THE LONG DOG GUIDE
The fit guide for
long-bodied dogs
WHY THIS MATTERS
Most pet clothing is sized for a generic dog. Your dachshund is anything but.

Dogs like dachshunds, corgis, and basset hounds are built completely differently from the average pup used to model pet clothing. Long in the body, shorter in the leg, and usually somewhere between two sizes on every chart you find.

The result? Sweaters that bunch at the neck. Sleeves cut for a retriever that your dachshund trips over on every single step. Gaps at the belly that defeat the whole purpose. A frustrated dog who refuses to move.

At Sunbean, we have been making clothes specifically for long-bodied dogs since the beginning. Here is what we actually look at when fitting each piece.

Side by side comparison: ill-fitting crop top look vs well-fitting long-bodied dog sweater
The difference a proper fit makes. Left: sized for a standard dog. Right: designed for a long body.
5 THINGS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER
5 things to look for before you buy
01
Torso length, not just weight

A sweater needs to reach from the base of the neck all the way to the start of the tail. Anything shorter rides up mid-back and bunches. Standard weight-based sizing never accounts for this, which is why a medium can fit a dog's chest perfectly and still looks like a crop top. Measure your dog's back length in inches before ordering anything.

Shop Sunbean sweaters →
02
Stretchy, breathable fabric

Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics with natural stretch let your dog move freely. For long-bodied dogs who love to crawl under furniture and sprint to the back door, fabric that stays in place through a full stretch matters as much as warmth.

03
Shorter sleeves, on purpose

Most dog clothes are designed for standard dog proportions, which means the sleeves are cut for longer legs. Put that on a dachshund and they are tripping over the fabric before they make it to the door. Sunbean designs shorter sleeves specifically for shorter legs. No bunching, no stepping on fabric, no interrupting the walk. Still completely stylish.

04
Breed-aware sizing charts

Generic S/M/L sizing rarely accounts for torso length. Look for brands that offer measurements in inches, or specifically call out long-bodied dog sizing. If a size chart only asks for weight, keep looking.

05
Comfort and style are not a trade-off

A well-fitted sweater is also a cute one. Long-bodied dogs deserve clothes that fit and actually reflect their personality. Look for designs that think about the full silhouette, not just the chest measurement. Your dachshund is not an afterthought.

QUICK CHECKLIST
Signs the fit is actually right
1
It has extra length through the body

A piece designed for long-bodied dogs will have added length through the torso so it stays in place and covers the back. Not every dog wants fabric near their tail, and that is fine. What matters is that the coverage was designed in, not an afterthought.

2
The belly is not pulling

There should be no side-to-side pulling or gaps at the belly. A dog who keeps looking at their own back is usually uncomfortable.

3
They still do the full wiggles

Watch them walk, stretch, and shake off. A good fit disappears on the dog. A bad fit becomes the only thing they are thinking about.

MADE FOR LONG DOGS
Sunbean is built for bodies like yours

Every piece is designed with long-bodied dog proportions in mind.

Shop the collection →
Back to blog