More and more people recognize that clothes are as valid for a dog as collars or harnesses in recent times. Which makes sense because why do you get to dress up in stylish outfits while your favorite animal gets left behind?
But style isn't the only reason why getting your dog's clothes is such a good choice. Dog clothes might be needed if you plan on entering your dog for competitions or the like. And specific breeds might require extra insulation in cold weather like winter or early spring.
Regardless of the reason, like harnesses and collars, it's vital to get the right size when picking an outfit for your dog. Dog clothes usually come in a myriad of sizes to cater to the extensive range of breeds. Still, clothes that are too tight stand the risk of cutting off the animal's circulation, while too large clothes could get tangled in their legs as they walk.
Hence, learning how to measure a dog for clothes is an important skill to have as a dog owner. That way, you can avoid the frustration that might come about picking the wrong size and having to return it. Fortunately, learning how to measure dogs for clothes isn't such a difficult skill learn. You never know; you might even have some fun.

How to measure a dog for clothes

You'll need to fully understand three essential areas when learning how to size a dog for clothes because these are the areas that'll determine how well the clothes will fit the animal.

• The Top Line: The top line is the back or torso of the dog. It's best to begin measurement from the base of the neck to the tip of the tail. However, when planning on getting a T-shirt or sweater, it might be beneficial to measure the under-chest or belly of the dog.
• The Neck Girth: This is necessary for T-shirts, but the night is also needed for scarves in the winter. Measurement of this part should never be too tight as it may have lasting consequences on the dog.

The Chest Girth: this is arguably the most critical part when measuring for dog clothes. It's generally recommended to use the broadest part of the chest when measuring to give the most accurate results.

How to measure your dog for clothes

1. The Top Line: Firstly, you'll want your dog to be standing for this. When that's done, you'll want to run the measuring tape along the dog's spine, from the base of his neck where its collar sits typically to the bottom of its tail, making sure to watch closely for any fold that might mess up the measurement. Note that if the dog is between sizes, you should always pick the larger size.
2. The Neck Girth: The neck girth is usually where the dog collar sits. And to measure it, it's best if you draw the measuring tape from the ridge between the shoulder blades along to the top of the chest and then around the neck.
   Here, it's essential to ensure that the measurement isn't too tight unless the clothes might choke the dog. A good rule of thumb that you could apply is always leaving enough space for at least two of our fingers to fit in.
   Again, if your dog is between sizes, pick the larger size.
3. Chest Girth: The best place to measure the chest is around its broadest part, usually just behind the dog's front legs. For this measurement, it might be best if the dog is standing.

Once again, it's key to make sure to get just the right amount of snugness but not so much that it causes discomfort. Using the two-finger rule might help with that.
In some cases where you might want to purchase pants, diapers, or panties for your dog, a waist measurement might be handy. Here's how you might go about getting the measurement:

1. You'll want to make sure that the dog is standing before starting as the measuring tape is to go around the dog's belly behind the rib cage and in front of its hips.
2. Ensure that the tape measure isn't too tight around the waist, which would mean the actual clothing would be too. The 'two fingers rule' is a suitable method of checking.

How to measure for dog clothes

Before or when learning how to measure a dog for clothes, you should first decide the type of clothes that would be best for your dog, noting that your decision should depend first on the animal's comfort level. For example, if you've dressed up your dog since they were a puppy, then they're more likely to be comfortable wearing somewhat restrictive clothes like jumpers or hoody. If, however, this is your first doggy dress-up, then you might want to start with something simple so that the dog adapts to it first.
Another thing to consider when deciding your dog's clothing is the type of breed. Sure, whilst thick coats and jackets might be a good fit for smaller dogs that don't have very thick furs, they'll probably be a bad idea for bigger dogs with more hair on their bodies.
Just some things to note.
When you measure, it should be specific for the type of clothes suitable for your dog, so you don't waste time and money getting something that you're just going to return.
With that in mind, what you're interested in knowing is, "how do I measure my dog for clothes?"
Fortunately for you, we can answer that.


You might want to consider several tricks when learning how to measure your dog for clothes. After all, different breeds, sizes, and temperaments of dogs might require different approaches or needs when measuring.

1. If your dog is hyperactive or quite playful, setting a treat in front of it but just out of reach is an excellent way to keep the dog still throughout the measuring process. Only when you're done with everything should you give the treat as a reward.
2. Long breeds of dogs like dachshunds might need extra care when measuring their under chest or belly to ensure that the customized clothes would fully cover them and not just stop mid-rib.
3. For male dogs, you may have to shorten the length to give space for the groin. Else the clothes might get ruined whenever the animal urinates.

Dog costumes and the activities related to them are becoming increasingly popular in the recent age. Hence, why picking up the skill of how to measure your dog for clothes becomes increasingly necessary.
So, if after reading this article, the question on your mind is still, "where can I learn how to measure my dog for clothes?" then not to worry. Sure, picking up the skill of measuring your dog for clothes is becoming increasingly necessary; however, adequately measured or not, the fit of clothes significantly depends on their quality. And there's no better place to get the best quality clothing for your dog than at Waudog. The store offers the best services and products (which includes clothes) for dog owners worldwide. Check out our online store now to see your options.