How to measure your dog for a coat, jumper or pyjamas
Short answer: measure three things with a soft tape while your dog stands square: back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, chest girth around the deepest part of the ribcage, and neck circumference where a collar sits. Chest girth is the measurement that most often decides the size. Compare all three with the chart on the product page, since sizes differ between makers, and if your dog falls between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Our dog clothing range is one of the largest parts of ArdentPets, and the question we are asked about most is size. A Small from one maker can be a Medium from another, and a label saying “for terriers” helps nobody whose terrier is built like a barrel. Five minutes with a tape measure solves almost every fit problem.
The three measurements
- Back length: from the point where the neck meets the shoulders (where a collar rests) to the base of the tail. Most charts use this; a few measure to mid-tail, so read the diagram.
- Chest girth: around the widest part of the ribcage, usually just behind the front legs. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Neck: around the neck where a collar sits. This matters most for jumpers and hoodies that pull over the head.
Write the figures down in centimetres and keep them on your phone. Measure again in autumn each year, and every few weeks for a growing puppy.
Reading a size chart
Start with chest girth, because a coat that is short in the back is still wearable, while one that is tight across the chest is not. Then check back length; a coat should cover the back without pressing on the base of the tail. Deep-chested, narrow-waisted breeds such as whippets, greyhounds and lurchers often need a size chosen by chest and a style cut for sighthounds. Stocky breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs often need the opposite: a generous chest with a shorter back.
Coats for wet and cold days
A waterproof coat keeps rain and road spray off the back and chest, so your dog comes home drier. Look for a fastening under the belly or chest and reflective trim for dark afternoons. See our waterproof dog coats.
Fleece is light, soft and warm on dry, cold days, and many fleece coats can be worn under a waterproof shell. Browse our fleece dog coats. For the coldest days, or for short-coated and older dogs, a padded jacket adds insulation; ours include padded styles from Gooby. See padded and puffer dog jackets.
If your dog walks on a harness, a coat with a built-in harness avoids layering two sets of straps; the lead clips to a ring that comes through the coat. Measure chest girth with special care, because the harness section has to fit as well as the coat. Browse dog coats with a built-in harness.
Jumpers and hoodies for indoors and dry walks
Knitted jumpers suit small and thin-coated dogs in draughty houses. Because they pull on over the head, check the neck measurement as well as the chest, and pick a stretchy rib at the neck and cuffs. Our knitted dog jumpers include knitted designs from KYEESE. Hoodies are lighter and quick to put on; the hood is decorative for most dogs, so do not rely on it to keep the head dry. Browse dog hoodies.
Raincoats and pyjamas
A raincoat is thinner than a waterproof coat and suits mild, wet days and dogs that run hot; some include a hood and leg sleeves. See dog raincoats. Dog pyjamas and onesies cover the legs too, which some owners use to keep a thin-coated dog warm at night. Because they cover the legs, sizing is less forgiving, so follow the chart closely. Our dog pyjamas and onesies include sets from Fitwarm.
Getting the fit right on the day
When the item arrives, try it on indoors for a few minutes first. Two fingers should fit flat beneath the straps and the neckline, your dog should walk, sit and lie down freely, and nothing should rub behind the front legs. For male dogs, check the belly panel sits well forward. Introduce clothing with praise and a few minutes at a time if your dog is unsure. If the size is wrong, unworn items can go back free.
How to choose: before you order
- Measure back length, chest girth and neck in centimetres while your dog stands square.
- Size by chest first, then check back length.
- Between sizes, choose the larger one.
- Pick waterproof for rain, fleece or padding for cold, and a harness coat for harness walkers.
- Check neck size for anything that pulls over the head.
- Try new items on indoors before the first walk.
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog really need a coat?
Plenty of thick-coated breeds cope with British winters without one. Short-coated, thin, small, young and older dogs often feel the cold and wet more, and benefit from a coat on cold or rainy walks. Watch for shivering or reluctance to go out.
Which measurement matters most?
Chest girth. A coat that is slightly short in the back is still usable, but one that is tight around the chest restricts movement. Check back length second and neck size for anything that goes over the head.
My dog is between two sizes. Which should I choose?
Usually the larger size, especially for coats worn over a thick natural coat or a jumper. Straps can be tightened, but a garment that is too small cannot be let out.
Can I return clothing if it does not fit?
Yes. Unworn items in their original condition can be returned free within 30 days. Try new clothing on indoors first so it stays in returnable condition.
Where to go next
Browse all our dog clothing, the wider dog department or the shop by pet page. For kit that keeps mud out of the house after a wet walk, see the muddy-walk routine, and our shop by need page groups everything for walks and travel. UK delivery is free, and the delivery and returns page explains how a free return works.
