The correct way to measure for a dog coat involves taking three key measurements: the dog’s back length, their chest girth, and their neck size. Getting these correct dog coat measurements ensures your dog stays warm, dry, and comfortable without restricting their movement.
Getting the right fit for your dog’s coat is vital. A coat that is too small will pinch and rub, causing discomfort or even injury. A coat that is too big might snag on things, slip around, or fail to keep the cold out. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to get accurate determining dog coat measurements.
Why Accurate Measurement Matters
Many people make the mistake of just guessing their dog’s size or relying only on breed standards. This rarely works! Just like humans, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, even within the same breed. A Great Dane puppy might need a different size than a senior Great Dane. A short-backed Dachshund needs a different fit than a long-backed one.
A well-fitting coat provides maximum protection. It keeps the elements out. It also allows for full range of motion for running and playing. This is especially important when measuring dog for winter coat needs, where insulation and coverage are key.
Tools You Need for Measuring
You do not need fancy equipment. Gather these simple items before you start:
- Flexible Tape Measure: A tailor’s measuring tape works best. If you only have a rigid metal tape measure, use a string to measure the dog first, then measure the string against the metal tape.
- A Helper (Optional but Recommended): Having someone gently hold the dog still, especially while measuring the girth, makes things much easier.
- Treats: Keep your dog happy and cooperative!
The Three Key Measurements for Dog Coats
To use a dog coat sizing guide successfully, you must collect three main pieces of data. These are the backbone of proper fitting.
1. Dog Coat Length Measurement (Back Length)
This is often the most important measurement for determining the coat’s main size designation (Small, Medium, Large, etc.).
How to Measure a Dog’s Back Length
The back length measurement runs from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. This is not the same as measuring the entire spine.
Steps for Measuring Back Length:
- Position Your Dog: Have your dog stand squarely on all four feet on a flat surface. A relaxed, standing position is crucial for accuracy.
- Locate the Start Point: Find the point where the neck meets the body. This is usually where the collar sits comfortably. This is the base of the neck.
- Locate the End Point: Find where the tail connects to the body. Stop your measurement before the tail bone itself begins. You want the coat to cover the dog’s back, but not hang so long that it touches the tail when the dog wags or sits.
- Measure Straight: Run the tape measure straight down the dog’s back, keeping it close to the body, to the end point. Do not let the tape sag or curve too much over the dog’s back.
Tip for the Best Way to Measure Dog for Coat: If your dog squirms, measure them while they are sitting, but note that the standing measurement is usually more accurate for length. If your dog is very wiggly, measure quickly!
2. Chest Girth for Dog Coat (The Widest Part)
The chest girth measurement ensures the coat fits snugly around the dog’s widest point without being too tight. This is critical for comfort and warmth.
How to Measure the Chest Girth
The girth measurement is taken around the deepest and widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs.
Steps for Measuring Chest Girth:
- Identify the Location: Place your fingers just behind your dog’s front legs. Move them backward until you feel the widest part of the rib cage. This is usually the deepest part of their chest.
- Wrap the Tape: Wrap the tape measure snugly around this widest part of the chest.
- Ensure Two-Finger Space: You must leave room for movement and breathing. After wrapping the tape, you should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between the tape and your dog’s body. This space is essential. A coat that is too tight here will restrict breathing or movement.
This chest girth for dog coat measurement is often the deciding factor when a dog’s back length falls between standard sizes.
3. Neck Measurement
While many coats adjust via Velcro or buckles at the neck, knowing the actual neck size helps ensure the front opening sits correctly and doesn’t choke the dog or fall off the shoulders.
How to Measure the Neck
Measure the circumference of the dog’s neck where a collar normally sits.
Steps for Measuring Neck Circumference:
- Collar Position: Find where your dog’s current collar sits comfortably.
- Measure Around: Wrap the tape measure around the neck at that point.
- Add for Comfort: Again, ensure you can fit two fingers comfortably between the tape and the neck. This accounts for fur and ensures the coat opening does not rub the neck raw.
Adjusting Measurements for Specific Coat Types
Different coats require slightly different focusing on these correct dog coat measurements.
Measuring Dog for Winter Coat
When measuring dog for winter coat, you want ample coverage but not bulkiness.
