How to measure May 23, 2026 4 min read
How to Measure Your Dog for a Coat or Sweater
Back length is primary. Chest girth is the cross-check. Here's how to take three measurements and pick the right coat size for your dog.
Three Measurements
| Measurement | Where | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Back length | Base of neck to base of tail | Primary |
| Chest girth | Widest behind front legs | Secondary check |
| Neck | Where collar sits | Tertiary (some brands skip) |
| Belly clearance | Deep-chested breeds only | Sighthound-specific |
Coat Size by Back Length
| Size | Back length | Chest girth | Example breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 8-10" | 11-13" | Toy chihuahua, very small yorkie |
| XS | 10-12" | 13-16" | Chihuahua, mini Dachshund |
| S | 12-14" | 16-20" | Pug, Cavalier, Jack Russell |
| M | 14-18" | 20-24" | Beagle, French Bulldog |
| L | 18-22" | 24-30" | Lab, Golden, Boxer |
| XL | 22-26" | 30-36" | Husky, German Shepherd |
| XXL | 26-30" | 36-42" | Great Dane, Mastiff |
Common Mistakes
Coat too long, drags on ground
Bad for toilet, gets dirty. Always prioritize correct back length.
Coat too short, doesn't cover back
Defeats the purpose. Re-measure and size up.
Standard sizing for sighthounds
Greyhounds, whippets, dobermans need specialized cuts.
Buying without checking chest
Coat fits length but pinches chest = uncomfortable. Always check both.
FAQs
How do I measure my dog for a coat?
Back length (primary), chest girth, neck.
Most important measurement?
Back length.
Loose or snug?
Two fingers between coat and chest.
Sweater vs coat?
Same sizing. Sweaters slightly smaller cut, coats roomier for layering.
Deep-chested breeds?
Need sighthound-specific cuts.
Toy breeds?
Length-sensitive. Re-measure if borderline.
Three Numbers, Right Coat
For dog harness sizing see harness guide; for collar see collar guide.
Selling dog apparel on Shopify? Back length first.
Tailor Size Guide adds back-length-first matching to every dog coat listing.