When it comes to buying apparel and accessories for your fashionable pup, you can save the headache of online order returns by knowing how to measure your dog’s clothing sizes. Furthermore, not all canine designers use the same standards for measurement. The best way to assure that you’re getting the right size for your pup is to make your own measurements and compare them to the sizing charts provided by the designer of the item you are looking to purchase.
We recommend that you use a cloth measuring tape to take all measurements of your pup and make notes so that you can refer to them when you make your purchases.
Measurements come into play particular with the following types of accessories:
- Collars
- Harnesses
- Clothing
Let’s take a look at how these items are typically measured. Again, you’ll have to consult the particular designer of the item you are buying, but this should help guide you.
Article Summary
Collars
Collars are usually designed to fit a size range, with the smallest size being from the end of the collar’s buckle to the center of the first hole in the collar. Conversely, the largest size would be from the end of the collar’s buckle to the center of the last hole in the collar. Ideally, your pup’s neck measurement would be comfortably in the middle of the range (1), but that is not always possible. Note: this works for bark collars and training collars, too.
Harnesses
Harness measurements usually rely on the girth of your pup’s chest. Again, these products may be a range of sizes, and you’ll ideally want a product for which your dog’s chest measurement falls comfortable within the specified range.
Clothing
Clothing sizes generally depend on the length of your dog’s back. A dachshund, for example, would likely take a different clothing size than a chihuahua of the same weight. For adult pups, you might want to go a little bit smaller than your dog’s back measurement for an appropriate fit – say 1-2″ less than your pup’s actual back measurement. If you have a younger pup, you may want to leave a bit of room to grow so you don’t end up turning your clothing purchase into a hand-me-down sooner rather than later. This is particularly true if you have a mutt, though if you use a dog DNA test you may be able to get some insight into their expected growth trajectory.
How To Measure Your Pup
As we mentioned earlier, the three measurements you’ll likely need to make will be the following:
- Neck: Using a cloth measuring tape, note the distance around the circumference of your dog’s neck so that it fits comfortably.
- Chest: Measure the barrel of your dog’s chest, again so it fits comfortably.
- Back: Measure from your dog’s neck where it meets the shoulders to the base of its rear, just where the tail begins.
This should give you all that you need to find the proper measurements for your pup’s apparel. If you have any questions when purchasing, make sure to reach out to the designer of the product themselves for final clarification.
