Dachshund clothes: how to choose the size
In short: a dachshund is long in the back and low to the ground, so a size chosen by chest girth alone often comes up short. By the chest, a rabbit (kaninchen) dachshund usually fits S, a miniature dachshund M or L (chest 35–46 cm / 13.8–18.1 in) and a standard dachshund XL, as long as its chest girth is no more than 51 cm (20.1 in). If your dog’s back is longer than that size allows, choose “Custom size”: it costs 15% more and is ready 3–6 business days after payment. In wet weather, pick a jumpsuit that covers the belly.
Dachshund clothes size chart by variety
| Dachshund variety | Usual size by chest girth | Back length that size is cut for | Choose “Custom size” if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (kaninchen) | S | 26–30 cm (10.2–11.8 in) | the back is longer than 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Miniature | M or L | M: 31–35 cm (12.2–13.8 in) L: 36–40 cm (14.2–15.7 in) | the back is longer than the size chosen by the chest allows |
| Standard | XL, if the chest is up to 51 cm (20.1 in) | 41–45 cm (16.1–17.7 in) | the back is longer than 45 cm (17.7 in) or the chest is over 51 cm (20.1 in) |
The variety is only a starting point: dachshunds of the same variety can differ by several centimetres, so always measure your own dog. Our largest ready-made size, XL, fits a chest of up to 51 cm (20.1 in) and a back of up to 45 cm (17.7 in); a dachshund that is longer or wider than that needs a custom size.
Why ready-made sizes come up short on a dachshund
Clothing patterns assume that a dog gets longer in the back as it gets wider in the chest. A dachshund breaks that rule: its body is long, its legs are short and its deep chest sits close to the ground. Chosen by the chest, a garment often stops short of the tail and leaves the loins open to wind and rain. Sized up for length, it turns baggy at the chest and neck and twists on the walk.
Our size chart for dachshunds
| Size | Chest girth | Back length | Neck girth | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 31–36 cm (12.2–14.2 in) | 26–30 cm (10.2–11.8 in) | up to 26 cm (10.2 in) | rabbit dachshund |
| M | 35–41 cm (13.8–16.1 in) | 31–35 cm (12.2–13.8 in) | up to 30 cm (11.8 in) | slimmer miniature dachshund |
| L | 40–46 cm (15.7–18.1 in) | 36–40 cm (14.2–15.7 in) | up to 34 cm (13.4 in) | sturdier miniature dachshund |
| XL | 45–51 cm (17.7–20.1 in) | 41–45 cm (16.1–17.7 in) | up to 38 cm (15 in) | standard dachshund with a chest up to 51 cm |
The smallest size, XS (chest 27–32 cm / 10.6–12.6 in, back 21–25 cm / 8.3–9.8 in), is for a very small rabbit dachshund or a puppy whose measurements fall in that range. The complete chart is on our size guide page.
How to measure a dachshund
Use a soft tape while your dog stands on all four paws on a level floor: a dachshund that sits or stretches gives a different back length.
1. Back length — along the spine, from the base of the neck, where the collar sits, to the base of the tail. For this breed, it is the number that decides between a ready-made and a custom size.
2. Chest girth — around the deepest part of the chest just behind the front legs. A dachshund’s breastbone sits low, so pass the tape under it.
3. Neck girth — around the neck at collar level.
Keep the tape snug without compressing the coat.
Example: a 38 cm (15 in) chest points to M, which is cut for a back of 31–35 cm (12.2–13.8 in). If your dachshund’s back measures 39 cm (15.4 in), M will be about 4 cm (1.6 in) too short and L will be loose across the chest, so a custom size is the better choice.
What a dachshund should wear in each season
Smooth-haired dachshunds have a short, thin coat and feel the cold first. Wire-haired and long-haired dogs are better insulated, but the feathering on a long-haired dachshund’s belly soaks up rain and collects snowballs, so for them clothes are mostly about staying clean and dry.
| Weather | What works for a dachshund |
|---|---|
| Cool and dry, about +12…0 °C (54–32 °F) | a fleece vest or a brushed hoodie — smooth-haired dachshunds need it first |
| Wind and light rain | the fleece anorak, which has a water-repellent finish |
| Puddles, mud, slush, wet snow | a jumpsuit that keeps the belly and legs covered, such as the water-repellent “Heaven” with a hidden harness opening and a removable hood |
| Dry frost, about 0…−10 °C (32–14 °F) | a fleece jumpsuit: fleece does not soak through, and the zip along the back makes dressing easy |
| Below −10 °C (14 °F) or a biting wind | the warmest layer: the padded “Gossip-puffer” jumpsuit, or a brushed hoodie under a fleece jumpsuit, and shorter walks |
| Changeable days, cool in the morning and milder later | the two-piece ribbed “Four-Paws Bodysuit”: the jumpsuit on its own, or with the snap-on bomber on top |
With a long back, easy dressing matters too: the fleece jumpsuit has a zip along the back, the “Four-Paws Bodysuit” closes with snaps, and the “Hugme” hoodie has a lining inside the sleeves so the claws do not catch. For frost and snow, see our winter dog clothes guide. Browse all dog jumpsuits, dog hoodies, dog vests and dog anoraks.
Six models that suit a dachshund
Three of the six are jumpsuits, because a dachshund needs its belly covered more than anything. The hoodie and the vest are for dry, cool days, and the anorak is for wind and drizzle. Prices are for sizes XS–XL; a custom size costs 15% more, for example $60 instead of $52 for the fleece jumpsuit.
Ordering from our Kyiv workshop
Every piece is sewn in the Feel with Fill workshop in Kyiv, where we have made dog clothes since 2023. Pick “Custom size” when ordering, and our manager will get in touch in English to confirm the measurements; we need 3–6 business days from payment to make the piece. International shipping is agreed with the manager and usually takes 1–2 weeks. Standard sizes can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of receipt; made-to-measure pieces cannot. Details: shipping and payment, exchange and returns.
Frequently asked questions
Which size fits a miniature dachshund?
Usually M or L by the chest (35–46 cm / 13.8–18.1 in). Then check the back: M is cut for 31–35 cm (12.2–13.8 in) and L for 36–40 cm (14.2–15.7 in). If your dog’s back is longer, order a custom size.
Do you make clothes for a standard dachshund?
Yes. With a chest up to 51 cm (20.1 in) it fits XL, but XL is cut for a back of 41–45 cm (16.1–17.7 in). If your dog’s back is longer, or the chest is wider, choose “Custom size”.
Does a dachshund need clothes?
A smooth-haired one does, in cold, wet and windy weather. Wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds cope better with the cold, but their low belly still gets wet and dirty first.
Jumpsuit or coat for a dachshund in winter?
A jumpsuit. A coat leaves the belly open, and on a dachshund the belly is closest to snow and de-icing salt. Take the water-repellent “Heaven” for slush and the fleece jumpsuit for dry frost.
How much does a custom size cost?
It adds 15% to the price of the model, for example $60 instead of $52 for the fleece jumpsuit. We sew it within 3–6 business days of payment.
Can I return a made-to-measure piece?
No, it is cut for one particular dog, so our manager double-checks the measurements with you before sewing. Standard sizes can be returned or exchanged within 14 days.
Related guides: dog clothes size by breed · corgi clothes (another long, low body) · Jack Russell clothes · beagle clothes · French bulldog clothes · poodle clothes · maltipoo clothes
