How To Measure A Dog For A Perfect Fit Clothes - Pet Size Guide

Source: DHgate, Tag: Pets

Have a pet dog at home? Learn how to expertly measure your pet pooch and get the right size style for your little friend

• Clothing, style, and fashion are not limited to humans. The world has evolved and is more inclusive to welcome animals, particularly pets, to fit into humans effortlessly. As a parent or guardian of a dog, cats, and other lovely animals, you must have come across fashionable clothing online for animals.
  Apart from fashion, wearing coats and other gear for your pets protects them from harsh weather such as rain and cold. However, you probably have thought that animals don't need clothes, which makes you not bother about getting them one.

• Although most animals were made for outdoor life, humans accommodated some pets, particularly dogs, which caused a living and bonding with them so much fun. Having a better life is not just a human right but also an animal right. And one way to give them that is to make them comfortable as much as possible. If you consider providing clothes for your dog or you had tried wearing one for them and stopped doing that because they were not comfortable wearing it.
  While most dogs are used to living the outdoor life and may not immediately adapt to the life that includes wearing a coat, it doesn't mean they don't need a coat and other gear, especially during unfavourable weather such as winter and rain.
  Dogs may have fur that protects them and maintain body heat; they, however, need some extra support to keep them warm every time the need arises. While most dogs may not feel okay wearing a coat, other dogs like little puppies, old and sick, will benefit from the extra warmth wearing a coat provides. If you have a dog and want to buy a skin for them but don't know the correct measurement, you are afraid of buying it if it doesn't fit. You can learn how to measure your dog size to help you choose a perfect coat for them. This article will show you how to measure your dog to help you select the ideal coat and gears for them.
  How to Measure a Dog for the Perfect Fit
  It can be challenging and a waste of resources when you buy a dog's coat online and end up not fitting them because you didn't get their measurement right. One thing is that different clothing will fit a little differently. Once it's the wrong size, that may ruin your dog's opportunity to have a beautiful coat. You should note that when you order your dog's clothes online, and they don't fit, most stores do not accept the clothes if you decide to return them. To avoid wasting money, time, and your dog's hope, you must know how to measure their clothes to choose a perfect size for them. When your dog wears a cloth that does not fit well, it makes them uncomfortable and restless; I'm sure you wouldn't want that for your sweet dog.
  Hence, the general tip to measuring your dog is to get a tape and start the measurement from the chest girth, neck girth, and size of shoulder blades, among others.
  Before going into details, before choosing a coat or outfit for your dog, you should think about the style and know if it will fit your dog's body shape. As I said, style and fashion are inclusive even to our pets. However, depending on your dog's body shape, not all styles and clothes sit well on their body, so you need to know this before going forward.
  How to Measure Dogs
  The famous saying about measurement is "Torso" is essential. It is necessary during measurement because most breeds of dogs have similar back lengths; however, their torso measurements significantly differ. Different species with different torsos, for example, Italian Greyhounds, have an extra torso. In contrast, another breed such as Staffordshire of the same size as Greyhounds can have another torso measurement. So, it would help if you kept that in mind when taking their measures or choosing a coat for your dog. Here is a basic example of measurement based on a dog's breed.
  Size Back Length (cm) Torso (cm) Breeds
  XS 25 35-45 Toy Breed, Chihuahua
  S 35 45-55 Shih Tzu, Jack Russel
  M 45 55-65 Beagle, Springer Spaniel
  L 55 65-75 Boxer, Labrador
  XL 65 75-85 Standard Poodle, German shepherd
  If you want to take your dog's measurement, you need to keep your dog in its best behaviour during measurement to avoid an error. For example, dogs' coats or apparel are sized based on two measures: back length and torso circumference. To take the best measurement, your dog needs to be standing or upright. Sitting down to take measurements will cause their weight to shift downwards and inaccurate the result. Hence, it is an essential thing to consider during measurement.

  • Measuring the back: When measuring the back, place the measuring tape on the back of your dog's neck and measure starting from the neck down to the base of their tail. Note that the reading is in centimetres.

  • Measuring the torso: To measure the size of your dog's chest, wrap the measuring tape around the most expansive area of your dog's chest.

