A dog jacket only does its job if it fits. Too tight and it rubs or restricts movement. Too loose and it slides around, lets cold air in and can snag on things. The good news is that measuring a dog is easy once you know where to put the tape. All you need is a soft fabric measuring tape, a few treats and a calm few minutes.
Get set up
Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after a walk. Have your dog stand squarely on a flat floor with all four feet under the body and the head in a natural, level position. If your dog sits or lies down, the numbers will be off, so reward standing still. A helper who can hold treats at nose level makes the job much easier. If you do not have a fabric tape, use a piece of string and then measure the string against a ruler.
The three key measurements
Most jacket sizing charts rely on some combination of these:
- Back length. Measure from the base of the neck, where a collar naturally sits, along the spine to the base of the tail. Do not include the tail itself.
- Chest girth. Measure around the widest part of the rib cage, usually just behind the front legs. This is often the most important number for fit.
- Neck girth. Measure around the neck where a collar would rest, not tight against the throat and not halfway down the shoulders.
Keep the tape snug but not tight. A common approach is to make sure you can slip two fingers flat between the tape and your dog. Write each number down immediately, and measure twice to be sure.
Fluffy coats and in-between sizes
Doodles and other dogs with thick or curly coats can be tricky because the fur adds bulk. Press the tape gently through the fluff toward the body for an accurate reading, then remember that the coat will take up some room inside the jacket. If your dog was recently groomed short, keep in mind that the fur will grow back over the winter.
When your dog falls between two sizes on a chart, chest girth usually decides it. A jacket that is a little long is often more comfortable than one that pinches around the ribs. For deep-chested dogs or very broad dogs, check whether the brand offers notes on fit for different body types.
Check the sizing chart for that specific jacket
There is no universal dog jacket size. A medium from one brand may be a small or large from another, and different styles from the same brand can fit differently. Always compare your measurements to the chart for the exact product you are considering, rather than relying on what size your dog wore before.
Re-measure through the year
Puppies grow quickly, and adult dogs can gain or lose weight over the season. Grooming changes coat length, too. It is a good habit to re-measure at the start of each winter and whenever your dog’s shape seems to have changed. If your dog’s weight has shifted noticeably, that is also worth mentioning to your veterinarian. Once you have accurate numbers, choosing a jacket becomes much simpler, and your dog gets something that moves the way they do.
