Pug, French Bulldog and Boston Terrier Clothes Guide › Why Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers Are 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: Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs have a chest that is much bigger than their back length, so clothes sized for an “average” small dog either won’t close over the chest or end up far too long. Clothes cut to the shape of these breeds fit far better.
The shape, in numbers
Our Pug, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog size chart shows how different these dogs are from many small breeds:
| Size | Length | Girth (chest) |
|---|---|---|
| PS | 13-15" | 19-21" |
| PM/PL | 14-16" | 22-24" |
| PL/PXL | 16-17" | 24-27" |
In every size, the chest girth is several inches larger than the back length. A PS dog may be 13 to 15 inches long with a 19 to 21 inch chest; a PL/PXL dog may be 16 to 17 inches long with a 24 to 27 inch chest. On our Toy, Miniature, Italian Greyhound and Whippet charts, most dogs have a chest only 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length.
What goes wrong with generic sizes
- Sized by length alone. Most dog clothes are sold by back length. A size long enough for your dog’s back often won’t close over the chest.
- Sizing up for the chest. Go up a size to fit the chest and the garment is too long and loose everywhere else, so it slides and twists.
- Back-only coverage. Many coats cover the back and leave the chest, belly and legs bare.
- Closures. Velcro, buckles and zippers have to stretch across a wide chest, where they can pull open or rub.
How breed-fitted clothes are made
Every Houndz in the Hood pattern starts from AKC breed measurements and is refined on real dogs, the way a dressmaker fits a client. Our Pug, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog line is sized just for these breeds, in 3 sizes (PS, PM/PL and PL/PXL), and our bodysuits cover the whole body, including the legs.
Because the fit comes from the cut, our bodysuits don’t need closures at all. They stretch to go on, with no velcro, zippers or clasps, and the Heavy Fleece Bodysuit stretches sideways for dogs of different weights. A discreet opening on the back takes the leash or harness.
Why a bodysuit fits better than a coat
On a dog with a wide chest and a shorter back, a coat has little to hold it in place. A four-leg bodysuit is held on by all four legs, so it stays where it belongs through walking, running and play. That is why the bodysuit is the better choice for these breeds. Compare them in bodysuit vs coat.
Mixes and in-between dogs
If your dog is a mix, between sizes, or very large or small chested, write the chest size in the comments section of your order, or send us the measurements first and we’ll help you choose. Tell us the breed, too. Next step: how to measure your dog.
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
Why don't normal dog clothes fit my French Bulldog?
Most dog clothes are sized by back length only. French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers have a chest several inches larger than their length, so a generic size either won't close over the chest or is too long and loose.
Do Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs wear the same size clothes?
They share one Houndz in the Hood clothing line in 3 sizes: PS, PM/PL and PL/PXL. Each dog is sized by its own length and chest measurements, not by breed name.
What if my dog is a mix?
Send us the length, chest girth and breeds, or write the chest size in your order comments, and we will help you choose the right size.