The three measurements that matter
- Chest girth — the most important number. Measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs, with the tape snug but not tight. Most garments fail or succeed on chest fit.
- Body length — from the base of the neck (where a collar sits) to the base of the tail, along the back. This decides coverage for coats and sweaters.
- Neck circumference — around the middle of the neck, where a collar naturally rests. It matters for hoodies, turtlenecks and any style with a closed neckline.
Measure a standing dog, keep two fingers between tape and body for comfort, and record the numbers in centimetres or inches consistently. For puppies, re-measure often — growth outruns any chart.
Measurement record
Wholesale buyers: record the typical measurements of the breeds your market buys for, and share them with us when you enquire. Size runs for specific items are confirmed on quotation.
| Measure | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chest girth | Widest point of the ribcage, behind the front legs | The deciding measurement for most styles |
| Body length | Base of neck to base of tail | Decides back coverage on coats and sweaters |
| Neck | Middle of the neck | Important for hoodies and closed necklines |
| Weight | Scales | A cross-check only — shape matters more than weight |
Common sizing mistakes
- Buying by breed name alone — two dogs of the same breed can differ by a full size; measurements beat labels.
- Buying by age for puppies — growth rates vary too much; measure the dog in front of you.
- Forgetting the chest — length-only sizing is the classic cause of returns in pet apparel.
- No room to move — clothing should allow a full stride and a comfortable sit; if a dog is between sizes, the larger size is usually the safer retail recommendation.
For retailers
A printed measuring guide at the apparel wall — and staff who can measure a dog in thirty seconds — will do more for your clothing returns rate than any chart. Our blog guide on how to measure a dog for clothes gives the customer-facing version, and the dog clothes hub links the ranges this guide supports.
Keeping a record for your store
If you serve regulars, keep their dogs' measurements on file — with the owner's permission — the way a tailor keeps a customer's numbers. The next order becomes a conversation instead of a measuring session, size exchanges fall, and customers feel the difference between your store and a website. The three numbers on this page, plus the date they were taken (dogs change), are all the record you need.
For wholesale buyers planning size runs across many stores, aggregate those records: a season of real chest measurements from your own tills is a better size curve than any generic chart, ours included. Share the curve when you enquire, and we will weight the size mix of your order to the dogs your market actually has.