Dog Sizing Guide

Measure Your Dog Guide

The first and most important step in step in finding out which clothes, harness or collar is right for your dog is to take accurate measurements. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes from Great Danes to Chihuahuas and dogs of the same breed can also differ in size, so when choosing a size you need to consider both the breeds and your dog’s unique measurements. We recommend you measure your dog using the guidelines below and choose the most suitable size giving the most room for comfort.

In addition it is important to check the individual product page and as sizes tend to vary, often widely between brands and styles. What can sometimes be described as ‘small’ in one brand could be ‘medium’ in another. The product page will give you the exact measurements of the particular product you are looking at. Often dogs are between two sizes, if so it is often best to choose the larger size for comfort. Any coats, harness and especially collars must fit comfortably without restriction or tightness.

If you require any assistance please contact us, we are always on had to assist in choosing the right size.

HELPFUL TIP: If you do not have a tape measure, it is possible to use a dog lead or a piece of string and measure this against a tape/ruler. If your dog is stouter, has a thick coat, broader chest or is at the maximum measurement for the size listed against the product you may want to go up the next size for a better fit.

How To Measure Your Dog For Clothing

Ruffwear Quinzee Dog coat

Dog clothing sizes are based on your pet’s length, height, and weight measurements. Don’t assume you know the size – each manufacturer’s sizes are different and they could have changed since your last purchase.

There are two key measurements to take in order to get the correct fit – the length of the backbone and the girth. To find the correct size measure your pet when it is standing up because you won’t get accurate measurements if the pet is sitting or lying down.

Length: measure the length by measuring the backbone of the dog from the base of the neck to the start of the tail (the base of your dog’s back). Start the neck measurement where the collar would sit naturally on your dog’s neck/back.
Chest: measure around the chest ½ inch behind the front legs. This is the deepest part of the chest. This measurement is often referred to as the “girth.” Remember that this may vary by breed.  The chest is a really important measurement, getting it right will mean your dog can move freely without any restriction or without tripping.  If your dog ”freezes” when wearing a new coat – it could be because their movement is restricted and they need to go up a size.
Neck:  The neck size determines whether your dog will be comfortable wearing the clothing. If the neck size chosen is too tight, your dog can feel more restricted and may have trouble breathing comfortably.

Consider that certain breeds and over- or under-weight dogs may need a custom fit.
Check your dog size against individual product items.  Remember that weight should be used as a guideline only, as it will not give an accurate length or width.

Have you measured your pet and still not sure of the correct size? Don’t worry; We are happy to give you advice. Just drop us an email via our secure contact form with your question and your pet’s measurements.

HELPFUL TIP: Remember the importance of viewing the ‘Dog Size Guide’ for the particular product you are looking at, this detailed information from the manufacturer will provide the exact measurements to help you choose the correct size for your pet.

How To Measure Your Dog For A Collar

Dog On A Mountain

Collar sizes are based on your dog’s neck measurements. Don’t assume you know the size – each manufacturer’s sizes are different and they could have changed since your last purchase.

To find the correct size: measure your dog standing up – even for a collar – because you won’t get accurate measurements if the pet is sitting or lying down.

Neck: measure for a new collar by measuring your dog’s neck. A previous collar that still fits comfortably is a good starting place, but since manufacturers vary their measurements depending on a particular product, new measurements need to be taken. This is for your pet’s safety and for maximum comfort.

Ensure that you are able to fit two fingers (flat) easily between the collar itself and your dog’s neck. A collar shouldn’t be tight around your dog’s neck and it shouldn’t be the exact measurement of your dog’s neck. A snug fit is correct and all leather stretches a little over time.
Remember that collar sizes are the overall size of the collar. For safety reasons, be sure of the correct size so that the collar can’t snag on anything nor can the pet slip its collar.

Helpful Tip: weight should be used as a guideline only, as it will not give an accurate length or width.

