How to Measure Your Dog for a Coat (and Get the Fit Right the First Time)

Most returned dog coats aren’t the wrong style. They’re the wrong size. A coat that’s too short leaves the back and hips exposed. Too tight across the chest and your dog can’t move freely. Too loose and it slides around or lets the cold in. Three measurements fix almost all of it.

What you need

A soft (sewing) tape measure, a few treats, and your dog standing squarely on all four feet. Measure on a calm moment, not right after a walk.

The three measurements

1. Back length: from the base of the neck (where a collar sits) along the spine to the base of the tail. This is the number most coats are sized by.
2. Chest girth: around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. Keep the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers under it.
3. Neck: around the neck where a collar normally sits, again with two fingers of room.

Write it down

The fit test once it’s on

• The coat ends around the base of the tail, not halfway down the back.
• Two fingers slide under the chest strap and the neck opening.
• Your dog can sit, lie down, trot and lift a leg without the coat pulling or rubbing under the front legs.
• Nothing covers the belly so far that it gets soiled on bathroom breaks (especially for males).

Re-measure when life changes

Puppies can change size within weeks, and adult dogs change with weight, grooming and seasonal coat. Re-measure each autumn before the first cold snap. It takes two minutes and saves a return.

Not sure your dog needs a coat at all? Start with how cold is too cold for your dog.