Hey friend! If you’ve ever ordered a cute dog sweater or stylish harness only to realize it fits like a toddler trying on dad’s coat... you’re not alone. Sizing your pup correctly is one of the biggest secrets to ensuring both comfort and style—especially if you’re shopping for a breed like a dachshund with a long body and unique proportions. 😅
Let’s break down the exact steps to measure your dog the right way so you can shop confidently and avoid those awkward returns.
Why Measuring Matters
Every dog is built differently—just like people! Even pups of the same breed can vary in neck size, chest width, or back length. Measuring helps you:
- Avoid pinched collars or loose harnesses that slip
- Prevent chafing from poorly fitted clothes
- Get that “just right” fit that keeps your pup comfy and secure
- Save money and time on returns and exchanges
Whether you're shopping for cozy clothes, secure harnesses, or the perfect collar, fit is everything.
The 3 Essential Measurements You Need
Neck Measurement
- Where to measure: Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of your dog’s neck—right where a collar naturally sits.
- Pro tip: Not too snug! You should be able to slip one or two fingers underneath for comfort.
- Use for: Collars, neck warmers, hooded jackets
Girth Measurement (aka Chest)
- Where to measure: Around the widest part of your dog’s chest—just behind the front legs.
- Why it matters: This is the most important measurement for harnesses and clothes. If the girth isn’t right, the whole outfit might not fit well or stay in place.
- Use for: Harnesses, jackets, t-shirts, vests
Length Measurement
- Where to measure: Start at the base of the neck (where the neckline naturally sits, around the middle of the shoulder blades) and measure all the way to the base of the tail.
- Watch out: It's easy to over-measure if you start too high up the neck! Make sure your pup is standing up straight for the most accurate reading.
- Use for: Sweaters, coats, onesies, rain jackets
Pro Tips to Get the Perfect Fit
- Always use a soft, flexible measuring tape (like the fabric kind used in sewing).
- Write down your dog’s measurements and keep them handy for online shopping.
- Check the brand’s size chart—don’t assume one “Medium” equals another.
- When in between sizes? Size up for comfort unless it’s a collar or neckpiece.
🐾 Special Fit Note for Dachshunds & Long-Body Breeds
Dachshunds are a whole vibe, right? That long torso and narrow chest can make shopping tricky. Buying off-the-rack dog clothes from most major retailers doesn't account for their body type. At Fish + Boone we offer dachshund-specific sized clothes for a better fit. If you're a wiener dog parent (like most of us at Fish + Boone), purchasing clothes that truly fit is very important.
🧡 Let’s Make Sizing Simple
At Fish + Boone, we design with comfort and real-life pup proportions in mind—especially for dachshunds. Use our handy infographic to measure your pup like a pro, and you’ll never have to worry about mismatched outfits again.
Got questions? We’re just a tail-wag away. 🐾
