How to Measure Your Dog for Coats, Harnesses, and Collars: The Ultimate Sizing Guide

Finding the right fit for your dog's accessories isn’t just about comfort, it’s about their safety and overall health.

If you want your dog to feel comfortable and stay safe, this guide will show you how to measure your dog for various dog accessories, including coats, collars and harnesses.

Table of Contents

• Why Proper Measurement for Dogs Matters
• Key Measurements for Dog Accessories
• Sizing Tips for Specific Accessories
• Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
• Frequently Asked Questions
• About the Author

Many dog owners aren’t aware that ill-fitting gear can cause painful chafing, restricted movement during walks or hikes, and even serious injuries.

A collar that's too loose could allow your dog to slip free and dart into traffic, while a harness that's too tight could cause respiratory issues or nerve damage over time.

This comprehensive guide, authored by Marco Crisponso, founder of Bark & Spencer and a renowned specialist in dog gear, provides detailed instructions on how to measure your dog accurately for coats, harnesses, collars, and other essential accessories.

Follow these steps to shop with confidence, ensuring your beloved companion is always comfortable and secure.

Quick tip: Precise measurements are paramount for ensuring your dog's comfort and safety across all types of gear—from practical outdoor dog gear to stylish fashion items and sustainable eco-friendly dog products. Accurate sizing also minimizes unnecessary returns and adjustments.

Why Proper Measurement for Dogs Matter

The importance of properly fitting dog accessories cannot be overstated. This insight comes from trusted sources like the American Kennel Club and PetMD, as well as personal experience from years of owning dogs.

• Prevents Neck Strain and Ensures Even Weight Distribution: A proper harness fit distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders instead of concentrating on the neck, preventing discomfort and strain.
• Avoids Rubbing or Skin Irritation: Tight collars or coats can cause rubbing, irritation, and even hair loss. Loose gear can bunch up and cause friction too.
• Improves Safety During Hikes and Travel: Secure gear prevents escapes and hazards during walks, hikes, or car rides. Check out our Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking guide for recommended products.
• Saves Money and Frustration: Accurate measurement upfront reduces returns and ensures you get the right fit the first time.

What You’ll Need

• Soft Measuring Tape: Flexible cloth or plastic tailor’s tape is ideal. Alternatively, use string with a ruler.
• Flat Surface: A calm, level surface where your dog can stand comfortably—floor, sturdy table, or grooming table.
• Treats: Reward your dog for cooperation to make the process stress-free and positive.

Key Measurements for Dog Accessories

To ensure a perfect fit, you’ll need these key measurements for different types of gear: chest girth, neck circumference, back length, and optionally chest depth/height.

Chest Girth Dog Measurement

This is the most critical measurement for many dog accessories, including dog harnesses, coats, vests, and costumes.

• Where to Measure: Measure the widest part of your dog’s chest, right behind the front legs.
• Why it Matters: Ensures harnesses, coats, and sweaters fit comfortably without restricting breathing or movement.
• How to Measure: Wrap the tape around the widest part snugly but not tightly—ensure you can slip two fingers between tape and fur.

Here is a visual to understand how to properly measure your dog's chest girth

Shop Our Adjustable Dog Harnesses

And here is a table that shows the correct sizes for dog's chest girth

Also check out our Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking article for an infographic on measuring your dog.

Neck Circumference Dog Measurement

Essential for collars, bandanas, bow ties, and some harnesses.

• Where to Measure: Around the thickest part of your dog’s neck, where a collar naturally sits (base of the neck).
• Why it Matters: Ensures collars aren’t too tight (unsafe) or too loose (easy to slip out of).
• How To Measure: Wrap the tape around the base of your dog’s neck, snug but not tight—ensure you can comfortably fit two fingers between the tape and their fur

Here is a visual to understand how to properly measure your dog's neck circumference

And here is a table that shows the correct sizes for dog's neckwear in inches and cm

Back Length Dog Measurement

Used primarily for coats, sweaters, costumes, and full-body apparel, these are some tips on how to measure the back length

• Where to Measure: From the base of the neck (shoulder blades) straight to the base of the tail (exclude the tail).
• Why it Matters: Ensures coats and sweaters cover properly without restricting movement or bathroom breaks.
• How to Measure: Position your dog standing squarely on all fours. Place the measuring tape at the base of the neck (between the shoulder blades) and extend it along the spine to the point where the tail begins. Keep the tape straight for an accurate measurement

Here is a visual to understand how to properly measure your dog's back length

Shop Our Cozy Dog Coats

And here is a table that shows the correct sizes for dog's back length in inches and cm

Chest Depth / Height Dog Measurement

This measurement is especially important for dogs with deep chests, such as Greyhounds, Salukis, and Dobermans.

It is crucial when selecting accessories like vest-style harnesses, coats, and full-body apparel that cover the chest area to ensure proper fit and avoid dragging or restricting movement.

• Where to Measure: From the top of your dog’s shoulder (highest point of the shoulder blade) straight down to the lowest point of their chest (sternum).
• Why it Matters: Helps ensure that harnesses, coats, and other full-coverage gear fit correctly without hanging too low or restricting leg movement. Proper chest depth prevents gear from brushing the ground during walks or hikes, which can cause discomfort or injury.
• How to Measure: Have your dog stand squarely on all fours. Place a measuring tape at the top of the shoulder blade and measure straight down vertically to the lowest point of the chest, keeping the tape straight and close but not tight.

Here is a visual to understand how to properly measure your dog's chest depth and height

And here is a table that shows the correct sizes for dog's chest depth/height (inches/cm)

Sizing Tips for Specific Accessories

Dog Harnesses & Vests

• Look for multiple adjustment points for custom fit.
• Prioritize padding in high-friction areas.
• Consider reflective stitching for low-light walks.

Explore Our Dog Harnesses & Vests

Dog Coats & Sweaters

• Choose waterproof or insulated fabrics for outdoor adventures.
• Account for layering if your dog wears harnesses under coats.

Shop Waterproof Dog Coats and vests

Dog Collars

• Use the “Two-Finger Rule” for collar tightness.
• Match collar width to breed size for comfort and safety.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring while the dog is sitting or lying down—always measure standing.
• Forgetting seasonal coat thickness changes.
• Ignoring breed-specific proportions (e.g., Bulldogs vs. Greyhounds).

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