Correctly measuring the dog is necessary when choosing the size of a new outfit. If you want to do it, remember to choose the right parts of your pet’s body. Chest circumference, neck circumference and the length of the torso are the most important values that you need to pay attention to.
The right sizes are the basis
When you walk with the dog during harsh weather and chilly days, you need to prepare. Several dogs can cope with low temperatures on their own, through a protective layer of thick hair or additional layers of adipose tissue.
But we must help smaller dogs, which are extremely prone to freezing on cold days, e.g., breeds such as Maltese, York or Chihuahua. Special dog clothing is an additional, warming layer for such dogs. Well-fitted, and made of high-quality materials, they provide excellent protection against the cold for our little chilled pets.
If you want the dog clothes to fully fulfil their function, protecting your pet from the cold, first, they should fit perfectly. The right size will provide the doggy with maximum comfort. The material adjacent to the body will protect against the wind, and the waterproof outer layer will prevent it from getting wet on rainy days. How to choose the size of the dog clothes? We advise further.
Size chart differences
Manufacturers of dog clothes usually have their sizes, adjusted directly to their products. Moreover, we can find an individually selected table of sizes of dog clothes with a detailed diagram of how to take the measure. This doesn’t mean that the producers want to make life difficult for dog owners. This is due to the differences in the cut of individual dog clothes. Each cut is based on a specific tailoring form, which may be different depending on whether we are dealing with a dog sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket.
The differences in sizes also result from the materials used. Some dog clothes have a button or Velcro fasteners, which make them easy to put on and take off. The situation is similar in the case of sweaters made of a soft material such as wool, which allows you to freely dress your dog.
When buying a doggy outfit, pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions. Even if, in most cases, you choose the S size for your pet, make sure that it will be appropriate this time as well. Too big or too small clothes will be uncomfortable for the dog to wear, it may restrict his movements or significantly limit them.
How do measure a dog to its clothes?
Well-fitted clothes for a dog are a well-taken measure. Our quadrupeds often make it difficult for us to correctly measure individual parts of the body. If your pet runs away at the mere sight of a tailor’s tape, try to occupy his attention with something or ask for help from another household member. A new toy or eating a favourite treat should allow you to take the measure off the little urchin. Make sure you have measured all the values correctly. Only well-chosen clothes will fully fulfil their functions.
- Chest circumference
Chest circumference is a key parameter in determining the correct garment size. This is the starting measure from which we usually start measuring the dog. This circumference should be taken at the widest point of the dog’s chest. It is particularly important to make sure you did it correctly. A measure taken in the wrong place will make the result not fully dependable. As a result, we can misjudge the correct size.
- Neck circumference
To correctly determine the circumference of the neck, measure it at its widest point. It is good to leave the dog a little slack around his neck, about 1-2 extra centimetres. Dogs feel uncomfortable when the clothes they wear are too close to the body in this place. Therefore, to provide the dog with maximum freedom, do not forget to pay attention to whether he has enough slack around his neck.
Body length
The last of the main measures important from the point of view of choosing the right size of clothes for our pooch is body length. The result will be most reliable if you measure the dog in a standing position. We measure the length of the pooch’s body from the base of the neck to the beginning of the tail. Remember, however, that dogs do not feel well when the material is in direct contact with their tail. Therefore, when choosing clothes, choose one that ends a few centimetres earlier.
When measuring the length of the dog’s body, check the shape of the chosen garment first. The cut of the item you choose is a bit non-standard and you do not need the entire length of the body to choose the right length of the garment.
After correctly removing the dog’s measures, we can choose the right size of the clothes. If the values of individual measures are on the border of the range corresponding to a given size, we suggest choosing a larger product. The dog may feel uncomfortable in clothes that are too close and fit his body. If you are concerned that none of the sizes of dog clothes is fully suitable for your pooch, ask the manufacturer about the possibility of sewing the clothes to measure. A lot of brands involved in designing dog accessories, including Bowl & Bone Republic, offer this service to their customers.
What sweater for a pet? Correct size is not everything
If you want to give your pooch a perfect outfit, choosing the right size is extremely important. However, this is not the only determinant worth remembering. The garment will be in direct contact with the dog’s body throughout the walk. Therefore, it must be made of decent-quality materials. Otherwise, the pooch may feel discomfort during everyday use. Cheaper, lower-quality materials are often impermeable to air, bite the skin or even cause allergic reactions.
What are the sizes of dog clothes?
Dog clothing sizes typically include several categories that cater to different ranges of dog sizes and body types. Here are the general size classifications for dog clothes. Remember that brands designing accessories for dogs may have even more extended sizes.
Extra Small (XS):
For very small dogs and puppies.
Small (S):
Suitable for smaller breeds and adolescent dogs.
Medium (M):
For dogs of medium size and body build.
Large (L):
Includes larger-bodied dog breeds.
Extra Large (XL):
For large dog breeds and those with an impressive build.
It is worth noting that the specific size of dog clothes will depend on the dog’s measurements, such as neck circumference, chest circumference and back length. Each brand may have a slightly different size system, so it is important to check the exact dimensions provided by the manufacturer and adapt them to the dimensions of your dog. It is also important that the clothes fit properly, do not restrict the dog’s movements and ensure comfort of wearing.
Dog sweater |ASPEN graphite
Well-chosen dog clothes
It is important that dog clothes fit properly and do not restrict the animal’s movements. If you are unsure about size, it is always worth consulting a pet store employee or clothing manufacturer for advice on the best size for your particular dog.
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