- Length: Aim for the upper end of the acceptable range. A winter coat needs to cover the hips slightly for extra warmth.
- Girth: Ensure the girth allows for layering underneath. If you plan to put a sweater under the coat, add an extra inch to your girth measurement.
Measuring for Dog Harness and Coat Sizing
If you use a harness, you need to know how the coat will interact with it. This is where dog harness and coat sizing becomes tricky.
- Measure with Harness On (If Possible): Some coats are designed to go over a harness. If so, put the harness on and then take the back length measurement over the harness.
- Check Harness Access: Most coats have a slit or opening for a leash ring. Ensure that when you take your back length measurement, the intended slit on the coat will line up correctly with the D-ring on your dog’s harness. If the coat is too short, the D-ring might end up exposed on the dog’s back, defeating the purpose of the slit. If the coat is too long, the slit might be too far toward the tail.
Measuring for Raincoats or Summer Vests
For lighter gear, fit is more about coverage and preventing chafing.
- Girth is King: For vests or lightweight coats, the girth is the most critical fit point. It must be snug enough not to flap around but loose enough for exercise.
- Length: Keep the length shorter. You don’t want a raincoat dragging on wet ground or hindering bathroom breaks.
The Dog Coat Fitting Tips: Checking the Work
Once you have your measurements and you’ve received the coat, the job isn’t done. You need to check the fit in person. These dog coat fitting tips will help you finalize the selection.
The Three-Point Fit Check
Use these checks after putting the coat on the dog:
1. The Back Length Check
Look at the coverage. Does the coat end appropriately?
- Too Short: If the coat ends mid-back, the dog’s lower back and hips will be exposed to cold or rain.
- Too Long: If the coat covers the tail attachment point significantly or hits the upper thigh, it will interfere with walking, sitting, or potty breaks.
2. The Chest Girth Check
The straps or belly band must hold the coat securely.
- Too Tight: If you cannot fit two fingers easily under the belly strap, or if the coat pulls up toward the front legs when the dog walks, it’s too tight. Look for bulging or resistance around the armpits.
- Too Loose: If the coat spins around easily when the dog moves, or if the belly straps hang down significantly, the dog could step on them or the coat will shift, exposing the dog’s side.
3. The Neck Opening Check
The front collar area should sit securely without choking.
- The “Shoulder Slide”: Ensure the front of the coat doesn’t slide too far forward onto the neck, or too far back into the shoulders. A good fit here prevents chafing where the front legs meet the body. If the coat is meant to cover the chest, ensure the chest panel covers the sternum without restricting the dog’s natural front-leg bending motion.
Movement Test
This step is non-negotiable. Have your dog perform normal activities while wearing the coat.
- Walk and Turn: Does the coat shift dramatically when they turn sharply?
- Sit and Lie Down: Does the coat bunch uncomfortably around the hips or shoulders? If it bunches heavily, it might be too long.
- Play: If they shake their head or try to run, does the coat stay put?
Interpreting Sizing Charts: Converting Measurements to Size
Every brand uses a dog coat sizing guide, but they are rarely standardized. A “Medium” from Brand A might be a “Large” from Brand B. This is why your physical measurements are always more important than the size letter.
When you look at a chart, you usually match your longest measurement (the back length) to the chart’s length column. Then, you check the girth range for that size to ensure it accommodates your dog’s chest.
Example Sizing Table (Illustrative Only):
| Size | Back Length (Inches) | Chest Girth (Inches) | Neck Circumference (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 14 – 16 | 18 – 22 | 12 – 14 |
| Medium | 18 – 20 | 22 – 28 | 14 – 16 |
| Large | 22 – 24 | 26 – 32 | 16 – 18 |
| X-Large | 26 – 28 | 30 – 36 | 18 – 20 |
Scenario Example:
Your dog measures:
* Back Length: 21 inches
* Chest Girth: 25 inches
Looking at the table above, the dog falls squarely into the Medium category for both measurements.
What if measurements conflict?
If your dog measures 21 inches long (Medium) but has a 30-inch girth (approaching Large):
- Prioritize Girth for Bulk: For warm coats (winter coats), you should usually size up to accommodate the larger girth, even if the length is slightly long. You can often adjust a slightly long coat using straps, but you cannot magically make a too-small girth fit.
