A collar needs one measurement. A harness needs two: the chest and the neck. Take both before you order and the harness will fit the first time.
What you need
A soft tape measure, a few treats, and your dog standing up on all four legs. If you do not have a soft tape, use a piece of string and lay it against a ruler.
1. Measure the chest
Run the tape around the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind the front legs. Keep it flat against the coat and snug, not pulled tight. This is the most important measurement, because the chest strap is what holds the harness in place.
2. Measure the neck
Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit. On our harnesses the neck is a fixed measurement with no adjustment, so take care to get this one right.
3. Compare with the size chart
Check both numbers against the dog harness size chart. On the chart, Chest Min is the size when fastened on the first hole and Chest Max is the last hole. There are five adjustment holes, giving about 8 cm of flexibility, so choose the size where your dog's chest falls comfortably inside that range rather than right at the end of it.
Every brand sizes differently, so please measure rather than going by a harness your dog already owns.
4. Check the fit
Once the harness is on, you should be able to slide two fingers flat under every strap. It should not twist, slide to one side, or rub behind the front legs when your dog walks. If you can pull it forward over your dog's head while it is fastened, it is too loose.
Between sizes
If your dog lands between two sizes, or has a deep chest with a slim neck, get in touch with the measurements before you order. Our harnesses are handmade, so we can make a custom size at no extra cost.
Puppies
A growing puppy will outgrow a harness quickly. Measure again every few weeks and check the two-finger fit each time.
Matching the set
Most of our harnesses have a matching collar and leash in the same finish. For collar sizing, see How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar. Not sure whether your dog needs a harness at all? Read Collar or Harness? How to Choose for Your Dog.
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