The Toy & Teacup Dog Clothes Guide › Why Teacup and Toy Dogs 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: Teacup and Toy dogs need the smallest size available, and most have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches bigger than their back length. Clothes sized by back length alone either won’t close over the chest or hang loose everywhere else. Clothes cut to the shape of the tiniest breeds fit far better.
The tiny-dog shape
- Very small. Our size 8 (Teacup) is for dogs of 3 to 5 pounds, with a length of 7 to 8 inches.
- Chest bigger than length. Most Toy and Teacup dogs have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length.
- Different breeds, similar shape. Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Mi-Kis, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodles and Fox Terriers can all fit the same line.
What goes wrong with generic sizes
Generic XS and S clothes are usually sized by back length. On a tiny dog, a size that fits the length often won’t close over the chest, and a size that fits the chest is too long and loose. Back-only coats also leave the chest and legs uncovered, and on a dog this small a loose garment slides around.
How fitted clothes are made
Since 1999, every Houndz in the Hood pattern has been sized and shaped to the breed, the way a dressmaker fits a client. Patterns start from AKC breed measurements and are refined on real dogs. The Toy & Teacup line comes in two sizes, 8 (Teacup) and 10 (Toy), and each garment is sewn in New York City’s garment district and checked by hand before it ships.
Why we recommend a bodysuit
A four-leg bodysuit stays in place because the legs hold it on. Ours stretch for easy on and off, have no velcro, zippers or clasps to rub a tiny body, and have a discreet leash opening on the back. For any season there is a bodysuit: Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits for mild days, fleece and Windblock for winter, Jammies for sleep and Rompers for heat, sun and travel.
Next step: learn how to measure your Teacup or Toy dog.
What to tell us for a fitted size
Our size chart asks for five things, and the more of them you send, the better we can help:
- Length, from about 1/2 inch in front of the shoulders to the base of the tail
- Girth, around the deepest part of the chest
- Weight in pounds
- Age, if your dog is under 13 months
- Breed or mix
Write them in the comments section of your order, or email admin@houndzinthehood.com before you buy.
Ready to find your tiny dog’s fit?
Browse all Toy & Teacup clothes, check the Toy & Teacup sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't regular XS dog clothes fit my Teacup?
Most dog clothes are sized by back length only. Most Toy and Teacup dogs have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length, so generic sizes either won't close over the chest or hang loose.
What breeds fit the Toy & Teacup line?
Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Mi-Kis, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Fox Terriers and many others. Compare your dog's length, girth and weight with the size chart.