Buzz
You’ve likely come across a dog coat and wondered about its purpose beyond just making your pet look fashionable. Aside from adding style, these coats offer protection against wind, cold air, and water, particularly for short-haired breeds with less body fat. Additionally, they enhance safety by making your dog more visible at night or protecting surgical wounds post-operation. With the variety of coat sizes and dog breeds available, it’s essential to know how to measure accurately and choose the right fit to ensure your pet’s comfort.
Steps
Take your dog’s measurements
Gather the necessary tools. Since you’ll need to measure your dog’s chest and length, prepare a measuring tape, pencil, and paper for notes. Having someone assist you in holding your dog steady will make the process easier.
- Rewarding your dog with treats can encourage them to stay still during the process.
Identify the chest measurement location. Have your dog stand up to measure the chest circumference (chest size). Measure the widest part of the chest, which is located just behind the dog’s elbows.
- Ask a friend to hold a treat above the dog’s nose. This encourages the dog to stand as tall as possible.
Measure the dog’s chest. Place one end of the measuring tape on the dog’s spine, just behind the shoulders. Extend the tape down to the bottom of the chest, then loop it around and bring it back to the starting point. Ensure the tape is snug but not tight against the dog’s skin.
- The widest part of the chest is located just behind the front legs and elbows, similar to where a person’s elbows rest on a table.
Record the measurement. After wrapping the measuring tape around the dog’s chest, note down the measurement. This is the number where the two ends of the tape meet.
Determine the length measurement location. Help your dog stand straight to measure the body length from the base of the neck to the start of the tail.
- You may need someone to offer treats to encourage the dog to stand upright.
Measure the dog’s length. Place one end of the measuring tape at the base of the neck near the shoulders (withers). Extend the tape along the spine to the base of the tail.
- If unsure, visualize where the collar would sit and measure from that point to the tail’s base. This will determine the length of the coat you intend to purchase.
Record the measurement. After extending the measuring tape along your dog’s spine, note the number where the tape meets the base of the tail. This measurement represents your dog’s length.
Choose the Right Size
Select the appropriate material. Understand the purpose of buying the coat: to keep your dog warm, dry, or stylish. For instance, if warmth is the goal, opt for coats made of wool, cotton, or acrylic. For keeping your dog dry, choose water-resistant materials that prevent moisture from clinging to their skin.
- If the coat is purely for fashion, ensure zippers, buttons, or ties are secure to avoid injury. Never compromise your dog’s safety for the sake of style.
Compare measurements and coat sizes. Once you find a coat you like, check the size chart on the packaging. You’ll see a range of measurements corresponding to the appropriate size. Verify if the size matches your dog’s chest and length measurements. Some coats even provide breed-specific sizing guides.
- Since every dog is unique, actual measurements are more accurate than general breed sizes. For example, if you have an unusually large Border Collie, consider a size meant for a smaller Labrador rather than the standard Border Collie size.
Decide how snug you want the coat to fit. If your dog’s size falls between standard sizes, choose either a smaller or larger size. For purely aesthetic purposes, go for a smaller size and loosen any straps. For protection against harsh weather, opt for a larger size to allow tightening of straps.
- As a rule of thumb, stocky breeds like Staffies may require larger sizes, while slender breeds like Whippets may need smaller ones.
- For dogs with short legs, consider a smaller size to prevent the coat from dragging on the ground. You might even need a coat specifically designed for long-bodied, short-legged breeds.
Tips
- When measuring your dog for a coat, a fabric measuring tape is the most convenient tool as it easily extends to the desired length and can wrap around your dog’s body smoothly.
