How to measure a dog for a harness

Wondering what size harness your dog needs? Follow this quick and easy guide to find out.

dog wearing harness

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

Harnesses are a popular option for dog owners as they're comfortable for your pooch to wear as well as being a good way of keeping excitable pups under control.

If you're buying a dog harness from a pet shop, most of the time you will be able to have your dog measured there and then plus be able to try on harnesses before you decide to buy if you want to.

However, if you're buying online (and with so many gorgeous options, we don't blame you!), it can be a bit trickier to work out the size your dog needs. Well fear not, our quick guide will help you find out which size you should buy to perfectly fit your best friend.

How to measure a dog for a harness

Poppy + Ted have kindly shared their top tips for measuring your dog for an adjustable harness...

• Measure your dog at the following points:

A = Base of their neck

B = Chest circumference

C = Base of neck to behind 'armpit'

• Allow two fingers width room inside A and B to find your size - remember your dog needs to fit inside of the harness so be sure to allow that two-finger width space.

• You also want to ensure the harness is long enough in the body so ensure your measurement does not mean that harness is too short in the body i.e too close to the 'armpit' area.

• You should size up if at the edge of a measurement.

• Consult the measurement guide of where you are looking to buy your dog's harness. Below, you can find Poppy + Ted's guide. As an example, if you've measured your dog and their measurements are:

A - 40cm

B - 54cm

C - 19cm

While your pup will fit within the size Small - you're right at the very edge. Your dog will fit comfortably inside of the size Medium so it would be recommended to choose a size Medium.

Dog Harness guide
©Poppy + Ted

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