The Dog Bodysuit Guide › Which Houndz in the Hood Breed Line Fits My Dog?
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: pick the line that matches your dog’s shape, then confirm it with length and girth measurements. The breed name is a starting point, not the rule. For a mix or an in-between dog, send us the measurements and we’ll tell you which line and size to order.
The six lines
Every Houndz in the Hood clothing line is sized and shaped to a breed, so the right size depends on your dog’s measurements, not just its weight. Since 1999 each pattern has been fitted the way a dressmaker fits a client.
| Breed line | Shaped for | Sizes | Sizing guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Greyhound | Deep chest, high tuck, long, thin legs. Most adults have a chest 2-2.5" larger than their length. | 14, 16, 18 (7-23 lbs) | Italian Greyhound guide |
| Dachshund | Rounded body, low tuck, short legs, broad chest. Chests can be 3-4" larger than their length. | 5 sizes, Miniature to Standard | Dachshund guide |
| Whippet | Whippets and breeds with deep chests, long legs and higher tucks | 3 sizes | Whippet guide |
| Miniature | Miniature Pinschers, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles and similar breeds | See the guide | Miniature guide |
| Toy & Teacup | The tiniest breeds, including Teacup Yorkies and Chihuahuas | See the guide | Toy & Teacup guide |
| Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog | Broad-chested breeds that are hard to fit because of their shape | 3 sizes | Pug, Boston & Frenchie guide |
Matching by shape
- Deep chest, high tuck, long legs: look at the Italian Greyhound or Whippet line. The Whippet line is for Whippets and other deep-chested, long-legged breeds.
- Rounded body, little or no tuck, short legs: the Dachshund line. Its sizing guide says the shape also fits other breeds with a rounded body, no tuck and a broad chest.
- Broad chest, compact body: the Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog line, in 3 sizes.
- Small breeds: the Miniature line (Min Pins, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Miniature Poodles and similar), or Toy & Teacup for the tiniest dogs. Teacups need the smallest size, and our Toy & Teacup patterns are designed for their length and shape.
Mixes and in-betweens
Many dogs sit between two lines. A Chihuahua, for example, appears in both the Miniature and Toy & Teacup lines, and a Dachshund mix may have a Dachshund back with a deeper chest. In those cases the measurements decide.
- Measure length and girth (see how to measure).
- Compare both numbers with the sizing guide for each line you are considering.
- Check the chest-to-length difference. Most dogs in the Toy, Miniature, Italian Greyhound and Whippet sizing have a chest 2-2.5" larger than their length; Dachshund chests can be 3-4" larger.
- Still unsure? Write your dog’s chest size and age in the order comments, or contact us before you order with the breed (or mix), length, girth and height. You can also email admin@houndzinthehood.com.
We help owners choose the right line and size every day, and if a size isn’t right, exchanges of up to 2 garments are re-shipped free within the US. See Returns & Exchanges.
Puppies
Two of our sizing guides cover growing dogs. Miniature Dachshund puppies aged four to six months wear size Petite/XXS and those aged 6-9 months typically wear XS. An Italian Greyhound of 12-14 months may be at full length with a chest that is not yet full size. Always note your dog’s age in your order.
Once you know the line, choose the fabric: dog bodysuit fabrics compared.
Ready to find your dog’s bodysuit?
Browse the breed lines (Italian Greyhound, Dachshund, Whippet, Miniature, Toy & Teacup, Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog), compare the size guides, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
My dog is a mix. Which Houndz line should I order?
Choose by shape and measurements rather than breed name. Measure length and girth, compare them with the sizing guides for the lines your dog resembles, or contact us with the breed mix, length, girth and height and we will recommend a line and size.
Will Dachshund clothes fit other breeds?
Often. The Dachshund sizing guide says the shape also fits breeds with a rounded body, no tuck and a broad chest.
What if my dog is between two sizes?
Write the chest size in the comments section of your order, or contact us first, and we will help you choose the right size.