Mary Allen
How do you measure a dog’s size? Shoulder height, withers, neck circumference, and back length are important specifications for dog coats, leashes, and surgical bodies.
For this, it may be necessary to measure the size of your dog or one of the body parts. The instructions on this page will certainly help you with how to measure your dog correctly and where to put the measuring tape.
Shoulder height
A dog’s height is generally measured from the floor to the shoulder. One, therefore, speaks of the shoulder height of the animal.
Withers
This measure is an important point of reference, especially in inbreeding. In the breed standards, this measurement is called the withers. For “home use” the measure is mainly interesting for dog clothing.
To get a correct result, your dog should stand still and straight. Then use the measuring tape to measure from the floor to the highest elevation of the shoulder blade.
So you always have all measurements to hand. It is best to always try on harnesses, collars, and dog clothing.
Measure the right dog collar
A very important measurement is neck circumference. It is not only necessary for clothing but is particularly important when buying a collar. The measurement is also required to adjust some dog harnesses. To measure the neck circumference, wrap the measuring tape loosely around the end of the neck.
The collar should never fit around the neck. About two fingers should still fit between the neck and collar. However, it must not be too loose either, otherwise, the dog can easily free itself from it.
With a young dog, remember that he is still growing. Therefore, check the fit of the collar regularly.
Back length, the measurement for dog coats
In addition to the shoulder height, the back length of the animal is also important for dog clothing.
You can also measure your back while standing. Measure from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail.
This measurement is especially important for any dog coat or sweater. They must be long enough to optimally protect the back from cold or wet.
The back length is also important for special surgical bodies. These bodysuits have recently been popularly used instead of the uncomfortable funnel post-surgery or injury.
The body ensures that the dog does not lick the wound and thus aggravate the injury. After the body has to fit well, it is important to choose the right size. Then the dog is not restricted in its freedom of movement.
Measure the dog’s chest
Chest circumference and waist are important for harness and dog clothing.
The chest circumference is measured about a hand width behind the front legs. To do this, place the tape measure around the dog’s chest.
Use a soft tailor’s tape measure. The metal tape measures used by DIYers are not ideal for these measurements. The result will be inaccurate.
Do the same for the waist as you did for the bust. The waist is measured about a hand’s breadth in front of the hind legs.
When buying clothing, you should always make sure that you allow enough leeway here so that the sweater or coat is not too tight on the dog’s body.
Largest & smallest dogs
Great Dane, Landseer, Leonberger, and Irish Wolfhound have one thing in common. They are among the largest of their kind. These dogs can reach a shoulder height of up to 100 centimeters, in exceptional cases even more.
With a shoulder height of 1,035 meters, the Great Dane Freddy is currently the tallest dog in the world.
The former world record holder Zeus achieved a total of 1.12 meters. Zeus also belonged to the Great Dane race, but unfortunately, he has already passed away.
In contrast, the smallest dog breed in the world – the Chihuahua – looks extremely fragile and almost like a toy. The current record holder is Chihuahua Dame Miracle Milly. She is just 9.65 centimeters high.
Between these extremes, there are dogs of every imaginable size and length. Did you know that a dog’s age also depends on its size? Small dogs tend to get older than their larger counterparts.
How to measure the size yourself is now hopefully no longer a problem with the above tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell how big my dog is getting?
How do I know how big my puppy is getting? An examination by your veterinarian can use x-rays to decide whether your dog is fully grown. The doctor can see from the growth plates whether the growth maximum has been reached or how big it will be.
How long does it take for a dog to be fully grown?
While small dogs are fully grown by eight months, medium-sized dogs can take up to a year to grow. The larger species need up to a year and a half and the giant breeds about two years to reach their final size.
How do you measure the waist circumference of a dog?
waist circumference. For the abdominal circumference, please measure the circumference behind the front legs. Place the measuring tape about a hand’s breadth behind it for large dogs and two to three fingers behind it for smaller dogs.
How do I know if my dog is still growing?
An X-ray examination at your veterinarian can provide clarity as to whether your dog is fully grown. The professional can see from the growth plates whether the animal has reached its maximum growth or how big its furry nose will be. The doctor examines the distances between the growth plates.
How do I know how big my puppy will be?
Look closely at the puppy. Instead of looking at the paws, it is better to pay attention to the size of the puppy itself: if it is between 20 and 28 centimeters at eight weeks, it will measure around 40 to 48 centimeters when fully grown. If the puppy is smaller at this point, it is a small dog.
How do you measure the stick size?
The stick measure consists of a long stick with a measuring scale and a movable arm that is attached to the stick at a 90° angle. To measure, the stick is placed next to the horse at the height of the withers and the arm pushed down so far that it rests on the withers.
How do you measure the size of a dog coat?
Please measure the length of the back along the spine from the collar to the base of the tail and the chest circumference of your dog. Both sizes are always indicated with the coats. This measurement corresponds to the required size. If possible, please choose the size that corresponds to the back length of your dog.
At what age does a dog grow the most?
While small dog breeds are fully grown after eight months, it can take up to two years for very large breeds. A dog’s growth chart shows how fast it should ideally grow and how much weight it should gain.