What size coat should I get my dog?
Let's face it: good quality dog clothes don't come cheap, no matter how good they are. Since dog coats are among the most purchased and practical pieces of clothing, you need to make sure your dog will be able to wear them and use them.
But how do you measure your dog to fit a coat? Size charts can vary and seem confusing. So what are the criteria to consider?
dog coat | twins™
A good winter coat
While the type of coat you purchase shouldn't affect sizing, knowing what you're looking for can make measuring your dog easier.
For example, a stretchy pullover coat may be a bit smaller and more fitted. On the other hand, a jacket coat, made of a thick material and intended for outdoor use, will be less flexible. You can also opt for an in-between solution and buy a good dog hoodie.
No matter what you decide, it's good to know what your end goal is. If you decide to buy a combination of clothes, such as a sweater and a raincoat, remember to choose slightly larger clothes for the outer layers.
Can I just go with the breed size?
Yes and no.
Many dog coat brands offer sizing based on breed type. This can be a good starting point and give you a general idea of what sizes to consider. Some breeds also have very dense fur or loose skin folds, like labradoodles or sharpays, which can affect sizing.
However, there is a great deal of variety, even within pure breeds. A plump dog will have a different shape than a lean or muscular dog of the same breed. So it is not a good idea to buy a dog coat based solely on breed.
Along the same lines, it's also not wise to base your decision on weight alone. An overweight man may weigh the same as a bodybuilder, but they'll need very different cuts. The same goes for dogs.
Key dimensions
Most dog clothing, including coats, follow the same measuring rules. You'll need a flexible tape measure and the patience to get your dog to stand still to get the following measurements.
Please remember that puppies grow very quickly. Puppies grow very quickly and any dog under 2 years old will need to be remeasured regularly to ensure that their size has not changed too much.
dog coat | Fanty™
The length
Length is the main measurement for dog clothing. It is the measurement from your dog's collar (the point at the base of their neck) to the base of their tail. This will give you a torso measurement, which will help you ensure that your dog's entire back is covered.
To ensure the measurement is as accurate as possible, you need to make sure your dog remains still and upright when you measure him.
dog coat | Impy™
Chest size
Next, it is important to measure your dog's chest circumference. This is the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind his front legs. You can feel the point just behind the shoulders to start measuring.
Remember to add a little extra measurement if your dog's chest has a lot of loose skin or thick fur, or if you expect him to gain a little weight, as is the case with a rescue puppy.
dog coat | Capy™
Neck
You should measure your dog's neck where his collar sits. This will ensure that the jacket will fit comfortably around your dog's neck and that he will be able to put it on and take it off easily.
Other
It is recommended that you record your dog's height in both inches and centimeters, although most sites offer a chart in both directions.
As shown in the Sparkpaws dog coat sizing chart below, once you know these three measurements, choosing a dog coat should be easy. If you're choosing your dog's winter coat, start by measuring the back. This will help ensure your dog's entire belly and back are covered for maximum warmth.
Don't forget to measure the back. A jacket-style coat typically fastens under your dog's front legs, while a sweater, blanket, or parker-style coat should be pulled over your dog's head. Keep this in mind when calculating your dog's neck circumference.
dog coat | Star™
When your coat arrives
Once your coat arrives, try it on your dog as soon as possible.
The coat should cover your dog's body as much as possible, from the neck to the base of the tail. However, it should never cover his rear end or prevent him from going to the bathroom comfortably.
After a while, dog coats should stay in place, not move around too much or slide down. They should also not cause irritation, hair loss or sores on your dog's body. If this is the case, the coat may be too tight or your dog may be allergic to something.
A new dog coat can sometimes take some getting used to. The new smell and unfamiliar feel can be a little unsettling for a dog, so don't panic if your dog seems uncomfortable or wants to take off his coat at first. He may need some time to get used to it.
You can wash the coat or soak it in water and baking soda to remove packaging odors.
dog coat | jaky™
The conclusion
It is advisable to know what you want from your dog's coat. The style of coat you are looking for may affect the size you choose. However, this is normally not very important unless you are layering.
Selecting your dog's coat based on breed can be a good starting point, but the downside is that dogs can come in different sizes and shapes, even within the same breed.
In general, dog coats come in three dimensions. Length - the length of your dog from the neck to the base of the tail. This is the most important measurement when choosing a large coat. Girth - the circumference of your dog's chest behind his front legs. Neck - the circumference of your dog's neck where his collar sits.
You will need a flexible tape measure. It is advisable to note the measurements in centimeters and inches.
But once you have taken these three measurements, it will be very easy to compare them to a reasonable size guide.
If you want to test yourself, check out the size guides in our dog clothing catalog and see if the sizes fit you.
Hope these tips help you choose a coat more easily. Happy shopping!
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