How to Measure Your Dog for Clothing

Most sizing mistakes in dog clothing come from the same place: choosing by breed. Two French Bulldogs of the same age can differ by several centimetres around the chest, and a slender Whippet and a broad Pug may share a back length while needing entirely different garments. Breed is a starting point. Measurements are the answer.

This guide covers the three measurements that matter, how to take them accurately, and what to do when your companion falls between two sizes.

What you will need

A soft tailor's tape measure is ideal. If you do not have one, a length of ribbon or string laid flat against a ruler afterwards works perfectly well. You will also want a second pair of hands if your dog finds standing still difficult, and a few treats to make the process pleasant rather than something to be endured.

Measure while your dog is standing on all four legs, not sitting or lying down. A sitting dog's chest measurement can differ by two or three centimetres, which is enough to change the size.

The three measurements

1. Chest, or girth

This is the most important measurement and the one that determines the size in almost every case.

Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Bring the tape all the way around the body and keep it flat rather than twisted. The tape should be snug but not compressing the fur.

If your dog has a deep chest — common in many terriers and sighthounds — take care to find the true widest point rather than measuring too far back towards the waist, which will give you a smaller number than the garment needs to accommodate.

2. Neck

Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit — lower than where you might instinctively place the tape. Allow room for two fingers to slide beneath it comfortably.

For garments with a fitted neckline, this measurement matters a great deal. For capes and looser pieces, it is less critical.

3. Back length

Measure along the spine, from the base of the neck — the point between the shoulder blades where a collar ends — to the base of the tail.

Do not continue past the base of the tail. A garment cut to the full length including tail will sit awkwardly and interfere with movement.

Common mistakes

Measuring over thick fur without accounting for it. For double-coated breeds, press the tape gently into the coat rather than measuring over the top of it. Otherwise you will size up unnecessarily.

Pulling the tape tight. The tape should rest against the body, not compress it. A garment made to a compressed measurement will restrict movement.

Measuring after a large meal. This sounds trivial, but chest measurements on smaller dogs can shift noticeably. Measure before feeding if you can.

Relying on a previous garment. Sizing is not standardised across makers. An M from one house may be an S from another.

When measurements fall between two sizes

Choose the larger size. A garment that is fractionally generous can be worn comfortably; one that is fractionally tight cannot.

Where the chest and back length point to different sizes — a common situation with long-bodied or deep-chested dogs — size to the chest. Length can usually be accommodated in the cut; girth cannot.

If the difference is substantial, a made-to-order piece is the better route. At Maison Esendal, each piece is made to order and we can adjust within reason at no additional cost. Send us your three measurements before ordering and we will advise.

How a garment should fit

Once the piece is on, check the following.

You should be able to slide two fingers beneath the garment at the neck and at the chest. Your dog should be able to sit, stand, turn and walk without the fabric pulling or riding up. There should be no pressure marks in the fur when the garment is removed. Front legs should move freely through their full range, and nothing should gather in the armpit area, where rubbing occurs most often.

Watch your companion for the first few minutes rather than assuming all is well. Some dogs freeze when uncomfortable rather than protesting, which can read as calm acceptance when it is not.

Our pieces are designed for supervised wear during occasions rather than for extended or unsupervised use. If a garment appears to restrict movement or breathing at any point, remove it.

A note on puppies

Puppies outgrow garments quickly and unpredictably. For an occasion piece intended to last, it is worth waiting until growth has largely settled — generally around twelve months for small breeds, later for larger ones.

Questions we are asked

Should I measure with the collar on or off?
Off. Measure the neck where the collar sits, but remove it first so the tape rests against the body.

My dog will not stand still. What can I do?
Take the chest measurement first, as it matters most, and do it in a single quick pass. The other two can be taken across several attempts. Many people find it easier with the dog standing on a table or sofa at waist height.

Can I use a breed size chart instead?
We would not recommend it. Breed charts are averages, and a garment is worn by an individual rather than an average.

What if the piece arrives and the fit is wrong?
Contact us before your companion wears it. Unworn pieces can be exchanged within 30 days, subject to our returns policy.

View our full size guide, with measurements for dogs and cats