Getting the right harness for your dog is crucial for their comfort, safety, and health. A poorly fitting harness can cause injuries, restrict movement, or even allow your dog to slip out during walks. Here's how to measure your dog properly to ensure a perfect fit:
- Tools You Need: Soft measuring tape, a record sheet for measurements, and treats to keep your dog calm.
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Measurements to Take:
- Neck Size: Measure at the base of the neck, snug but not tight.
- Chest Girth: Measure the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
- Back Length: Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Weight: Check your dog’s weight to match size charts.
- Breed-Specific Tips: Consider unique body shapes (e.g., Bulldogs, Dachshunds) when selecting a harness.
- Adjust for Growth: Choose adjustable harnesses and regularly check the fit as your dog grows or changes size.
Quick Tip: Always ensure you can slip two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body for a proper fit.
How to Measure a Dog for a Harness
1. Required Measuring Tools
Make sure you have the right tools ready to measure your dog accurately.
Soft Measuring Tape
A flexible measuring tape works best to follow your dog's shape and ensure accurate measurements. Don’t have one? No problem - use a piece of string to measure and then check its length with a ruler [3].
Measurement Record
Keep a record of your dog's key measurements. Include:
- Date of measurement
- Neck size
- Chest girth
- Back length
- Weight
This helps you track changes over time.
Training Treats
Have some small treats on hand to keep your dog calm and cooperative while you measure [4].
Once you’ve gathered these, you’re all set to measure your dog with precision.
2. Neck Size Measurement
Getting the neck measurement right is key to your dog's comfort and safety.
Locating the Neck Base
Place the measuring tape at the base of your dog's neck, just behind their ears. This is the spot where a harness or collar naturally rests. For dogs with thick or long fur, part the hair to ensure the tape touches the skin directly.
Steps for Accurate Measurement
- Pick the right moment: Measure when your dog is calm to avoid inaccurate readings.
- Position the tape correctly: Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of the neck where the collar usually sits.
- Check the tension: The tape should be snug but not tight.
"How to Measure: Use a soft tape measure and pull the tape snug but not tight. Allow sufficient room to slip two fingers between the collar and your pup's neck." - LuckyLoveDog [5]
Take the measurement 2–3 times to confirm accuracy. Thick fur can sometimes interfere, so always measure directly against the skin [6]. Once you're confident in your neck measurement, you're ready to move on to chest sizing.
3. Chest Size Measurement
Measuring your dog's chest correctly is key to ensuring their harness fits comfortably and securely during walks.
Finding the Chest Width
The widest part of your dog’s chest is located just behind their front legs - this is where the harness will fit best. To measure this spot:
- Have your dog stand naturally on all fours.
- Use a soft measuring tape to get an accurate reading.
Tip: This measurement is essential for a harness that stays snug and secure [2].
How to Measure the Chest
Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your dog's ribcage. Make sure the tape is positioned evenly and sits flat against their body. You should be able to slide two fingers between the tape and your dog for a proper fit.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Measuring too close to the front legs.
- Letting the tape sag or twist.
- Pulling the tape too tightly.
- Measuring when your dog isn’t standing naturally.
For best results, take the measurement twice and compare. If your dog’s chest size falls between two harness sizes, go with the larger one [7]. If your dog is restless, try measuring after some playtime and use treats to keep them calm.
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4. Back Length Measurement
Measuring back length is crucial for full-body harnesses, especially those with back plates, to ensure your dog’s comfort and freedom of movement.
Start and End Points
Follow these steps to measure your dog’s back length:
- Starting point: The base of the neck where the collar naturally rests.
- Ending point: The base of the tail where it connects to the body.
Use a soft measuring tape and measure in a straight line along your dog’s back. Keep the tape snug against the skin [9]. Make sure your dog is standing properly to get an accurate reading.
Proper Standing Position
Your dog’s posture plays a big role in getting an accurate back length measurement [8]. Here’s how to position your dog:
- Stand on a flat, even surface.
- Ensure all four paws are firmly planted.
- Keep the head in a natural, forward-facing position.
- Make sure the back is straight and level.
Avoid measuring if your dog is:
- Sitting or lying down.
- Looking up or down.
- Wiggling or in an unnatural stance.
For dogs that won’t stay still, try holding a treat at eye level to encourage them to maintain a straight posture. Having someone assist with this can make the process easier.
For harnesses with back plates, this measurement ensures even pressure distribution during walks.
5. Dog Weight Check
Weight plays a crucial role in finding the right harness size for your dog. Most manufacturers combine weight ranges with chest girth to ensure a proper fit.
Weight and Sizing
Weight determines the strength and structure a harness needs. For example, Coastal Pet harnesses show how weight impacts size selection:
- A dog with a 30-inch chest girth might need:
- Medium size for a 50-pound dog
- Large size for a 75-pound dog
- Extra-large size for a 100-pound dog [10]
"When sizing for a harness, you want to know the size of the chest, because that's what the harness is going around", explains Melinda Rosato, manager of The Hungry Puppy in New Jersey [10].
It's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's size chart and prioritize girth measurements for the best fit [13].
At-Home Weighing Methods
Since weight affects harness choice, accurate weighing at home is important. Here are some tips for weighing your dog:
For Small Dogs:
- Use a baby scale.
- Place them directly on a bathroom scale.