- Prioritize Length for Coverage: For specialized coats like rain gear where excessive length is a tripping hazard, prioritize the length and look for a design that has a very adjustable belly strap.
Special Considerations: Breed and Body Type
Certain body shapes present specific challenges when finding the best way to measure dog for coat.
Long and Low Dogs (e.g., Dachshunds, Corgis)
These breeds have long backs relative to their leg height.
- Length Focus: Back length must be precise. If the coat is too long, it will drag on the ground or the dog’s legs will get caught in it.
- Girth Adjustment: Their chests are often deep, so the girth measurement is crucial. Ensure the belly strap doesn’t ride too high up the chest.
Deep-Chested Dogs (e.g., Boxers, Greyhounds, Pit Bulls)
These dogs often have chests that are much wider than their backs are long.
- Girth is Primary: They will almost always need a size up based on their chest girth compared to their back length. Be extremely careful that the front opening isn’t too wide, causing the coat to slide back toward their shoulders.
- Neck Fit: The neck area needs to fit well to anchor the coat.
Barrel-Chested Dogs (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs)
These dogs have broad chests and very short backs.
- Short Length Required: Always select a size based on the shortest back length possible that still accommodates the massive girth. A bulky coat designed for a long-backed dog will be far too long for a Bulldog.
- Girth Must Be Flexible: Look for coats with extra-long or highly elastic belly straps.
Thin or Sighthounds (e.g., Whippets, Greyhounds)
These dogs have very lean bodies, deep chests, and little body fat.
- Girth vs. Length Mismatch: They usually need a longer coat to cover their long torso but a much narrower girth than a stockier dog of the same length.
- Material Matters: Look for coats that cinch tightly around the belly strap, or those specifically made for sighthounds, as standard sizing will often be too loose around the waist.
Finalizing Your Purchase Decision
Once you have your three key numbers—Length, Girth, and Neck—you are ready to shop. Always review the specific brand’s size chart before ordering.
Reviewing the Dog Coat Sizing Guide
When comparing options online:
- Check the Units: Are the measurements in inches or centimeters?
- Look for Coverage Details: Does the description specify if the length measurement includes the neck piece or just the back panel?
- Read Customer Reviews: Do owners of similar breeds mention if the sizing runs small or large? This practical feedback can save you the hassle of returns.
Remember, getting the dog coat sizing guide right the first time saves time and money. Take your time with the measuring process, always allowing that crucial two-finger wiggle room, and you will find a coat that keeps your companion perfectly comfortable, no matter the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: If my dog is between sizes, which measurement should I prioritize?
A: Generally, prioritize the chest girth for dog coat measurement, especially for insulated winter coats. It is easier to manage a slightly long coat (by adjusting straps or accepting minimal overlap) than a coat that is too tight around the chest, which restricts breathing and movement. However, for raincoats where length affects ground clearance, prioritize the back length.
Q: Should I measure my dog when they are wearing their regular collar or harness?
A: For the neck measurement, measure where the collar sits when relaxed. For the girth measurement, if the coat is designed to fit over a harness (check product description), measure with the harness on. If the coat goes under the harness, measure the dog bare-chested. When in doubt, measure bare, and account for the bulk of the harness when checking the fit of the coat straps.
Q: How loose should the coat be? Can I measure too tightly?
A: You should always measure snugly but allow for two fingers of clearance underneath the tape measure for both the neck and chest girth. Measuring too tightly will result in a coat that restricts blood flow, chafes the skin, or hinders deep breathing, especially during exertion.
Q: What if my dog has long fur? Do I need to account for that in my measurements?
A: Most determining dog coat measurements are taken directly against the skin or over a light layer of fur. If your dog has very thick, dense double coats (like a Malamute or Husky), you might add about a half-inch to the girth measurement to ensure the coat fits over the compressed fur when fastened. Do not drastically increase the back length measurement, as this can cause bunching.
Q: What is the difference between girth and chest size on a sizing chart?
A: Girth is the circumference measured completely around the body at the widest point (usually behind the front legs). Chest size sometimes refers only to the width across the front of the chest, but in most dog coat sizing guide contexts for girth, it refers to the full circumference measurement. Always confirm if the chart specifies circumference or width.