How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness (Size Guide + Fit Tips)

Why fit matters

A properly fitted harness keeps pressure off the neck, prevents escapes, and makes walks calmer. Too loose = slip-outs. Too tight = rubbing and restricted movement.

Tools you need

• Soft measuring tape (or string + ruler)

• Your dog standing naturally on a flat surface

• Treats for still, happy measuring 🐾

3 easy measurements (with where to place the tape)

1. Chest/Girth (most important)

   Wrap around the widest part of the ribcage, behind the front legs. Record in cm/in.

2. Neck base

   Measure low on the neck, where a harness would sit (not where a collar sits high).

3. Body length (optional, for some styles)

   From the base of the neck to the start of the tail to check strap placement.

Fit rule of thumb: After adjusting, you should slide two fingers between harness and fur—snug, not tight.

Quick sizing chart (example ranges)

Use your chest/girth to pick a size; if in-between, size up and fine-tune with the adjusters.

Size	Chest/Girth
XS	28–38 cm (11–15 in)
S	38–50 cm (15–20 in)
M	50–65 cm (20–26 in)
L	65–80 cm (26–31.5 in)
XL	80–100 cm (31.5–39 in)

Replace with your brand’s exact ranges; keep a clear chart on the product page.

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Fit checks (before your first walk)

 

 

• Shoulders free: Dog can reach forward without straps cutting into armpits.

• No gaping: Harness stays in place when you tug the leash ring.

• Even pressure: No digging, rolling, or twisting when turning or sitting.

• Movement test: Ask for a sit, down, and a few steps—watch for rubbing points.

 

 

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

 

 

• Measuring while sitting/lying down: Always measure standing → redo measurements.

• Using collar size for harness: Different fit → take chest and neck base measurements.

• Ignoring coat changes: Winter fluff or weight shifts → recheck each season.

• Too many layers: Coat + harness can tighten fit → adjust outdoors.

 

 

 

 

Style tips by body type

 

 

• Deep-chested (e.g., Greyhound): Look for Y-front with long chest panel and multiple adjustments.

• Broad-shouldered (e.g., Bully breeds): Wide, padded straps to spread pressure.

• Small breeds & puppies: Lightweight hardware, easy front/back adjusters.

• Escape artists: Dual belly straps and snug chest fit.

 

 

 

 

Pro tip: Built-in convenience

 

Hate tangles? Consider a 2-in-1 retractable-harness (leash integrated inside the harness with a gentle spring). It reduces clutter—just ensure the mechanism is smooth and the harness itself meets the fit checks above.

 

 

 

FAQs

 

How do I measure without a soft tape?

Use string or a ribbon around the chest, mark the overlap, then measure against a ruler.

Is a harness better than a collar for walks?

For most dogs, yes—harnesses reduce neck pressure and give better control.

What if my dog is between sizes?

Choose the larger size and fine-tune with the adjusters. Check the two-finger rule.

How often should I re-measure?

At least each season, and after weight, coat, or age changes (puppies: monthly).

Signs the harness is too tight or loose?

Tight: hair loss, redness, reluctance to move. Loose: rotating, slipping over head, escape risk.