How to Measure Your Dog for the Perfect Fit

Finding the right size for your dog's clothing can be a tricky task. Whether you are looking to buy a warm jacket for the winter, a stylish outfit for a special occasion, or a snuggly fleece for walks, knowing how to accurately measure your dog is essential. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you get the perfect fit for your furry friend.

Dog Sizing Basics

Understanding dog sizing may seem straightforward, but it can be confusing due to variations among breeds and individual body shapes. Often, dog clothing sizes are denoted with generic abbreviations such as S, M, L, XL. However, these sizes can vary across different brands and the Hey Bert size guide is completely bespoke to us - you won't find these same items and sizes anywhere else. Therefore, measuring your dog is crucial before making a purchase.

To measure your dog correctly, you'll need a flexible tape measure, a notepad, and your dog's patience. It's best to measure your dog when they are standing still, as this will give a more accurate reading. The most critical measurements you'll need are:

1. Neck Circumference: Wrap the tape measure around the base of your dog's neck, leaving enough room to fit two fingers underneath.

   
   

2. Chest Girth: Measure around the widest part of your dog's ribcage. This measurement is particularly important, especially for breeds with a broad chest and is most accurately taken around an inch behind your dogs front legs.

   
   

3. Back Length: Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. This will help you choose clothes that fit well without being too long or too short.

   
   

Once you gather these measurements, you can use them to compare against sizing charts provided by most clothing brands. Don’t forget to check if the brand has a specific dog clothing size chart for their items!

Measuring a dog's neck for sizing

How to Measure Different Dog Breeds

Different dog breeds have distinctive shapes and sizes, which can affect how you measure them. For example:

• Small Breeds: Breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians might need small sizes, but they can still have varying neck and chest measurements. Measuring carefully is essential. Bostons and Daxies typically measure a XS or S.

  
  

• Medium Breeds: Dogs like Beagles and Bulldogs often vary more in size compared to smaller breeds. Pay careful attention to their chest girth when selecting clothing. Our brand was built around bulldogs, so their sizing is something we perfected from the off. Because of this youll find that most fully grown french bulldogs will be a size medium, and you can use this when figuring out your perfect size.

  
  

• Large Breeds: Breeds such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds require larger sizes. With these dogs, their back length can sometimes be misleading—ensure you consider girth as well.

  
  

• Giant Breeds: Breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs are commonly mismeasured because their massive size can result in an oversized clothing choice. Make sure to tackle this with detailed and careful measurements!

  
  

For every breed, it's always advisable to try on the clothing or buy from retailers that offer easy returns in case the fit is not right.

Dog test fitting an outfit for size and style

Tips for Picking the Perfect Fit

Once you've measured your dog and selected the appropriate size, there are a few additional tips to consider while shopping:

1. Fabric and Comfort: Choose soft, breathable fabrics that your dog can wear comfortably.

   
   

2. Adjustability: Look for items that have adjustable straps or elastic bands. This feature is especially helpful for growing pups or changes in weight.

   
   

3. Style Consideration: For some pet owners, style is just as important as fit. Consider the color, design, and overall look that you believe will suit your dog best. As well as being fashionable, our shirts and fleeces are tailored around their private parts to ensure no toiletting accidents, and with an elesticated neck, they are super easy to slot over your dogs head.

   
   

4. Functionality: If you’re purchasing for a specific purpose—ensure the clothing serves its function well while still being comfortable. did you know our summer shirts double up as a cooler for the summer months - simply soak the shirt in water to help keep your pooch cool.

   
   

5. Reviews and Recommendations: Before you buy, check reviews and get recommendations from friends or online communities. Feedback from fellow dog owners can save you time and ensure a better fit, make sure to check out our pooch faves on instagram.

   
   

Having in mind these supplementary steps can help you make more informed choices while shopping for your canine companion.

Care Tips for Dog Clothing

Taking care of your dog's clothing is as crucial as measuring them accurately. Here are some simple care tips:

• Check care labels: Always read the care instructions on clothing items to maintain quality.

• Wash Separately: To avoid wear and shrinkage, wash dog clothes separately from your laundry. Standard Laundry detergents are not reccomeded for pooches due to their senstive skin, so you can opt for a pet friendly version.

• Air Dry: Ensure to air dry whenever possible instead of using a dryer to keep the fabric intact.

  
  

These steps will help you keep your dog looking stylish and comfortable!

Enjoying the Process

Measuring your dog for the perfect fit can be a fun and engaging experience. Dogs can often sense the excitement when picking out new clothes, and having the right measurements will save you the hassle of returning items that don’t fit.

Always keep in mind the unique characteristics and needs of your dog when selecting clothing. From size to style, ensuring that your furry friend is comfortable and looks great should be the priority.

Choosing the right clothing can enhance not only your dog’s wardrobe but also boost their overall joy and comfort level. Happy shopping, and may your dog strut their stuff in style!