How to Properly Measure Your Dog for Clothing

More people are buying clothing in addition to harnesses and collars for their dogs. It's crucial to know how to measure your dog properly for these items to ensure comfort and style. You'll need a tape measure, ideally a 'dressmaker/fabric' type used for sewing, and your dog.

How to Get Your Dog's Measurements

Measure three main areas on your dog: top line back, neck girth, and chest girth.

For an accurate measurement of your dog's top line back, measure from where the neck meets the shoulders (where the collar often rests) to the base of the tail while they are standing. For male dogs, ensure coats and sweaters have a cut-out in the belly area; otherwise, consider sizing down to prevent accidental urination. Choose the larger size if your dog is between sizes.

Neck and chest girth are measured around your dog's neck and chest. Measure neck girth where the collar sits, applying the 'two-finger' rule: two fingers should fit comfortably under the tape measure. If your dog is between sizes, opt for the larger size. Measure chest girth around the widest part of the chest, typically just behind the front legs. Again, choose the larger size if in between sizes.

Harnesses

When measuring for a harness, carefully check the manufacturer's dimensions. Some list measurements that fit dogs, while others provide product dimensions. With many varieties and styles available, harnesses can be overwhelming but are beneficial for certain breeds and temperaments.

Brachycephalic breeds, or those with pushed-in faces, often have small necks, making collars difficult to use. Harnesses are ideal as they offer better control and are less likely to slip off. Even well-trained dogs with poor leash manners can benefit; harnesses help control without choking and can deter pulling.

Collars

There's more than just traditional buckle collars available. Options include martingale, chain, and prong collars. While some trainers use chain and prong collars for 'correction', recent research highlights that aversive training methods are unnecessary and potentially harmful. Martingale collars are gaining popularity as an 'alternative' option.

A martingale collar features two loops: a larger loop that slips over your dog's head and a smaller loop for leash attachment. When the leash is pulled, the smaller loop tightens, which tightens the larger loop, preventing it from slipping off. This design earns them the nickname 'humane choke collars'.

Apply the two-finger rule for fitting a martingale collar: when loose, two fingers should fit comfortably beneath it. Though originally for sighthounds like greyhounds, whippets, and silken windhounds, who easily slip from buckle collars, martingales are now popular for stronger dogs. They're essential if you own a sighthound.