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How do you measure your dog for a harness?

A well-fitting dog harness is essential for comfort, safety, and control while walking . But how do you know exactly what size your dog needs?

In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to correctly measure your dog for a harness , so you can be sure the harness fits perfectly.

Why is it important to measure your dog correctly?

A dog harness that doesn't fit properly can cause several problems:

  • chafing under the armpits

  • limited freedom of movement

  • your dog can escape from the harness

  • less control while walking

By measuring your dog correctly, you can prevent these problems and ensure that your dog can go on adventures comfortably and safely .

What do you need to measure your dog?

Luckily, you don't need much:

  • a flexible measuring tape (such as a sewing tape)

  • or a piece of string + ruler/tape measure

  • extra: a few dog snacks to keep your dog still 😉

Tip: Measure your dog when he is standing , not when he is sitting or lying down.

Step 1: Measure your dog's chest size

The chest size is the most important measurement for a dog harness.

Here's how to measure this correctly:

  1. Place the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest

  2. This is usually located just behind the front legs

  3. Don't pull the measuring tape too tight, but also not too loose. You should be able to easily slide two fingers under the tape.

Note the measurement in centimeters.

💡 Tip: If your dog is between sizes, usually choose the larger size .

Step 2: Measure your dog's neck

The neck size is also important.

This is how you measure this:

  1. Place the measuring tape low around the neck

  2. Approximately where a harness would sit, so slightly lower than a collar

  3. Make sure you can still fit two fingers between the ribbon and the neck

This prevents the harness from being too tight.

Step 3: Check the fit of the harness

When you receive the harness, always check that it fits properly.

A well-fitting dog harness:

✔ fits firmly but not tightly
✔ does not restrict the movement of the shoulders
✔ leave about two fingers of space between the harness and the body

Common mistakes when measuring a dog

Many people unknowingly make small measurement errors. These are the most common ones:

1. Measuring too high at the chest
The chest should be measured at its widest point.

2. Measure while the dog is sitting
This may cause the size to be smaller.

3. Pulling the measuring tape too tight
This can result in a harness that is too small.

Which type of harness is right for your dog?

Not all harnesses are the same. The most common types are:

Y-harness
Offers great freedom of movement and is ergonomic.

Step-in harness
Ideal for dogs that don't like having things put over their heads and is also available in the form of a Y-harness.

The most important thing is that you choose the right size based on your bust size .

Tip: Check the harness regularly

Dogs can change weight or muscle mass. Therefore, check regularly that the harness still fits properly.

Especially with:

  • puppies

  • young dogs in growth

  • dogs that lose or gain weight

  • dogs that regularly go to the groomer

Ready to measure your dog perfectly?

With the correct measurements you ensure that your dog can go out comfortably, safely and in style .

Browse our collection of dog harnesses and find the perfect match for your next walk.

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