Measuring Your Pet for a Pet Carrier, Dog Collar or Dog Apparel
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TIPS AND GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING YOUR PET
We sometimes get requests from customers to indicate the "correct" size for their pet if they are purchasing a pet carrier or dog clothing. We offer information, but ultimately, this decision has to rest with the customer for a number of reasons. Foremost, pets of the same breed may differ and have different sizes based on weight, height, length and so forth. The same dog apparel will fit dogs of different breeds and same weight differently. Pets also differ according to breed. For example, all these breeds fit a small for one manufacturer, but may be an extra small for another: Affenpinscher, Australian Terrier, Brussels Griffons, Chihuahua, English toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Minature Pinscher, Norfolk Terrier, Norwegian Terrier, Papillion, Pekingese, Pomeranian , Poodle, Pug, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier. This diagram should provide a helpful guide for you to figure out where you need to put the measuring tape in order to assess a good fit for your pet. Measurements Measurements provided in inches only refer to length.
The best determination can only be made if the actual pet is being measured and manufacturer recommendations are being followed. We have put together some information to assist you below. This information on measuring your pet should be helpful whether your purchase is for a pet carrier or dog clothing.
As a general guide:
For starters, you should make sure that your pet is standing. You won't get accurate measurements if the dog is sitting or lying down.
Weight should be used as a guideline only as it will not give an accurate length or width.
Remember, that certain breeds e.g. greyhound, dacshund or an over or underweight dog may need a custom fit.
There are two measurements that need to be made in order to get the correct fit.
For the length, one of the most important measurements, measure the backbone of the dog from the base of the neck to the start of the tail. That's the start of the tail ---not the very tip. Just the base of the dog's back where the tail starts. Start the neck measurement where the collar would sit naturally on the pet's back.
Also measure around the chest 1/2"behind the front legs. This is the thickest part of the chest. Remember that this may vary by breed.
Above all, see individual product items for recommendations made by specific manufacturers for sizing.
For example, here are some size recommendations by Doggiduds for their dog apparel:
xxs fits dogs sizes 4" -6"
xs fits dogs sizes 7 to 9"
s fits dogs sizes 10 to 13" (Affenpinscher, Australian Terrier, Brussels Griffons, Chihuahua, English toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin (also medium), Maltese (also medium), Manchester Terrier (Toy), Minature Pinscher (also medium), Norfolk Terrier, Norwegian Terrier, Papillion (also medium), Pekingese (also medium), Pomeranian (also medium) Poodle (toy), Pug (also medium), Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier.
Dog Boots
Measure from the front edge of the small pads to the back edge of the large pad. Do not include the nails unless they are unusually long.
Dog Collars
You shouldn't try to second guess your pet's size for collars or any other apparel. Usually a prior purchase is a good starting place if you want to measure another collar, but manufacturers vary on measurements depending on a particular product. For your pet's safety and comfort, please measure for a dog collar by measuring your dog's neck. As a general guide, you should be able to fit two fingers (flat) easily between the tape and your dog's neck. Remember, a collar shouldn't be tight around your dog's neck and it wouldn't be the exact meaurement of your dog's neck. But for safety reasons....so it doesn't snag on something, it shoudn't be too loose either. A snug fit is what you are aiming for. Not a tight one or one that chokes.
Returns Pet Apparel
We are happy to accept returns for unworn pet apparel. Feel free to email us prior to your purchase if you need some guideance regarding fit and pay close attention to manufacturer recommendations. We are happy to pass along guidelines or information direct from the manufacturer or designer if it is available. Thank you.
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