When you’re in the market for a new harness, collar, or a cozy winter coat for your dog, having accurate measurements is essential. Although guessing your dog’s size may seem tempting, it can lead to inconvenient and time-consuming exchanges or returns. Dogs of the same breed can have varying body shapes, and proper sizing is crucial to ensure your pet’s comfort. In this article from cartanprints.co Dog Blog, we’ll guide you through how to accurately measure your dog, covering neck girth, chest girth, back length, height, and even shoe size.
Measuring Your Dog’s Neck Girth
- To choose the right collar and leash, start by measuring your dog’s neck circumference.
- Use soft measuring tape or a printable measuring tape to encircle your dog’s neck. Ensure it’s placed between the shoulder blades and the top of the chest.
- The tape should be snug but not too tight. If you don’t have measuring tape, use a piece of string and measure it with a ruler.
- Be aware that your dog’s skin and body fat may shift when they sit or lie down. To ensure a proper fit, take measurements in different positions.
- To avoid a too-snug fit, follow the “two-finger rule” – you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably under the collar.
- For a more accurate fit, add an inch to the neck size for small breeds (under 20 pounds), two inches for medium breeds (23 to 58 pounds), and three inches for large (59 to 99 pounds) or extra-large dogs (100 pounds or more).
- When in doubt about collar size, opt for the larger one.
Measuring Your Dog’s Chest Girth
- To select the right dog harness or coat, determine your dog’s chest girth.
- Chest girth is the measurement around the broadest part of your dog’s ribcage, just behind the front legs.
- Starting from your dog’s spine, wrap the measuring tape around their body while they stand. Ensure it’s not too high under their armpits, unless it’s the widest part of their waist.
- To find the proper snugness, use the “two-finger rule” – you should be able to fit your pointer and middle finger between the tape and your dog’s body.
Measuring Your Dog’s Back Length
- To measure your dog for coats, hoodies, or life jackets, you need to know their neck, chest, and back length.
- Begin by placing the tape measure at the base of your dog’s neck, where a collar would naturally rest.
- Keep the tape straight along your dog’s spine until you reach the base of their tail.
- Note that for male dogs, the measurement may need to be adjusted slightly to avoid messes.
Measuring Your Dog’s Height
- When shopping for a dog carrier bag, you’ll need both back length and height measurements.
- Ensure your dog stands straight against a wall with feet evenly spaced on the floor.
- Locate your dog’s withers, the highest point where the shoulder blades and neck meet. This is the tallest point on their body.
- Run the tape measure from the floor to the withers, keeping it straight and perpendicular.
Measuring Your Dog’s Shoe Size
- For dog shoes or boots, you must measure each of your dog’s paws separately, as they may differ in size.
- First, trim your dog’s toenails to get an accurate measurement.
- Place your dog’s paw on a piece of paper, pressing it down gently to mimic its spread when walking.
- Mark the front and back of the paw, including the toenails, and measure the distance between the lines.
- Alternatively, you can wet your dog’s paw and press it onto a piece of paper, making sure to include the toenails.
- If your dog dislikes water, measure the length and width of the paw with a measuring tape, ensuring it’s fully spread.
- If your dog’s shoe size falls between sizes, opt for the larger size.
Accurate measurements ensure that your dog’s accessories and clothing fit perfectly, keeping them comfortable and stylish. If you have any questions about measuring your dog, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us – we’re here to assist you!
