How to Measure Your Dog for Clothes: A Sizing Guide That Actually Works

Dog clothing sizing is not standardized. A medium from one maker is a large from another, and breed-based charts ("fits a French Bulldog") are a starting point at best. The only reliable way to buy dog clothes that fit is to measure your dog and buy to the numbers.

It takes about two minutes and saves most returns.

The four measurements that matter

Have your dog stand squarely on all four legs — not sitting, not lying down. Sitting measurements come out short and are the single most common cause of a too-small garment. Use a soft fabric tape.

1. Back length (the most important one). From the base of the neck, where a collar sits, to the base of the tail. This determines the garment length. If you only take one measurement, take this one.
2. Chest / girth. Around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is usually the limiting measurement on deep-chested breeds.
3. Neck. Around the base of the neck where a collar sits.
4. Waist. Around the narrowest point in front of the hind legs. Matters for fitted coats and dresses, less for tees.

Measure against the body, not the coat

On fluffy breeds — Pomeranians, Samoyeds, Chow Chows, Shih Tzus — pull the tape gently snug so it sits against the body. Measuring over a full coat can add several inches and put you two sizes too large. Re-measure after a groom.

When measurements fall between sizes

Size up on chest, always. A garment that is slightly long is a minor annoyance; one that is tight across the ribs restricts breathing and movement, and your dog will refuse to wear it.

If chest and back length point to different sizes, buy for the chest and accept the length, or look for an adjustable style.

Breeds that need special attention

Deep-chested breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Dobermans, Boxers) have a large chest relative to a narrow waist. Standard cuts gape at the belly. Look for styles cut for the shape.

Long-backed breeds (Dachshunds, Corgis, Basset Hounds) need length that standard sizing rarely provides. Prioritize back length and expect to size up.

Broad-chested, short-necked breeds (Bulldogs, Frenchies, Pugs) frequently need a size up from what their weight suggests, and benefit from wide neck openings.

Toy breeds vary enormously between individuals. Never buy by breed name alone.

Check the fit once it arrives

A well-fitting garment should let your dog:

• Walk and trot without the shoulders binding
• Sit and lie down without the garment riding up
• Squat fully to toilet without contact
• Breathe with two fingers of room under the chest

Watch for rubbing in the armpits — the first place a bad fit shows.

Keep a record

Write your dog's four measurements in your phone. Adult dogs stay stable for years, and you will use them every time you buy. Re-measure after significant weight change, and every few months for a dog under 18 months.

Every item in our Apparel & Accessories collection lists measurements rather than breed guesses. Start with coats, sweaters, and shirts.