The Dachshund Clothes Guide › Why Dachshunds Are So Hard to Fit
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: a Dachshund’s chest can be 3 to 4 inches larger than its back length, its body is long and rounded with a low tuck, and its legs are short, so clothes sized for an “average” small dog either pinch the chest, stop short of the tail or bunch at the legs. A bodysuit cut to the breed’s shape fits far better.
The Dachshund shape
- Long and low. The back is long for the dog’s height, and the body sits close to the ground.
- A broad, rounded chest. Our sizing guide notes that Dachshund chests can be 3 to 4 inches larger than their lengths.
- A low tuck. Unlike a sighthound, a Dachshund’s underside runs fairly straight from chest to hind legs.
- Short legs. Leggings cut for longer-legged dogs bunch up or drag.
- A wide range of sizes. From the smallest Miniature to the longest Standard, Dachshunds share a shape but not a size.
What goes wrong with generic sizes
Most dog clothes are sized by back length. On a Dachshund, a size that matches the back length often won’t close over the chest, and a size big enough for the chest is far too long and loose. Back-only coats add a second problem: they slide sideways on a long, rounded body and leave the chest, belly and legs uncovered.
How a breed-fitted bodysuit is made
Our first Dachshund Bodysuit was made in 1998 for Lucy, a mini Dachshund in New York City, cut to her length, girth and leg length. The suits were designed with a costume-designer friend, Deborah. Today every Dachshund pattern starts from AKC breed measurements and is refined on real dogs, then sewn in New York City’s garment district and checked by hand before it ships.
The result is a four-leg bodysuit shaped for dogs with rounded bodies, low tucks and short legs. It covers the full body, including the chest and legs, stretches to go on with no velcro, zippers or clasps, and has a discreet leash opening on the back. Because the suit is held on by all four legs and follows the body, it stays in place on a long back in a way a coat can’t.
Five sizes from Miniature to Standard
| Size | Length | Girth (chest) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 11-13" | 14-15" | Small Miniature |
| S | 13-14" | 16-17.5" | Average Miniature |
| M | 15-16" | 18-19" | Long Miniature |
| L | 17-18" | 20-22" | Standard |
| XL | 19-20" | 22-24" | Long Standard |
Full-grown Miniatures and in-betweenies wear XS through M; Standards wear L and XL. Miniature puppies have their own sizes in the sizing guide (see sizing a Dachshund puppy).
Not a Dachshund?
The Dachshund line also fits other breeds and mixes that have a rounded body with no tuck and a broad chest. Compare your dog’s length and girth with the chart, and if your dog is a mix, tell us what it is when you order.
Next step: learn how to measure your Dachshund.
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
Why don't normal dog clothes fit my Dachshund?
Most dog clothes are sized by back length only. Dachshund chests can be 3 to 4 inches larger than their length, and the body is long and low with short legs, so generic sizes pinch the chest or hang loose along the back.
What other dogs fit Dachshund clothes?
The Houndz Dachshund line also fits other breeds and mixes with a rounded body, no tuck and a broad chest. Compare your dog's length and girth with the size chart, or send us the measurements.
What sizes do Dachshund clothes come in?
Five sizes, XS to XL. Full-grown Miniatures and in-betweenies wear XS through M, and Standards wear L and XL.