• If your dog's coat is too tight, it will restrict their movement, or you will find it challenging to put it on. Also, a loose coat will move around and provide sufficient warmth, making the whole purpose fruitless. A rule of thumb is if your dog is wearing a coat, you should be able to squeeze a few of your fingers between the coat and their skin. After the first measurement, measure it again to avoid inaccuracy.
  When buying online, dogs coats are usually advertised and sold based on the back length. Although it's not entirely irrelevant, the back length is still not that essential to a dog's comfort compared to their torso. In addition, the back length is rarely a perfect fit because most coats are produced 5cm apart or more, and the back length can be adjusted as the torso. Apart from writing down the measurement, you can save it on your phone for future use. If you are trying a coat for your dog and would like to know it fit, the typical standard is that your dog's coat should cover their body from their neck at the base of the collar down to their tail.
  Furthermore, there are two types of dog coats: blanket and jacket style. A blanket-style coat doesn't cover a dog's stomach fully, and it sits on top of the dog's back, coming down either side of the dog's shoulder. At the same time, a jacket-style coat should cover the entire chest, stomach, chest, and thighs.

• How to size your Dog
  Another thing to consider when sizing your dog is if they are very fluffy or long due for a haircut. If your answer is positive, you should consider removing about 2-3 cm away from the torso measurement for a perfect fit. Also, if your dog is actively growing, you should add a few centimetres to the size for future purposes.
  Most clothing brands market their coat sizes as S, M, XL, but a size chart with precise measurements can be followed. In addition, to buying the wrong size, please don't assume a particular coat or outfit will be perfect for your dog without measuring them. If your dog's measurement falls between different sizes either S and M, or M and L, your best option is to go for the larger size.
  More Sizing Tips
  Even after getting the perfect measurement and having seen the coat that you want, you still have things to check out; these extra sizing tips should help.

  • If possible and you are buying from an offline store, try and bring your dog along so you can make more rational decisions. If you most buy online, make sure you read their return policies before placing an order. It will save you from wasting money. For example, despite choosing a size that seems the same size as your dog, you can still end up with a no-fitted coat. If the online store allows the return or exchange of items, ensure that you keep the packaging and receipt to aid the process.

  • Don't get bothered about the weight guidelines for the items. Different dogs with the same weight, like 40 lbs, might still need to wear different coat sizes to fit their body types. However, life jackets or car safety gear are not included because they are made to aid your dog's weight.

  • Before choosing, always think about your dog's movement. Clothing and gears covering the shoulders can reduce their movement and affect a dog's ability to run effectively or carry out sports activities. Always choose a comfortable style that suits your dog's daily activities.

  • When sizing kennel or crate, always make their comfort a priority. Your dog should be able to move quickly, stand, and lay down without stress. Also, always consider their beddings, pillows, and toys that take up space.

  • Muzzles should be considered, too; although they need to be secured, they should not be tight. Generally, dogs need pants, but you should choose muzzles that allow them to open their mouth.

• If you are buying a coat for your dog for the winter to warn your dogs, make sure you choose a perfect-sized and water-resistant coat. Depending on your choice, some coats are well padded for maximum warmth and adjustable to easily fit their legs. Whichever you go for, make sure it is the perfect size for your dog.
  Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
  How do I measure my pet?
  You can measure your pets using these simple measurements:

  • Length: you measure from the base of the collar to the bottom of the dog's tail to get the length.

  • Girth: you measure the widest part around the dog's chest behind the front legs.

  • Neck: you measure around the neck where the collar usually sits.

• Do dog harnesses hurt dogs?
  Ideally, harnesses and life jackets are designed to help with a dog's weight; hence they are not tight or make dogs uncomfortable. However, harnesses covering your dog's shoulders can limit their movement and may not be comfortable for dogs during sports activities.
  What units should I use to measure a dog?
  The standard units for tape measurement are in centimetres. So when measuring your dog, make sure that it is measured in centimetres.
  What other gears can I buy for my dog?
  Other gears you can buy for your dogs are; boots, socks, muzzles, collars, coat sweaters, bodysuits, kennel crate carriers, and harnesses.
  Does Harness hurt a puppy?
  Harness should fit a puppy enough without backing out of it, but not too tight to make them uncomfortable.
  How are dog coats measured?
  To measure a dog's coat, you need two measurement types: the back length and the torso circumference. And while trying to measure, make sure your dog is in a standing position to get the correct measurements and, of course, re-measure to compare with the initial one.
  What's the difference between a dog's coat and a sweater?
  Although both apparels offer the same benefits: to provide warmth to your dog, a coat fully protects your dog against excess cold. At the same time, sweaters can be worn to add extra warmth when indoors.
  Final Thoughts
  Measuring your dog helps you choose the right size for your dog, especially if this is your first to getting a coat for them. The torso is an essential part of the dog you need to measure correctly to avoid wasting money and time. If you are buying online, make sure you understand their return and exchange policy before you make an order. Most stores provide different measurements to choose from. To avoid misunderstanding, please make sure you double-check with your dog before purchasing, and if your dog falls between two different sizes, you can go for the bigger size.