Why measuring your dog correctly matters
Knowing your dog's exact size is the difference between an accessory that works and one that causes problems. If the collar or harness is too tight, it chafes, restricts breathing and makes every walk uncomfortable. If it's too big, your dog can slip out of it easily, escape or trip over the loose fabric.
Before you buy, spend a few minutes measuring your companion. You only need three basic measurements: neck, chest and back. With a flexible tape measure and a little patience, you can be sure that whatever you choose fits properly and does its job safely.
What you'll learn about measuring your dog
- Measure the neck circumference, the chest (just behind the front legs) and the back length (from the base of the neck to the tail) with a flexible tape measure while your dog is standing and relaxed: this position gives you accurate measurements.
- Leave room to slide two fingers between the tape measure and your dog's neck. This makes sure the collar won't be too tight and that your dog can breathe comfortably.
- Always check the specific size guide for the product you're buying. Sizes vary a lot between manufacturers, and a size M doesn't mean the same thing across brands.
- Go for the larger size if your dog falls between two sizes, especially if they're still growing or have a thick coat. You can tighten it with the buckles, whereas a size that's too small can't be made bigger.
- Take the measurements when your dog is calm, after a walk for example, and ask someone to distract them with a bit of fuss if they won't stay still. This makes accurate measurements much easier to get.
- Take your dog's particular build into account: breeds like greyhounds or bulldogs may need specific sizes that don't match standard measurements, because their body proportions are unique.
Step-by-step guide to measuring your dog
Measuring your dog at home is easier than it sounds. All you need is a flexible tape measure and a few simple steps to get the three main measurements. The neck circumference tells you what collar size you need, the chest circumference determines the harness size, and the back length determines the length of any clothing. Here's how to do it without any fuss.
Step 1: Get what you need ready
Find a flexible tape measure, the kind used for sewing. If you don't have one, use a piece of string and then measure its length with a ruler. Make sure your dog is calm and standing in a natural position. This posture gives you accurate measurements. If they're sitting or lying down, the measurements won't be right.
Step 2: Measure the neck circumference
Put the tape measure around the widest part of your dog's neck, just in front of the shoulders. The tape should be snug but not tight. Leave room to slide two fingers between the neck and the tape measure: this makes sure the collar will fit properly and that your dog can move completely comfortably, without any difficulty breathing.
Step 3: Measure the chest circumference
To measure the chest, put the tape measure around the widest part of your dog's ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement for finding a harness that fits the body well and distributes pressure safely. Some harness designs also need the measurement around the belly or the lower part of the ribcage, so always check the product instructions before you buy.
Step 4: Measure the back length
The back length is the distance from the base of your dog's neck (right where the back begins) to the base of the tail. This measurement determines whether a garment will cover the whole body properly without being too short or too long. It matters most when you're buying clothing such as coats or raincoats. Make sure your dog is standing with a straight back and measure in a straight line along the spine.
Tips for measuring restless or nervous dogs
If your dog won't stay still, pick a moment when they're relaxed: after a long walk, or while they're resting quietly next to you. Ask someone to distract them with some fuss or a treat while you take the measurements. This makes it much easier for your dog to stay in a natural position. If it's still difficult, try measuring while they're lying down and then adjust, bearing in mind that the chest and neck expand when they stand up.
How to read size charts
Once you have your dog's measurements, check the size chart for the specific product you want to buy. Manufacturers don't use the same sizing: a size M from one brand can be completely different from a size M from another. That's why measurements in centimetres are more reliable than size letters.
Always check the specific size guide for each product before you order. Look for the measurements in centimetres (neck, chest and back) and compare them with the ones you've taken. If the chart shows ranges, make sure your dog's measurements fall inside that range.
What to do if your dog is between two sizes
If your dog falls between two sizes, go for the larger one, especially if they're still growing or have a very thick coat. An accessory that's slightly too big can be tightened with the buckles or fastenings, whereas one that's too small will be uncomfortable and there's no way to make it bigger.
There are important exceptions. If you're buying a harness for a dog who pulls hard on the leash, a size that's too big could let them escape: the harness would slip over the head or the legs. In those cases, go for the tighter fit within the recommended range.
Measuring for clothing: coats, raincoats and other garments
If you're buying clothing for your dog, the three main measurements (neck, chest and back) are essential. They determine whether the garment will cover the body properly. The back length matters most of all: this measurement decides whether the garment will cover the back without being too short or too long.
Some garments, such as winter coats, also need extra measurements: the belly circumference or the distance between the front legs. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to know exactly which measurements you need. Clothing has to let your dog move freely, so if you're torn between two sizes, go for the larger one.
Special considerations by breed and body type
Every dog has unique proportions that affect which size is right. Small dogs, stockier dogs, dogs with thick coats and breeds with unusual proportions all need different adjustments: their bodies don't fit standard measurements.
Greyhounds, whippets and other dogs with a deep, narrow chest often need special sizes. Their chest is very deep in relation to their waist, so their body doesn't sit well within standard measurements. If you have a dog like this, look for harnesses or garments designed specifically for that shape. In the same way, dogs with very broad necks, such as bulldogs, may need a bigger collar size than their weight would suggest: neck thickness doesn't always match overall body size.
If your puppy is still growing, leave a little margin so the accessory stays comfortable for longer. In our shop you'll find detailed measurement information for every piece, to help you choose the right option whatever your companion's breed or body type.
