Dog Apparel Guide

Determining the Right Size of Clothing for Your Dog

What size should I buy for my dog?

We often get inquiries from customers to suggest the right size for their pet if they are purchasing dog boots, dog apparel, backpack or dog collar from us. Dogs of the same breed may have different sizes based on weight, height, and length, among other factors. Sometimes the same dog apparel might fit dogs of different breeds and same weight differently. You will find a size chart on each dog apparel and dog gear displayed on our site.

How to Measure Your Dog for Clothing?

There are three main measurements to select the right sizeof dog apparel.

A soft tailor’s tape can come in handy.Ensure your dog is standing up. Each dog apparelhas a size chart.If your dog is between sizes, we usually recommend the larger size for more coverage.

This diagram below should provide a helpful guide for you to figure out where you need to put the measuring tape in order to determine a good fit for your dog.

Length= Measure from where the collar sits to the base of the tail

Girth= Measure the widest part around the chest

Neck= Measure around the neck, where a collar would normally sit

Determining the Right Size of Boots for Your Dog

A snug fit is always the best size option and here are two ways to measure:

Measuring the Paw by Width
To get a paw measurement have the dog stand with their paw on a blank paper. Ensuring the dog’s weight is on the paw, draw a line to the left and right of the widest part of the paw. Now you can easily measure the distance between the two lines to get paw width measurement.Match your measurement to the specific dog boots manufacturer sizing chart. Measure both the front and rear paws as your dog’s rear paws may be smaller. If your dog is right on the line between sizes, opt for the larger size.Tips:To ensure paw being measured is bearing weight, lift the dog’s other front paw.

Measuring the Paw by Length
Place front paw on a blank paper, with the dog standing with full weight. Make one mark at the “heel” by aligning your pen straight down the back of the leg and one mark at the longest toenail. Measure the distance between the two markings.Match your measurement to the specific dog boots manufacturer sizing chart. Measure between the two lines. Measure both the front and rear paws as your dog’s rear paws may be smaller. If your dog is right on the line between sizes, opt for the larger size.Tips: To ensure paw being measured is bearing weight, lift the other front paw.

Finding a Perfect Fitting Collar

How to Measure for a Clip Collar

Let your dog sit or stand in front of you. Use a soft measuring tape. This measurement is taken from the circumference of the neck where the collar will sit. Loosely measure the neck where the collar would normally sit sliding two fingers between the dog’s neck and measuring tape. Adding the two fingers should make the collar size about 2″ larger than the dog’s neck size (maybe closer to 1″ on very small dogs.) The collar should not be loose enough to slip over your dog’s head. Collars should also not be so tight as to obstruct breathing or cause coughing.

How to Measure for a Webbing Martingale & Quick Release Martingale Collar

Using a soft measurement tape, take a measurementaround the largest part of its head, usually the point just behind the ears. Then take a second measurement around the neck at the point where you would like the collar to rest.Allow enough room to slip two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck or you can measure his neck and add two inches. Make sure the size you select fits within the range of these two measurements and the collar size you choose can open wide enough to slip on over the largest part of its head yet rest comfortably around its neck.

When adjusted properly, the two O-rings (or D-rings on the Webbing Martingale) should just touch when the chain is pulled tight. They should never overlap.

How to fit a Dog Backpack

Measure your dog’s girth and match his/her weight to the proper size pack. Do not overload your dog. The maximum a dog should carry is 1/3rd of his weight at peak performance. If your dog is not used to carrying a pack, gradually add weight to it to allow him to get accustomed to the varying weight. Never overexert your dog. Always monitor him when wearing a day pack or trail backpack.