small dog is easiest to dress on your lap or on a non-slip surface. Keep a treat handy for the first few tries.
Putting it on
- Over the head. Gather the bodysuit and pull it over your dog’s head, like putting on a turtleneck.
- Front legs. Tuck each front leg into its legging and pull the suit back toward the back legs.
- Back legs. Insert each back leg into its legging.
- Smooth it out. The suit should lie smooth along the back and chest, with the leash opening on the back where you need it.
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, slide the suit off the front legs and over the head.
Harness and leash
Every Miniature bodysuit has a discreet leash opening on the back. Put the harness on first, then the suit, and bring the leash ring through the opening. Hooded styles, like the Windblock Fleece Hooded Bodysuit and Heavy Fleece Hooded Bodysuits, have a second opening on the hood.
Hooded styles
The hood is sewn in, with no strings or attachments, and covers the head, ears and neck without interfering with your dog’s vision. Settle the hood last, once the legs are in. On the Extra Heavy Fleece Hooded Bodysuits, the hood rolls back into a turtleneck when you don’t need it.
Why we make bodysuits this way
A stretch bodysuit has nothing to come undone and nothing to rub, and because it covers the chest, belly and all four legs, it stays in place through walking, running in the snow and bathroom breaks. Bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions. That is a big part of why a bodysuit is the better choice over a coat or sweater. Most owners find the routine gets quick once they’ve done it a few times.
Care
- Indoor/Outdoor, Jammies and Rompers: machine washable; see each product page for water temperature and drying.
- Heavy Fleece and Heavy Fleece Hooded: machine washable and dryable.
- Windblock and Extra Heavy Windblock: wash in cold water and air dry. They dry in minutes.
Still not sure about the fit?
If the suit pulls at the chest or bunches along the back, check your measurements against the Miniature sizing guide or send them to us. Size exchanges of up to 2 garments are re-shipped free in the US.
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 you put a bodysuit on a small dog?
Gather the suit and pull it over the head like a turtleneck, tuck the front legs into the leggings, pull the suit back, then insert each back leg.
How do I take a bodysuit off my dog?
With your dog on your lap, back against your chest, keep the back legs bent and slide off the back leggings first, then slide the suit off the front legs and over the head.
Does a Houndz bodysuit work with a harness?
Yes. Put the harness on first, then the bodysuit, and bring the leash ring through the opening on the back.