Pug, French Bulldog and Boston Terrier Clothes Guide › How to Put On (and Take Off) a Pug, French Bulldog or Boston Terrier 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 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
Our bodysuits stretch to go on. There is no velcro, no zippers and no clasps, so there is nothing to fasten. If your dog wears a harness, put the harness on first.
Putting it on
- Over the head. Gather the suit 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, then pull the suit back along the body.
- Back legs. Insert each back leg into its legging.
- Smooth it out. The suit should lie smooth along the back and around the chest.
- Harness and leash. Bring the harness ring through the discreet opening on the back and clip on the leash.
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 off the front legs and over the head, like pulling off a turtleneck.
Tips for wide-chested dogs
- Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs have a chest that is several inches larger than their back length. Gather the suit well before you start so the chest section passes over the head and shoulders easily.
- Work one leg at a time and let the fabric stretch rather than pulling hard.
- If the suit is a struggle every time, check the size. Compare your dog’s length and chest with the size chart, or send us the measurements.
Getting your dog used to it
Keep the first few tries short and calm, and go straight out for a walk afterward so your dog connects the suit with something good.
Is it the right size?
A bodysuit that fits lies smooth along the back and around the chest, and the back opening sits over the harness ring. If the suit bunches or sags, it may be too big; if the leggings won’t pull up over the legs or the chest feels tight, it may be too small. Size exchanges of up to 2 garments are re-shipped free in the US, so it is worth getting right. See how to measure.
Wearing it out
Our bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions, so there is no need to take the suit off for bathroom breaks. The Heavy Fleece Bodysuits is designed for walking, running in the snow and going to the bathroom.
Care
- Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits: machine washable in cool water; tumble dry on low heat.
- Heavy Fleece Bodysuits: fully machine washable; dry light.
Check the care line on each product page before washing.
Ready to find your dog’s fit?
Browse all Pug, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog clothes, check the Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog?
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. Bring the harness ring through the opening on the back.
How do I take a bodysuit off my Pug?
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 dog have to take the bodysuit off to go to the bathroom?
No. Houndz in the Hood bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions.