How to measure your dog’s neck without a tape measure
Your pups current collar still fits, and youre shopping around because why not! Or, your fur kids collar needs a major update. You can easily use the collar and a ruler ( or even a toolbox measuring tape) to get a fairly accurate measurement of your doggos neck size for a collar.
We recommend measuring from the top of the buckle to your dogs current and most comfortable adjustment hole on the strap.
We suggest not measuring from end to end as it will throw off your measurements by a few centimeters or over an inch. Well admit it doesn’t sound like SUCH a big deal, but if your pups measurements fall under the extra-size range, such as XS and XL, it could definitely make or break a perfect fit! Measure the collar from the end of the receiver buckle clip to the top of the inserted buckle clip. Make sure not to include the full length of the inserted buckle clip in your measurements as this part clips into the receiver buckle clip.
Option 2: Use A Charger Cable
Sounds crazy, we know! A charger cable is one of the items almost every household is guaranteed to have. Alternatively, you can also use a piece of rope, string, ribbon or a shoelace, and a ruler (or that handy toolbox measuring tape) to get a close and comfortable measurement for a new collar.
Hold the end of the cable between your finger and thumb, and very gently wrap the other side around the thickest/broadest part of your poochs neck. Pull the cord snug enough to fit 2-3 fingers between the cable and your doggos neck and mark the spot where the charger end met the cord with your finger – please be careful not to pull the cord too tight. Now, lay the cable flat and use either a ruler or tape measure to get your pups measurements.
Getting Your Dog’s Measurements
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How to Measure Your Dog Without a Measuring Tape
When looking to buy your dog a new harness, collar, or winter-ready dog coat, you will always need to know your dogs measurements. While it might be tempting to select a product size based on your best guess, this can lead to unnecessary and time-consuming exchanges or returns down the road.
Even within the same breed, not all dogs are shaped the same. Many french bulldogs are thick-set and well-muscled, while other frenchies are more slender and petite. Some dachshunds have exceptionally large, robust chests, while other sausage dogs have a more svelte and lean frame. Medium dogs do not always fit into medium dog coats. This is something you may not realize if you are picking out dog apparel or accessories like harnesses and collars for the first time.
Dog apparel outfitters like Django use a few key dog measurements in their size charts: chest girth, neck girth, back length, and height (also known as “withers”). Not sure what some or all of these mean?
We (Steph and Mike) know that measuring your dog for harnesses, clothes, pet carriers, and shoes is confusing and may make you want to hide your measuring tape. In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we cover how to correctly measure your dogs neck girth, chest girth, back length, height, and paws.