How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar, Harness & Clothing

Getting the right fit for your dog is one of the most important things you can do for their comfort and safety. Whether you're shopping for a collar, harness, or a cosy winter jumper, a few simple measurements will make all the difference. Here's your complete guide.

🐕 Why Sizing Matters

An ill-fitting collar can slip off — or worse, put pressure on your dog's trachea. A too-tight harness can chafe and restrict movement. And a raincoat that's too small won't protect them from the elements. Getting the right size isn't just about looks — it's about safety and comfort.

📏 How to Measure Your Dog

All you need is a soft tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler). Here are the three key measurements:

1. Neck Circumference (for collars)

Wrap the tape measure around the base of your dog's neck, where the collar would naturally sit. Add 2 fingers of space beneath the tape — this is your collar size. As a general guide:

  • Small dogs (e.g. Chihuahua, Dachshund): 20–30 cm
  • Medium dogs (e.g. Spaniel, Border Collie): 30–45 cm
  • Large dogs (e.g. Labrador, German Shepherd): 45–60 cm

2. Chest Girth (for harnesses)

Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind their front legs. This is the most important measurement for harness sizing. Add 2–3 fingers of space to ensure a comfortable fit.

3. Back Length (for clothing)

Measure from the base of your dog's neck (where the collar sits) to the base of their tail. This gives you the back length needed for coats, jumpers, and raincoats. Don't forget to also check the chest measurement against any clothing size chart!

📊 Quick Reference Size Chart

Size Neck (cm) Chest (cm) Back Length (cm)
XS 20–28 28–38 18–24
S 28–36 38–50 24–32
M 36–44 50–62 32–42
L 44–54 62–76 42–54
XL 54–64 76–90 54–66

💡 Tips for a Perfect Fit

  • Measure twice, order once — dogs can be between sizes. When in doubt, size up for clothing and down for collars.
  • Weigh your dog too — some products use weight as a guide. Combine with measurements for best results.
  • Check for adjustability — many of our collars and harnesses have adjustable straps, giving you a wider size range.
  • Puppies grow fast — if you have a young dog, consider buying slightly larger and using adjustable straps until they reach their adult size.

🛒 Shop by Category

Now that you have your measurements, browse our collections:

We ship to all our markets worldwide — UK, US, Canada, Australia, EU, UAE, Singapore, New Zealand, Ireland, and Nordic countries — with free shipping included.

Still Unsure?

We're here to help. If you've measured and you're still not sure which size is right for your pup, visit our store and we'll point you in the right direction. Happy measuring! 🐾

Back to blog