When planning to buy your dog a new harness, collar or winter coat, you always need to know the size of your dog. While it may be tempting to select a product size based on your guess, this may result in unnecessary and time-consuming exchanges or returns in the future.
Even within the same breed, not all dogs have the same shape. Many French Bulldogs are stocky and muscular, while other Frenchies are slimmer and petite. Some dachshunds have exceptionally large and strong chests, while others have more slender chests. You may not realize this if you are shopping for dog clothing or accessories such as harnesses and collars for the first time.
Dog clothing retailers use several key dog measurements in their size charts: chest girth, neck girth, back length and height (also known as withers). Not sure what some or all of these mean?
We will tell you how to correctly measure the neck girth, chest girth, back length, height and paws of your dog, let's move on to the main thing - how to measure a dog.
How to measure a dog's neck circumference
When you buy a collar and leash, you need to know the circumference of your dog's neck. Even if it is an adjustable collar, the measured size of your dog's neck should be within the stated neck circumference range. For example, if your dog's neck length is 30 cm, order an adjustable collar from 28 to 40 cm.
To measure the circumference of your dog's neck, take a soft measuring tape or stamped measuring tape and wrap it around your dog's neck. Make sure the measuring tape is between your dog's shoulder blades and the top of his chest. Pull the tape until it fits snugly, but not too tightly. If you don't have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string and then measure it with a ruler. You can also measure your dog's current collar from the end of the buckle to the exact hole that is being used.
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Remember that when your puppy sits or rolls over, his skin and fat deposits are redistributed. A collar that fits when he stands up may be too tight when he lies down. Take several measurements with your dog in a different position to ensure a proper fit.
You don't want the collar to be too tight on your dog's neck, so use the "two-finger rule." Once you fasten your dog's collar, you can easily slide two fingers under it.
Where is a dog's withers located?
“Kholka” is a native Russian word, derived from the word “groom”. Literally, the withers are the part of the neck that is groomed, stroked, and cared for first of all. There is also a popular expression “to comb (comb) the withers.” This is what they say when they mean that someone might give a severe reprimand. People also often call the withers the scruff of the neck. The dog carries puppies by the scruff of the neck, that is, by the fold of skin at the withers.
Anatomically, the withers are the place between the shoulder blades, the highest part of the body. This is the elevation between the dog's neck and back, formed by the first five vertebrae of the cervical spine. To more accurately determine this place, you need to feel the upper points of its shoulder blades through the dog’s muscles.
It is easier to deal with this if you remember that the withers do not move in relation to the ground level. That is why it is used to measure height.
The owner must know where his pet’s withers are located, because:
- The skin in this area is less sensitive, and therefore this is where most subcutaneous injections are administered. In addition, in the cavity between the skin of the withers and the muscles there is a natural “pocket” into which the doctor or dog owner can administer the entire dose of injection at one time;
- Drops for worms and fleas are applied here. The drugs are distributed evenly through the dog’s skin at the withers, and this reduces the side effects of them and slows down their absorption into the blood. Some drugs accumulate in skin cells, and the withers are less sensitive.
- All kinds of harnesses and other accessories for a dog are often selected taking into account the girth of the withers.
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How to measure a dog's chest
When looking to buy a new dog harness or dog jacket, you need to know your dog's chest circumference. Chest girth is the measurement of the largest part of your dog's chest, usually just behind the front legs.
To measure chest girth, first press one end of the measuring tape against your dog's spine. While the dog is standing, wrap the tape behind the dog's front legs and around his body. Don't measure directly under your puppy's armpits unless that's the widest part of the waist. Place the end of the tape measure next to the beginning; where it intersects is your dimension. To achieve an optimal fit, use the "two finger rule" and place your index finger and middle finger between the measuring tape and the dog.
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How to measure the length of a dog's back
Determine the length of your dog's back (or topline) by placing the beginning of the tape measure on the dog's neck. The base of your dog's neck is where the collar naturally fits. Holding the tape measure with one hand, pull the tape straight through the dog's spine until you reach the base of the tail.
Do you have a male dog? If so, you may need to size down a bit depending on the fit of the garment. If the coat or hoodie you buy is not shaped to avoid dog mess (meaning the bottom of the garment should be shorter than the length of the back of the garment), there is a chance that your dog will pee on it.
