FurSize / How to measure a dog / Harness
How to measure a dog for a harness
Wrap a soft tape around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Keep it snug, with room for two fingers under it, and write the number down in centimeters and inches. That one number is what most harness charts ask for.
- 1 ChestWidest part of the ribs, just behind the front legs.
- 2 NeckWhere a collar would sit.
- 3 BackAlong the spine, neck base to tail base.
Step by step
Measure the chest
Stand your dog and wrap a soft tape around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. Keep it level and snug, with room for two fingers under it. Read the number in centimeters and inches.
Measure the neck
Wrap the tape around the neck where a collar would sit, again with room for two fingers.
Measure the back
For coats and sweaters, measure along the spine from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Check the chart
Match the chest number to the size chart row that covers it. If two sizes fit, think about how adjustable the harness is before you choose.
Mistakes that cost you a return
- Measuring a dog that is lying down or twisting around. Stand them side on, or ask someone to hold a treat.
- Pulling the tape tight. A harness sits over fur and moves, so snug with two fingers of room is the target.
- Choosing by weight alone. A stocky dog and a lean dog of the same weight can have very different chest measurements.
- Forgetting a growing puppy. The chest changes fast in the first months, so measure again before you reorder.
No soft tape? Use a piece of string, mark where it meets, then lay it flat against a ruler.
Not measured yet?
Tell us your puppy's age and weight for a first estimate.