How to Measure Your Dog
1. Neck Measurement
What it is: the circumference around the base of your dog’s neck, where a collar naturally sits.
How to measure:
- have your dog stand or sit comfortably,
- wrap measuring tape around the thickest part of the neck, typically right above the shoulders,
- make sure the tape is snug but not tight - you should be able to slide two fingers between the tape and the fur,
- write down the measurement.
2. Girth (Chest) Measurement
What it is: The circumference around the widest part of your dog’s chest—usually just behind the front legs.
How to measure:
- have your dog stand on all four paws,
- place the tape around the deepest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs,
- keep the tape level and snug (one-finger rule again),
- write down the measurement.
3. Length Measurement
What it is: The length of your dog’s back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
How to measure:
- have your dog stand naturally,
- find the point where collar usually sits,
- place one end of the tape at that point,
- run the tape straight along the spine to the point where the tail begins,
- write down the measurement.
General Tips:
- measure twice to be sure,
- if your dog is between sizes, size up for comfort,
- long-haired dogs may need a slightly looser fit - don’t pull the tape too tight,
- keep your dog relaxed - treats help!