- Use a carrier: weigh yourself with and without the dog, then subtract the difference [11].
For Medium Dogs:
- Weigh yourself first, then hold your dog and weigh again. Subtract your weight from the combined total [11].
For Large Dogs: Head to your local vet clinic for a more accurate weighing.
"Many clients ask me if they can use their home scales. I generally tell clients they can use home scales for basic trends, but any major discrepancies should be then confirmed on the hospital scale" [11].
Make the process easier by using treats and positive reinforcement. Puppies should be weighed every two weeks, while adult dogs benefit from monthly weigh-ins to ensure their harness still fits properly [12].
6. Breed Size Guidelines
Choosing the right harness depends on your dog's breed and body shape. Here's how to find the best fit.
Body Shape Differences
Some breeds have unique body structures that make finding the right harness a bit tricky. For example, English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs have wide chests but shorter bodies, which require a different fit. Dachshunds, on the other hand, have long torsos and smaller chests, making sizing more challenging [17].
Here’s a handy guide for common breed body types:
| Body Type | Common Breeds | Fitting Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Chest | Bulldogs, Pugs | Need extra chest room |
| Long Body | Dachshunds | Require longer back lengths |
| Deep Chest | Greyhounds, Whippets | Adjustable girth straps are ideal |
| Standard Build | Labradors, Golden Retrievers | Standard sizes usually work well |
Size Chart Sources
For accurate sizing, check breed-specific charts like the Perfect Fit Harness chart or Susan Lanci Designs’ detailed measurements. These resources consider factors like age, breed, and girth to help you pick the right size.
"The Perfect Fit Breed Sizing Chart requires the age of the dog (if under 2 years old), breed (including cross-breeds), sex, and girth measurement to provide accurate sizing advice" [15].
Susan Lanci Designs offers luxury harnesses with sizes ranging from Teacup (TC) for small breeds with 7½–10 inch chests to XL for larger breeds with 17–20 inch chests [18].
While breed guidelines are useful, remember they’re just a starting point. Dogs within the same breed can vary greatly in size. For instance, a standard Dachshund might need anything from a size 20 S-xs-s to a 20 m-s-m, depending on its measurements [15].
Here are general chest size ranges by breed category:
- Small Breeds (up to 25 lbs): Chest: 13–23 inches
- Medium Breeds (up to 55 lbs): Chest: 18–29 inches
- Large Breeds (75+ lbs): Chest: 28–44 inches [14]
For breeds with unusual shapes, like Pugs and their "meatloaf" bodies, look for harnesses with extra adjustment points to ensure a snug and comfortable fit [16].
Next, explore tips for adjusting harnesses as your dog grows.
7. Size Adjustment Tips
Getting the right fit is just the beginning. Regular adjustments ensure your dog stays comfortable as they grow.
Growing Dog Needs
Look for a harness with adjustable features that can adapt to your dog's changing size. For example, the Balance Harness has six adjustment points, making it easy to customize the fit [19].
Here are some features to consider:
| Feature | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Adjustment Points | Ensures a snug fit as your dog grows | Balance Harness with 6-point adjustment |
| VELCRO® Closures | Makes size changes quick and simple | Ray Allen Puppy Training Harness (18″–24″ range) |
| Sectional Design | Lets you replace or adjust specific parts | PerfectFit's modular sections |
Choose a harness that fits well without adding unnecessary bulk. This keeps your dog both comfortable and secure. Once you’ve picked the right harness, follow these steps to fine-tune the fit.
Harness Adjustment Features
Use these steps to properly adjust your dog's harness:
- Loosen all straps before placing the harness on your dog.
- Position the harness high on the chest and adjust each strap to ensure a snug but not overly tight fit.
- Test the fit with a gentle leash pull to make sure it’s secure [20].
The "two-finger rule" is a reliable way to check the fit: you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog’s body [20].
"I have been looking for a non-restrictive harness that could be modified to fit any dog of any size or shape and am delighted that I have found it in the Balance Harness. This harness can be adjusted along every axis (6 different ways) and has rings to clip a leash at the chest or back."
– Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVSMR, CVSMT, CAC [19]
Pay attention to signs of discomfort, like scratching or hesitation to move, which might mean adjustments are needed [20]. If the harness tends to shift, slide both sides up to just above the shoulders before finalizing the fit [21].
A properly adjusted harness isn’t just about comfort - it’s about keeping your dog safe. It prevents chafing, allows natural movement, and ensures your dog stays secure during walks and adventures.
Conclusion
Making sure your dog's harness fits correctly is key to their comfort and safety. Dogs can change size due to growth, weight changes, or muscle development, so regular fit checks are a must [22]. By following the guidelines provided, you can avoid problems like chafing, skin irritation, or restricted movement [1].
If you're looking for high-quality harnesses, Susan Lanci Designs offers Ultrasuede® options tailored for a perfect fit. Their Custom Tinkie and Step In harnesses are designed to evenly distribute pressure across your dog's chest while combining style and practicality.
| Fit Check | How Often | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Comfort | Daily | Ensure two fingers fit between harness and body |
| Skin Check | Weekly | Check for irritation or pressure points |
| Size Assessment | Monthly | Adjust straps and evaluate overall fit |
Stick to this checklist to keep your dog's harness comfortable and secure. For cleaning, wash the harness in cold water with mild soap - ideally in a lingerie bag - and let it air dry [23].