Sizing Your Dog: Easier Than You Think

<p>Ever wonder how on earth those sizes work?  What does small, medium, or large even mean for a dog, anyway?  Most places thankfully give you a measurement of some sort, but that can be confusing too.  How are you supposed to take a 'back length' or 'neck' measurement?</p>

<p>Well, its actually pretty easy.  It's more just knowing where on the back, neck, and chest to measure.  Here's a handy chart to help you out, and I'll explain in more detail below.</p>

<p>We'll start with the neck measurement.  As you can see the neck should be measured fairly close to the body.  Think of where a standard t-shirt collar sits - not like a turtleneck up by your cheekbones, but instead it actually dips just a little onto your main torso.  Same story with measuring your dog.  You want to measure the widest part of your dog's neck for two reasons:</p> 

<p>1) because that's how manufactures make their sizing charts</p>

<p>2) If you buy based off a smaller measurement, your pup will be uncomfortable in their new outfit, since it might not fit everywhere else.</p>

<p>The chest measurement is more-or-less the same as the neck measurement, measure their chest fairly close to their front legs, where they're at their widest.</p>

<p>The back length is actually a little different.  For one, you don't have to measure around the circumference of your dog, and for another, you don't just measure the flat back.  Start where you'd take a neck measurement, and go all the way to the base of the tail.  Again, think of a t-shirt.  If you were asked to tell someone how long a t-shirt was, you'd start from the collar and measure down.</p>

<p>Note: whenever you're using a measuring tape, make sure you're not pulling it tight nor leaving a lot of slack.  When it overlaps without shifting around, that's the number you use.</p>

<p>Hope this helps!  Now your friend can enjoy the same stylish outfits you do with a proper fit.</p>