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How to measure your pet's height at the withers
Height at the withers is measured from the withers itself, the space between the shoulder blades, to the floor. A special ruler is used to measure dimensions. If you don’t have such a ruler, you can make it yourself. To correctly measure your pet, you need to place it on a flat horizontal surface. If measurements are taken regularly, they should be taken at the same time of day before feeding.
To correctly determine the starting point at the withers, you can substitute a book or any other flat object and place it parallel to the floor. The length from the withers to the floor will be the height of your dog. You can determine the height to which a dog can grow by knowing the standard height of your dog's breed. The photo shows how the height depends on the breed.
The height of your pet may differ from the breed standard if the parents were not of the same breed at mating. For example, non-pedigreed dogs may have unpredictable growth, since they are not a pure breed, so the pet can either be larger than its parent, or vice versa smaller. If the dog is purebred, then its height depends on the standard established for the breed. According to this standard, the pet is assessed as a representative of the breed.
Taking measurements to purchase a harness
It is best to take measurements using a sewing meter, which is convenient when taking measurements, since it can be used to grasp any parts, for example, the neck, and accurately measure the required part of the four-legged body. The dimensions for purchasing a harness must be measured accurately so that the meter does not sag during measurements.
For non-riding harnesses, 3 measurements are taken:
- from withers to tail;
- circumference of the chest at the widest point behind the paws (you can leave 2 cm for a loose fit);
- neck girth.
Non-riding harnesses are not designed to withstand heavy loads, so they are often not very durable. This fact must be taken into account when choosing harnesses and measuring: it is necessary to correctly assess the dog’s temperament and the purpose of using the harness.
For riding harnesses, it is necessary to measure 2 parameters: the distance from the withers to the base of the sternum, which is between the front legs, and the distance from the base to the end of the sternum, including the base of the tail.
For riding harnesses, you need to take precise measurements so that the harness does not sag anywhere and nothing interferes with the dog while riding. The palm of your hand should fit freely between the harness and the dog so that the harness does not put pressure on the dog and does not restrict movement when riding.
If the sizes are chosen incorrectly, the harness may begin to press and the pet will experience pain when moving. Ultimately, prolonged use of an unsuitable harness can cause the dog’s posture to deteriorate and the spine to become deformed. The parts on the harness should not put pressure on the animal; all fasteners must be well made and firmly fastened, since they can come off during movements, or some parts can dig into your pet’s skin.
Taking measurements to purchase a baby carrier
Carriers are necessary for transporting pets to the veterinarian, for a walk somewhere, or when transporting them on a bus. This way, your dog will not be worried when traveling and will not get his paws dirty.
When taking measurements, you need to decide which carrier will be most convenient for both the pet and the owner. Because even if the size of the carrier is exactly right, the dog may still feel uncomfortable. The pet must be able to change body position: lie down, sit down. At the same time, it is important that you also feel comfortable carrying it. The length of the handles should be optimal: such that no matter how you carry your friend, he cannot hit or get hurt.
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When purchasing a carrier, you need to determine the weight of your pet and, accordingly, select the necessary carrier that will support it. It is also necessary to choose the appropriate length of the carrier so that your pet can sit comfortably in it. To do this, measure the length of the back, that is, the distance from the dog’s scruff to the base of the tail. It is important to determine the height of the carrier and, accordingly, the height of the animal itself. The height of the dog is determined by the distance from the front paw to the withers.
For winter time, it is necessary to take into account when taking measurements that the animal may be wearing additional clothing. Therefore, it is necessary to make a reserve for it. The carrier is mainly designed for small dogs, so it will look awkward if you carry a large animal in the carrier, and the carrier may not withstand such a load.
Your animal should feel comfortable in the carrier so that it does not restrict movement. The carrier should not put pressure, but, on the contrary, be slightly larger than the size of the pet. For example, if the carrier is too small for your pet, he may choke or damage his paw when trying to scratch or change position. A carrier that is too large may sag under the weight of the pet and, thus, the dog will hit his back against something, which will harm him.
