How to measure your dog for a harness

I am Fluffy, and I have tried enough harnesses to know that size matters more than colour. A harness that fits spreads the pull over chest and shoulders instead of the neck. A harness that fits badly rubs under the front legs or lets the dog back out of it. Here is a simple guide to measuring your dog, and the sizes our harnesses come in.

What you need

A soft measuring tape, a treat or two and a dog standing calmly on all four legs. No measuring tape? Use a piece of string and hold it against a ruler afterwards. Measure twice, and use the larger number if the two differ.

How to measure chest girth

Chest girth is the most important measurement for a harness. Place the tape around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. The tape should lie close to the body without pulling tight. Let the dog stand with its head straight ahead, because the chest changes shape when it sits.

If your dog has long or thick fur, press the tape lightly into the coat so you measure the body and not just the fur.

How to measure neck girth

Many harnesses also have a strap around the neck, so it helps to know the neck girth. Measure around the neck where a collar naturally sits, usually just above the shoulders. Keep two fingers between the tape and the neck for a comfortable fit.

Check the fit afterwards

Once the harness is on, the same rule of thumb applies as for collars: you should be able to slide two fingers flat under the straps without the harness pulling tight or sitting loose. Check both when the dog stands still and when it walks, and look for straps rubbing under the front legs. Adjust once more after the first few walks.

Sizes in the Check harnesses

The Check harnesses have four adjustment points and two quick release buckles, so you can fine tune the fit. They are made to order, so it pays to measure one extra time before you order.

Not sure between two sizes? Write to us at hej@fluffycph.com with your dog's chest girth and breed, and we will help.

Sizes in the Pressure Free Travel harness

The Pressure Free Travel harness is made of polypropylene webbing and breathable mesh that distributes pressure, and comes in S to XXL. Here are the width and adjustment range for each size:

Collar or harness?

Still unsure whether a harness is right? Read collar or harness for your dog: which fits best. Sizes for collars, bandanas and leashes are in the size guide, and all our harnesses are gathered under dog harnesses.

Fluffy's advice: measure twice, order once, and give the treat afterwards.