How to Measure the Girth of Your Dog for a Harness

In the past, harnesses were only worn by search-and-rescue dogs or service dogs for disabled people. Today, however, pet parents are finding handy uses for harnesses on the family dog. Harnesses with integrated handles can help owners assist their dog after surgery, and make walking less injurious to a dog's neck. Proper fitting is important for your dog's comfort. You should be able to fit two fingers vertically underneath the harness straps.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Tape measure
  • Paper and pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the different styles of harnesses before you buy. There are many styles available which meet different needs for different dogs. Some harnesses have integrated handles and offer front and rear leg support, while others will just help one end of a dog. Others give under-belly support, which makes them better for larger dogs, and some harnesses are only useful when two people are handling the dog. Some harnesses can be left on all day, while others need to be removed for urination and sleep.

    • 2

      Find your dog's girth, which is the widest point of your dog's chest and rib cage area. Harness size measurements are based on girth, which can vary according to breed. Some dogs, like Boxers, are more deep-chested than others. While most harnesses provide fabric allowances for a customized fit, it is important to accurately measure your dog's girth for the best size possible.

    • 3

      Stand over your dog and place one end of the tape measure on his spine, just above the widest part of his rib cage.

      With your other hand, wrap the tape measure behind his front legs and around his body, going underneath the widest part of his rib cage. Place this end next to the beginning of the tape. Put your thumb on the number that meets up with the beginning of the tape measure. The higher number is the girth measurement.

    • 4

      Locate the proper harness size for your dog by visiting a harness manufacturer's website or studying the packaging. Most manufacturers make harnesses with adjustable sizing. For example, one style of harness says that a medium harness will fit dogs with a dog girth ranging from 32 inches (81 cm), to 48 inches (122 cm). If your dog's measurement falls between two different sizes, select the smaller size for the best fit. A well-made harness will have adjustable straps that allow for a more contoured fit.