Have you measured your pet and still not sure of the correct size? Don’t worry; we are happy to give you advice. Just drop us an email using our secure contact form with your question and your pet’s measurements.

How To Measure For a Harness

Measure Your Dog For A Harness

Don’t assume you know the harness size required as each manufacturers sizes are different and they could also have changed their design or sizing structure since your last purchase. To find the correct size get accurate measurements.

Chest: measure snugly around the ribcage, just behind the front legs. Allow about 10% extra for comfort. The girth should rest close to the front legs so that it is supported by the ribcage, not the belly.

Remember that weight should be used as a guideline only, as it will not give an accurate length or width.

Helpful Tip: Most harnesses are adjustable, so select the size nearest to your pet’s measurement and go for the larger size if you have a choice of two.

How To Measure For Dog Boots

Dog boots need to be the right size and need to fit comfortably for your dog. Please pay close attention to the listing measurements, take time to measure your dog’s paw using the below guide and you will choose the right size first time.

If you need assistance do not hesitate to contact us on 01506 444868 or drop us an email using our secure contact form

Measuring the paw is simple – make sure your dog is standing, place its paw flat on a piece of paper (to the corner of the page is best) and draw a square round the paw.  Measure the width of the square and that will give you the measurement and size required for your dog.
Make sure you measure the entire paw from the back paw pads to the edge of the toe nails, your dog’s nails should also be trimmed if required for the most comfortable of fit.  Go for the widest and longest measurement you get.

A more in depth guide – Hold a ruler or tape measure next to your dog’s paw and measure the length and width (including toenail)
Put a ruler on the floor and let your dog stand on it.  Wet your dog’s paw and press it on a blank piece of paper. Measure the length and width of the impression.  Place your dog’s paw on a blank piece of paper and draw lines at the top, bottom & sides. Measure the lines.
Place your dog’s paw on a blank piece of paper and trace the paw. Measure the length and width of the tracing.

We have an extensive range of Ruffwear dog boots, please view their sizing chart for more accurate information when choosing frm the Ruffwear range – Ruffwear Boots Sizing Chart

Important tip – if your dog is between sizes always go large for comfort.

How To Measure For Socks

Measure For Dog Socks

Our dog socks make look small but they are elasticated meaning they will stretch quite a bit for putting on then will ensure a nice snug fit on the paw.

If the size is right your dog will be able to play, walk, climb stairs etc without the worry of the sock slipping or turning.  If this happens the rubber pads on the underside of the sock will move and the sock will not be provide traction on wooden or laminate flooring.  A good fit is always a snug fit, the sock is too small if with your fingers placed to stretch you cannot get your dog’s paw in the sock and too large if it flops, falls of or sags down when fitted.

Measuring the paw is simple – make sure your dog is standing, place its paw flat on a piece of paper (to the corner of the page is best) and draw a square round the paw.  Measure the width of the square and that will give you the measurement and size required for your dog.
Make sure you measure the entire paw from the back paw pads to the edge of the toe nails, your dog’s nails should also be trimmed if required for the most comfortable of fit.  Go for the widest and longest measurement you get.

A more in depth guide– Hold a ruler or tape measure next to your dog’s paw and measure the length and width (including toenail)
Put a ruler on the floor and let your dog stand on it. Wet your dog’s paw and press it on a blank piece of paper. Measure the length and width of the impression. Place your dog’s paw on a blank piece of paper and draw lines at the top, bottom & sides. Measure the lines.
Place your dog’s paw on a blank piece of paper and trace the paw. Measure the length and width of the tracing.

Important tip – if your dog is between sizes always go large for comfort.

Remember if you need further assistance in measuring your dog just call us on 01506 444868 or email us via our secure contact form

Scot-PetShop

Unit 9 / 10
1 Firth Road
Houstoun Ind Est
Livingston
West Lothian
UK
EH54 5DJ

Hours:
9 – 5 Mon to Friday

Telephone:
+44 (0)1506 444 868

Mobile:
07810 350 902

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