Depending on the size, carriers can be of the type of bag in which the pet is located, and you carry it by the handle, or they can be in the form of a backpack that can be worn on the shoulders and not interfere with movement. The carriers themselves should be made of natural materials and not have specific odors that could harm the dog’s sense of smell. The inside of the carrier should be soft, mold to the body, and provide comfort. For convenience, you can place something your pet loves in the carrier so that he feels comfortable and gets used to the carrier.
You must understand that your pet will be in the carrier for a long time, and most likely may sweat. Therefore, the carrier should, if possible, be ventilated if you use it in the summer, and keep your pet warm in the winter.
How to measure a dog's height
When purchasing a dog carrier, you need to know the length and height of your dog's back. For a hard-sided pet carrier, increase your dog's height by 15-20 cm to make it comfortable. For a soft-sided pet carrier, add 5-7cm. Brands often provide appropriate weight ranges for pet carriers as well, but knowing the exact length and height of your dog's back will ensure the best size is selected.
To measure your dog's height, make sure he is standing straight against a wall. His feet should be evenly spaced on the floor. Small dogs are more excitable and getting them to stand still can be a challenge. With the help of another person holding your dog, consider measuring your puppy's height on a table so your dog has nowhere to go.
Start by feeling your dog's withers. This is the highest point of your dog's shoulder blades, where the shoulder blades and neck meet. This is the highest point on your dog's body (not including the head). Run the measuring tape from the floor to the dog's withers. Make sure the tape is straight and perpendicular to avoid measurement errors. In short-haired dogs, such as French bulldogs and corgis, the withers are easier to find.
You can also place the ruler where your dog's shoulders are highest. Make sure one end of the ruler is touching the wall. Then mark its bottom with a pencil. Don't want to write on the wall? Use sticky putty or clear tape. You can also measure your dog in front of the refrigerator and use a magnet to mark the spot.
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How to measure height?
Correctly measuring a pet's growth involves carrying out this procedure in accordance with the uniform requirements set by canine organizations. These requirements are met when the dog is measured at the withers, subject to a number of rules, such as:
Height meter
- using a special measuring ruler - a height meter. Using a tape measure or measuring tape may overestimate the result by one to three centimeters;
- taking measurements three times every half a minute or a minute and calculating the arithmetic mean value of the results obtained during measurement;
- placing a measuring ruler close to the body of the individual, allowing only light pressure on the fur, and parting the long hair at the point of contact with the instrument;
- keeping the pet on a flat surface;
- taking measurements at regular intervals, before feeding the animal, at the same time of day.
When measuring the distance from the highest point on the back to the floor, the pet, as noted above, should be on a flat horizontal surface. Small breeds are best measured on a table surface, while large breeds are best measured on the floor. If the animal is active, then it is more convenient to take measurements together: one holds the pet in an even, calm position without muscle tension, the second takes measurements.
To correctly determine the upper measurement point, place a book, ruler or some other flat object on top of the dog’s shoulder blades, then attach a stadiometer to it, which will indicate the desired parameter.
If there is no stadiometer, then height measurement can be carried out using the following methods:
- using two rulers. The first is placed on the animal’s back so that it intersects with the withers, the second is applied at a right angle to the first and to the floor. The distance from the floor to the junction of the two rulers will be the height of the dog at the withers;
- children's method . If the individual is large, then you can measure its height in the same way as is done when determining the height of children, that is, by placing it against the wall and making a mark on it in the place where the shoulder blades are located.
How to measure a dog's paw size
Dog shoes and boots can range from XXX-Small at 3cm at the widest part to XXX-Large at 9cm. Since your dog's paws may be different sizes, you will need to measure each one separately. To get an accurate measurement, trim the toenails.
Place your dog's paw on a piece of paper and press it gently with your fingers. This mimics the way his paw spreads out when he walks. Mark the front and back of his paw, including his toenails, with a pencil. Then measure the distance between the lines.
You can also wet your dog's paw and press it against a piece of paper. As with the pencil marking technique, make sure that he is fully unfolded and that you take into account his paw claws. If your dog hates water, measure the length and width of his paw using a tape measure or ruler. Hold it in your hand, making sure it is completely spread out, and measure the widest part. If your dog's shoe size is between sizes, go up a size.
If you have any questions about measuring your dog, please leave a comment or send us a message. We'd love to hear from you and be happy to help you!
