It can be difficult to know what size dog harness , coat, or collar your pup needs. It's often recommended that you choose a size based on weight, but a 40lb Bulldog is going to have a different fit than a 40lb Greyhound; they have very different body types.
This infographic will help you find the correct size for your dog. All you need is a flexible tape measure or a piece of string (or anything else you can wrap around your dog) and a ruler. If you’re a visual learner, try this video: How to Measure Your Dog for Coats & Harnesses .
Whether your dog is small, medium, or large, you should use the same methods to measure her. Just be sure to adjust the tape measure’s placement based on your dog’s specific dimensions. To fit your dog for a harness, you need two measurements: the neck and the chest. When measuring the neck, wrap the tape measure just below the narrow part where she normally wears a collar. If you’re having trouble deciding where to measure, feel for her shoulders. The correct spot to measure will be right above them.
When measuring the chest, take care to fit the tape measure around the widest part. Do not measure right behind your dog’s armpits; start measuring from the bottom of your dog’s rib cage. Weight can also be a factor in finding the correct size. Refer to our sizing guide to make sure that your dog’s weight fits within the range of her corresponding measurements.
In addition to measurements, there are other factors that should also influence your purchase. Some harnesses are styled to fit certain body types better than others. The Go-Tech harness , for example, is not suited for small dogs, hounds, or dogs with a small neck and deep chest. Instead, it works well with athletic dogs who have wide chests. The Journey Air harness is another active harness for dogs with an athletic build. It has a deep v-neck design that accommodates dogs who love to run and need their shoulders to be free.
Can’t decide on a harness style? The Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit harness (ESTFH) is a safe place to start. It is a great fit for a large range of dog breeds and body types due to its narrow base and minimalist design. The end of the harness doesn’t flare out like other harnesses, so it won’t rub or chafe your dog if she has a longer or skinny body. This harness is perfect for those hard to fit dogs with skinny necks and long bodies, like a Dachshund, because it sits further back than some overhead harnesses.