Find the Right Fit for your Pooch’s Dog Gear and Dog Jackets with an
Explanation of Dog Sizing Charts
Choosing the right fit for your dog’s next jacket or sweater is essential for
the comfort, agility and activity of your pup. However, all too often people get
confused and frustrated with the lack of consistent sizing in the
dog apparel market and sometimes end up ordering dog gear more consistent with the perceived
size of the dog versus the actual sizing which accompanies the product. Whether
ordering a dog rain coat or a summer
doggie sweater, there are a few universal tricks to
ordering the right size. With this in mind, here are few tried and true dog
sizing hints and tips that will aid in the accurate interpretation of each
dog sizing chart and get you closer to choosing the right fit for your pooch.
First off, dog apparel companies typically break their sizing down into the following
categories:
• Back (body length)
• Chest
• Neck
The back measurement is referred to as the ‘top line measurement’ as it
typically entails measuring the backbone from the base of the head (where the
collar rests) to the base of the tail (where the tail is attached). It’s
important to note that companies who only size on the basis of ‘top line
measurement’ also assume that girth will be taken into consideration when
ordering for size. Effectively, girth is another term used to describe the chest
measurement. See guide below:
The chest measurement is meant to gauge the circumference of the dog’s chest at its
widest point. For most dogs, 'the widest point' can be found
behind the front legs. As mentioned previously, another consideration in this
measurement is girth which accounts for any extra bulk your pet may have such as
large amounts of fur, a stout build or a full-figure. See guide below:
The final major measurement that you’re bound to see in dog sizing charts is for the
neck. The neck measurement indicates the distance around your dog’s
neck. Seeing as this measurement is geared at sizing collars, most manufacturers
suggest adding 1” to the final measurement taken to allow for comfort and extra fur.
In the case of greyhounds or chihuahuas, neck size can also be a major
consideration if the dog jacket or sweater you’re interested in has an attached
turtleneck. See guide below.
Other major sizing considerations other than back, chest and neck measurements are
the following:
• Always keep your dog’s girth in mind.
• Don’t buy a size for your pooch based on your estimation of your dog’s size,
always measure you dog according to the product’s size chart.
• Does the fabric have give? If not, will your dog be able to move with ease?
It’s also important to keep garment's fabric in mind when determining a size as some
materials can stretch when worn multiple times.
• One piece of information that’s consistently quoted in multiple dog sizing
charts is this: If measurements fall between two sizes, please select the larger
size.
• Make sure to always compare the picture and product description to
ensure you're going to get what's pictured and described. For example,
dog coats tend to be full length, whereas dog jackets tend to be
shorter and many shoppers may not know this important distinction.
• Unless you have no other guide, do not estimate your dog’s size according to
weight. Take the extra 3 minutes to measure your dog. In the
vast world of dog breeds, weight can be a deceiving measurement.
• Lastly, after measuring your dog, if you’re still not sure, call the company. It’s better to take a few
minutes when you're about to buy rather than receiving a package with the wrong
size.
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