When buying dog clothes online,
"Where do I measure my waist circumference?"
"Should I measure the length from where the collar is?"
"Its fur is so fluffy, is it okay to measure it as is?"
Do you ever find yourself wondering about that?
To choose dog clothes that fit your beloved pet, it's essential to first measure your pet's body correctly.
In dog clothing, mainly,
・Neck circumference
·girth
・ Length
We will check these three locations.
However, even a difference of a few centimeters in the measurement point can change the size you choose.
In this article, the dog clothing brand CanNana will introduce the correct way to measure your beloved dog that you should know before choosing dog clothes, in as easy-to-understand a manner as possible.
Things to prepare before measuring your dog's size
The first thing you'll need is a flexible measuring tape.
I recommend a type that can conform to your body, such as one used for sewing.
Using a rigid ruler or tape measure makes it difficult to accurately measure your dog's body along its curves.
Also, if your dog moves around,
·snack
Favorite toys
Family cooperation
Having these things makes it easier to measure.
The basic rule for measuring a dog's size is to measure it while it is standing.
When measuring your dog's size, try to have them stand as naturally as possible on all four legs.
Sitting or lying down can cause your back to bend or change the shape around your chest, which may result in a difference from your original size.
Ideally,
"Standing naturally, as usual"
is.
There's no need to force yourself to correct your posture.
Measure when your dog is relaxed and standing.
Three basic measurements to take when dressing your dog
The basics of choosing dog clothes are:
1. Neck circumference
2. Waist circumference
3. Length
These are the three locations.
Let's take a closer look at what each of these measures.
1. How to correctly measure your neck circumference
The neck circumference is measured around the base of the neck.
As a guideline, the collar should be placed slightly below where you normally wear it, in the area where the neck connects to the body.
Place the measuring tape around your neck once.
Points to remember when measuring your neck circumference
Avoid tightening the measuring tape too much.
Conversely, if you float it too loosely, you won't be able to determine its exact size.
The key is to measure so that the measurement follows the natural curve of your dog's neck.
especially,
- Pullover type dog clothes
Dog clothes with a neckline that doesn't stretch easily
• High-neck type
Dog clothes with decorations around the neck
In such cases, checking the neck area is important.
2. How to correctly measure your waist circumference
When measuring for dog clothes, the chest circumference is especially important.
The waist circumference is,
The widest part of the chest, slightly behind the base of the front legs.
Measure by going around it once.
When you look at the dog from the side, the most prominent part of its chest is a good indicator.
The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor.
A common mistake when measuring waist circumference is holding the measuring tape at an angle.
If the device is positioned at an angle, such as shifting forward on the back or backward on the chest, accurate measurements cannot be obtained.
Try to keep the measuring tape as parallel to the floor as possible when you go around the area.
Don't press down too hard on the hair.
For dogs with thick fur, such as Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Bichon Frises, measuring by pressing the fur down strongly can result in the dog feeling cramped when wearing the clothes.
However, if you measure too loosely around the outside of the fur, you might end up with a size that's too big.
The key is to hold the measuring tape naturally along your body and measure without crushing the hair too much.
3. How to correctly measure garment length
The length is,
From the base of the neck to near the base of the tail
Measure along your back.
Here's something to keep in mind:
"Don't measure from the back of your head."
is.
Measuring from the point where the dog's head meets its neck can result in a longer garment length than it actually is.
Using the position of the front legs and shoulders as a guide, locate the base of the neck, which is the boundary between the neck and the body.
The length should be measured naturally along the back.
When measuring the length of a garment, don't pull the measuring tape taut to make it a straight line; instead, let it naturally follow the curve of your back.
Depending on the breed,
• A child with a relatively straight back
- A child with a rounded waistline
- A child with a long torso
This is because they have different body types.
For breeds with long bodies, such as miniature dachshunds, it is especially important to measure their length correctly.
It is recommended to measure the neck circumference, chest circumference, and length twice.
Your dog may not always stay still.
Judging solely on a single measurement can result in recording the reading at the exact moment your dog moves.
If possible, try measuring each value about twice.
for example,
First measurement: Waist circumference 38cm
Second measurement: Waist circumference 38.5cm
If it's only to that extent, it's not a major problem.
on the other hand,
First measurement: 38cm
Second time: 42cm
If the measurements differ significantly, it's possible that the measurement location or posture is incorrect.
Let's check again.
What do you do if the dog moves around and you can't measure it?
When trying to measure the size,
"Trying to bite the majors"
"I sit down right away."
"They run away"
There are dogs like that too.
In such cases, there's no need to try to measure it yourself.
The recommended method is to have two people measure it.
One person stands in front of the dog and distracts it with treats or toys, while the other person measures it from the side.
Measuring quickly reduces stress on your dog.
