A well-fitting harness or collar should feel secure without restricting your dog’s movement. The easiest way to avoid returns—and make walks more comfortable—is to measure before you order.
What you need
Use a soft measuring tape, the kind used for sewing. If you do not have one, wrap a piece of string around your dog and measure the string against a ruler. Keep your dog standing naturally while you measure.
Measure the neck
For a collar, measure where the collar normally sits, usually around the lower portion of the neck. Keep the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers between the tape and your dog.
For many harnesses, the neck measurement is taken lower, near the base of the neck where it meets the shoulders. Always compare your measurement with the specific product’s size chart.
Measure the chest girth
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog’s rib cage, usually a few inches behind the front legs. Keep the tape level all the way around. Chest girth is often the most important harness measurement.
Check more than weight
Two dogs at the same weight can have completely different builds. A broad-chested dog, a long and lean dog, and a compact dog may all need different sizes. Treat weight recommendations as a starting point, not the final answer.
If your dog is between sizes
Read the product’s adjustment range and think about where your dog falls. For a growing puppy, extra adjustability matters. For an escape-prone dog, a secure fit matters more than leaving room to grow. If you are unsure, email us with your dog’s neck, chest, weight, and breed or body type before ordering.
Do a final fit check
- You can slide two fingers beneath the straps.
- The harness does not rub behind the front legs.
- Your dog can walk, sit, and lie down comfortably.
- The harness stays centered and does not rotate easily.
- Your dog cannot back out of it when gentle pressure is applied.
Recheck the fit periodically, especially for puppies, dogs whose weight changes, and thick-coated dogs after grooming.
Ready to put those measurements to use? Browse adjustable options in our Walk collection, then read Harness vs. Collar: Which Is Better for Everyday Walks? for help choosing the right setup.
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