How Are Dogs Measured?

Knowing how to take a dog's measurements is essential to dog owners. Whether you desire to purchase a dog collar, a dog crate, dog apparel or dog footwear, the right measurements can help promote your dog's comfort. To make the measuring process easier, have a helper hold your dog while you take the measurements.

  1. Measuring for a Dog Collar

    • An easy way to find out your dog's measurement for a new collar is to measure the length of the collar he's already wearing. As an alternative, measure the circumference of your dog's neck with a cloth or fabric measuring tape. The measuring tape must fit snug around your dog's neck -- not tight. Two flat fingers must easily fit between your dog's neck and the measuring tape.

    Measuring for a Dog Crate

    • A dog crate is ideal for traveling with your pet. The right dog crate allows your dog to stand up straight, turn around and lie down with his paws extended. Stand your dog up straight and measure his length from the base of his tail to the tip of his nose. Determine your dog companion's height by measuring from the floor to the top of his head. Add 4 inches to your dog's length and height to get the right size for his crate.

    Measuring for Dog Apparel

    • Dog apparel, such as sweaters and jackets, may require you to measure your dog's neck, chest and length. The dog's neck measurement is determined the same as a dog collar size is determined, as noted in Section 1. To determine the size of your dog's chest, measure around the widest part of his chest right behind his front legs. To find your dog's length for apparel, measure from the root of his tail to the area of his neck where his collar sits.

    Measuring for Dog Footwear

    • Dog footwear can complete your dog's fashionable appearance. Before purchasing dog footwear, measure the part of your dog's paw that touches the floor. Your dog's shoe size is determined by the length and width of his paw. To determine the length, measure from the tip of your dog's trimmed toenails to the back of the base pad. Take the width measurement by measuring from the outer edge of the left pad to the outer edge of the right pad. For easy measuring, trace your dog's paw and measure the tracing.