How to Measure a Dog for a Harness?

Before you buy a harness for a dog, make sure you have measured it correctly. It is done with a tape measure that must not slack while measuring. Try to make your dog stand straight. In order to measure the sizes of all harnesses, excluding sledge harnesses, you should take 3 main measurements:

• length from the top of shoulder to the bottom of the tail;
  
• chest girth in the widest part behind the forepaws. Add 2 cm for lean-body;
  
• neck girth: the measure should be taken at the location of the dog collar.
  

The following 2 measurements are taken for sledge harnesses:

• the distance between the top of shoulder (A) and the breastbone (B), the latter located between the forepaws;
  
• from B-point (breastbone) to the last point of the brisket (C) and connect from the side with the bottom of the tail (D).
  

While choosing the harness not only the size, but also weight and temperament of your dog should be taken into account. E.g. you should pick safe harnesses made of firm materials (leather, nylon) with sound metal fittings and safe buckles for large and medium-sized dogs.

Check rings thoroughly before buying, it is better not to choose models with split rings. On the contrary, firmness of the harness is not so important for little and lap dogs, which are usually tender, fragile and calm. You should pay more attention to weight and quality of the product. The lighter and softer the material is the better.

Nylon and velour harnesses are the best for little dogs. Harnesses suit for dogs with short muzzles - Bulldogs, Pugs, Chihuahua – better than dog collars, because they can breathe more easily with harnesses due to their physiological features. For short-muzzle dogs, velour harnesses are the most sutable too.

Learn also how to choose dog harness.

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