It can be more difficult to find the right clothing for a dachshund than for many other dog breeds. Their long back, relatively broad chest, and slimmer body mean that standard dog clothing does not always have the optimal fit.
Therefore, there are some specific things that are good to be aware of when choosing clothing for dachshunds. In this guide, we go through the most important ones, so you can more easily find a fit that suits your particular dog.
A dachshund's proportions can make it difficult to find dog clothing that fits optimally all the way around.
A regular dog sweater, for instance, might have the right width around the chest and neck but still be too short along the back. If you choose a larger size instead to get more length, the sweater may become too roomy around the belly and the rest of the body.
The same applies to a dog jacket. A larger size does not necessarily mean a better fit when the challenge is due to the dog's proportions.
This is also the reason why the Dachshund versions of our Kyoto fleece dog sweater and Zermatt dog jacket have a longer back and a wider chest than the Standard versions, without making the entire model larger.
It is a good idea to measure your dachshund before choosing a size, as two dogs of the same weight can easily have different proportions.
The most important measurements are typically:
Measurement A - Back length
Measure along the back from the area around the neck down towards the base of the tail.
Measurement B - Neck
Measure around the neck at the point where the clothing should naturally sit.
Measurement C - Chest
Measure around the widest part of the ribcage.
Once you have the measurements, you can compare them with the size guide on the individual product. For us, the size guide is based on the garment's own measurements, so there should be a little extra room compared to the dog's measurements so that the fit is not too tight.
The most important thing is therefore not just to look at weight, but to assess back length, neck and chest together.
It depends first and foremost on the weather and the individual dog. A dog sweater and a dog jacket do not necessarily have the same function, and the need can change throughout the autumn and winter.
A warm dog sweater can be a good choice on chilly days when the dog needs an extra layer, but a full winter jacket is not necessary.
Fleece, for example, is a light and soft material that can provide extra warmth without feeling heavy on the body.
When the temperature drops, or the weather becomes windier and wetter, a warm dog jacket can be quite relevant.
It is a good idea to consider coverage, material, and fit. A water-repellent dog jacket can be practical for Scandinavian autumn and winter weather, while a warm inner layer can provide extra comfort on colder days.
The Dachshund typically has a long back and a relatively broad chest compared to its more slender body shape. Therefore, a good fit is about adjusting several parts of the garment at the same time.
On our Dachshund versions of Kyoto and Zermatt, we have lengthened the back so that the garment covers further down the Dachshund's body. At the same time, the chest area has been made wider, while the rest of the fit continues to take the more slender body into account.
The model has therefore not simply been made larger all over, but changed in its proportions to better suit the Dachshund's physique.
You can see all the models we have developed specifically for the breed in our Dachshund collection.
Not necessarily. How much a dog feels the cold depends on factors such as coat, size, age, activity level, weather conditions, and the individual dog's tolerance to cold.
The most important thing is therefore to keep an eye on your specific dog and choose clothing according to its needs. On a mild, cool day, a fleece sweater may be sufficient, while a warm and water-repellent dog jacket may be more appropriate in cold, wet, or windy weather.
If your dog seems uncomfortable in the cold, shivers, or changes its behavior during walks, it may be a sign that it needs more warmth. You can also read Dyrenes Beskyttelse's advice on dogs in the cold for more information on what to look out for.
