Dog Measurement Guide
Here’s a clear, practical guide for accurately measuring your dog for harnesses, clothing, muzzles, coats, or custom gear.
Tools Needed to measure the dog
- Soft measuring tape (tailor’s tape)
- Treats for your dog
- Pen and paper (or phone notes)
- Have your dog standing straight on a flat surface
A - Muzzle Circumference
What it measures: The circumference around the muzzle (snout), usually taken just behind the nose where the muzzle would sit.
How to measure:
- Have your dog stand or sit calmly.
- Place the measuring tape around the muzzle, just behind the nose (typically at the widest part or where the basket muzzle would rest).
- Keep the tape snug but not tight — your dog should be able to open their mouth slightly for panting.
- For muzzles, add extra room for panting (usually 6–15 cm / 2.5–6 inches depending on dog size).
Tip from The Muzzle Shop:
Take the base measurement and then check if your dog can pant comfortably by holding a loop of tape with the chosen circumference in front of their nose. If unsure, go one size up.
B - Neck Girth
What it measures: The circumference of the neck where a collar normally sits.
How to measure:
- Measure around the base of the neck (the lowest part, where the collar rests).
-
Keep two fingers between the tape and the neck for comfort.
- Do not measure too high up on the neck.
B2 - Largest Neck/Chest Girth (Harness Position)
What it measures:
The circumference at the deepest / largest part of the chest, right behind the front legs where most harnesses sit. This is often the widest point of the dog’s body.
How to measure:
- Stand your dog on a flat surface in a natural standing position.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the chest, directly behind the front legs (around the ribcage).
- Pull the tape snug but comfortable — you should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and your dog’s body.
- Make sure the tape is level and not angled.
Important:
This measurement (B2) is usually larger than the regular neck girth (B) and is the most critical measurement for harnesses, jackets, and coats.
C - Chest Girth (Most Important for Harnesses/Coats)
What it measures: The largest circumference around the rib cage.
How to measure:
- Stand your dog straight.
- Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of the chest, right behind the front legs (around the rib cage).
- Pull the tape snug but not tight (you should fit two fingers underneath).
- This is usually the largest measurement on the dog.
Pro Tip: This is the most critical measurement for harnesses and jackets.
D - Waist Circumference
What it measures: The narrowest part of the body, just in front of the hind legs (also called the loin or abdominal area).
How to measure:
- Measure around the belly, right in front of the back legs (where the waist naturally narrows).
- Keep the tape snug but comfortable.
- This measurement is especially important for diapers, belly bands, or certain clothing items.
E - Back Length (Topline Length)
What it measures: The length of the dog’s back. Used for Coats, Dresses & Harnesses.
How to measure:
- Have your dog standing straight.
- Measure from the base of the neck (withers / where the collar sits, between the shoulder blades) to the base of the tail (where the tail joins the body).
- Keep the tape along the spine.
Common name: Also called “back length” or “topline.”
Extra Advice for dog Measurement
- Always measure twice to confirm.
- If possible, make and provide us with pictures or video of measurement
- Measure your dog in a calm state (not after running or eating a big meal).
- For breeds with thick fur, press the tape lightly through the coat.