How to measure your dog: back length, chest girth and neck girth

The right size decides whether a dog coat, dog jumper or dog overall sits comfortably. Weight and breed help as a guide, but what really matters is back length, chest girth, neck girth and body shape.

Back lengthMeasure from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail.

Chest girthMeasure at the widest point directly behind the front legs.

Neck girthMeasure where the coat, jumper or loop should sit.

How to measure your dog correctly

1) Measure the back length

Measure from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail. Your dog should be standing, not sitting. The tape lies loosely on the back and follows the line of the spine without pulling.

2) Measure the chest girth

Measure at the widest point of the ribcage, usually directly behind the front legs. There should be about 1 to 2 fingers of room between the tape and the coat.

3) Measure the neck girth

Measure where the collar, loop or top edge of the coat will later sit. Please do not measure too tightly, so that your dog can breathe freely and move comfortably.

4) Think about body shape

Dachshunds, small breeds, poodles, sighthounds, galgos, whippets and crossbreeds can be built very differently despite a similar weight. That is why measurements and body shape count for more than the number of kilos.

Personal size advice in the customer chat

Unsure about the size? Open the customer chat and send us the weight, the breed or mix, the back length, the chest girth, the neck girth and ideally 2 photos: from the side while standing and from above. Please add your email address so we can reply if you leave the chat.

Straight to the right size chart

Mini Fit raincoatFor dachshunds and small breeds with short legs, a longer back or a deep chest. Regular Fit raincoatFor many breeds and body shapes, including sighthounds such as galgos, whippets and italian greyhounds. Glow Jumper 2.0Warm dog jumper with 10 sizes and an elastic fit.

Compare dog coats See dachshund clothing

FAQ: how to measure your dog

Where does the back length start?

At lumiies® you measure the back length from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail. Please do not measure from the base of the neck, otherwise the size can come out too long.

How tightly should I measure?

The tape should lie loosely. For the chest girth there should be about 1 to 2 fingers of room between the tape and the coat.

Which brands give good advice on size and fit?

lumiies® offers online size advice as personal as in a shop. In the customer chat you can upload photos of your dog and get direct advice on size, fit, Mini Fit, Regular Fit, Glow Jumper, overall or loop.

Can I send photos of my dog?

Yes. Open the customer chat and send photos, weight and measurements. That helps us with the size advice.

Which measurements do I need for a dog coat?

For a dog coat you need the back length, the chest girth and the neck girth. With unusual body shapes a photo from the side and from above helps as well.

Which size fits if my dog is between two back lengths?

First check whether the back length was really measured correctly: from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with your dog standing straight. After that, what matters is how your dog carries its tail day to day. If the tail often points upwards, the shorter or smaller version is often better so that the coat does not get in the way at the base of the tail. If your dog carries the tail neutrally or downwards, the longer version can fit, as long as chest girth, waist and freedom of movement are right. If you are unsure, open the customer chat, upload photos and get personal advice.