Dogs with thick coats require extra care before and after grooming.
For dog breeds with thick coats, the fit of dog clothes may change before and after grooming.
for example,
Dog clothes that fit perfectly right after grooming feel a little tight once the fur grows back.
That can also happen.
especially,
Toy Poodle
Bichon Frise
Pomeranian
Maltese
Shih Tzu
In such cases, you should also take hair volume into consideration.
Is a dog's size the same once it's measured?
A dog's body shape changes.
Puppies grow, and even adult dogs can change their body shape depending on their weight, muscle mass, and age.
Therefore,
"It's okay because we measured it last year."
Not necessarily.
especially,
- My weight has changed
- From puppy to adult dog
I bought dog clothes for the first time in a while.
・Hair volume has changed significantly
In that case, we recommend measuring again before purchasing.
Can you determine a dog's clothing size just by weighing it?
While weight can be a useful reference for dog clothing sizes, it's not enough to determine the exact size.
For example, even if two dogs weigh the same 3kg,
- Long torso
- Thick chest
・Slim
• Thick neck
• A lot of hair
Body types vary from person to person.
Therefore, when purchasing dog clothes, consider not only weight, but also,
Neck circumference, chest circumference, back length
We recommend actually measuring it.
Is it okay if the measured number matches the size of the dog's clothing?
This is a point to pay particular attention to when choosing dog clothes.
The fact that the measurements of your dog match the numbers listed in the size chart on the product page does not guarantee that the size will fit.
The size chart includes:
"Dog body size"
When it is written,
"The finished size of the garment itself"
Because it may be written there.
Furthermore, the fit can vary depending on the stretchiness of the fabric and the design of the dog clothing.
Once you've finished measuring, be sure to check the size chart and product description on the product page.
Common mistakes when measuring for dog clothes
When measuring the size of dog clothing, the following mistakes are common:
Measure your neck circumference at the narrowest part of your neck.
Sometimes people mistakenly measure the narrowest part of their dog's neck, thinking they're measuring the size of a collar.
When choosing dog clothes, check the area around the base of the neck.
Measure the waist circumference at the narrowest part of the belly.
The circumference of the torso is not the same as the waist circumference.
Measure the widest part of your chest.
Measure the length from the back of the head.
The length of the garment is measured from the base of the neck, not from the top of the head.
Tighten the measuring tape.
Sometimes, in an attempt to measure accurately, we pull the measuring tape too hard.
Measure by holding the device naturally along your body.
Measure while seated.
When you sit, the shape of your back and chest area changes.
It is important to take the measurement while standing as naturally as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Measuring Dog Clothing Sizes
Q. What should I do if I don't have a measuring tape?
One method is to place a soft string or similar material along your dog's body to measure its length, and then measure that string with a ruler.
However, if possible, it is recommended to use a soft measuring tape, such as one used for sewing.
Q. Should I measure my neck circumference with some extra room, like the width of one finger?
When measuring your size, it's important to follow the size chart provided by each brand.
Instead of adding a large margin based on your own judgment, first measure your dog's body naturally and then compare that value with the size chart.
Q. Should I part the hair to measure it?
There is no need to press it tightly against your skin.
Hold the measuring tape naturally against your body and measure without crushing the hair unnecessarily.
Q. What is the most important thing?
When it comes to dog clothes, the chest circumference is often a crucial factor.
However, depending on the design, the neck circumference and length are also important, so it is generally recommended to measure all three areas.
Q. Can I measure the dog's current clothes?
While this can be helpful, I recommend measuring your dog's body first.
The size of dog clothing can vary in elasticity and silhouette depending on the product, so it may not be possible to determine the size based solely on the clothing you currently have.
Let's review how to measure your dog correctly for clothes.
Before buying dog clothes, there are three things you should check first.
neck
Go around the base of your neck.
girth
Go around the widest part of the chest, just behind the base of the front legs.
Length
Measure along the back, from the base of the neck to near the base of the tail.
And when measuring,
Measure while standing naturally.
Use a soft measuring tape
- Do not tighten the majors too much.
・Measure the waist circumference parallel to the floor.
・Measure twice if possible
Try to be mindful of that.
Taking accurate measurements is the first step to finding the perfect garment.
Even if you find cute dog clothes, they won't be comfortable for your dog if they don't fit properly.
That's why the first step in choosing dog clothes is,
"Knowing your dog's current size correctly"
is.
At CanNana, we not only enjoy dressing your dog in stylish clothes, but we also prioritize ensuring they are comfortable to wear.
Before buying dog clothes, please take a look at this first.
Neck circumference, chest circumference, back length
Please measure it.
Then, based on the measurements you've taken, let's find the perfect outfit for your dog.
Size ChartPlease also check this out.
→ How to choose the right size for dog clothesHereThis is also helpful.