Always measure your dog when they are calm and standing naturally. If your dog has a thick coat, gently part the fur so the tape is against the skin for a more accurate result. Use a flexible fabric tape measure (not a rigid ruler) and follow these steps to measure their chest and neck.
Belly girth
First up, time to measure your dog’s girth. The belly measurement is the circumference of the widest part of your dog’s middle, typically around the rib cage. The exact position of your dog’s widest point varies depending on the breed.
Wrap your measuring tape around the broadest part of your dog’s belly. Keep the tape snug, but not tight enough to press into your dog’s skin. As a rule of thumb, there should be enough space to comfortably slide two fingers (about 2 cm) between the tape and your dog’s body.
Neck girth
Neck girth measures the circumference of your dog’s neck. Place one end of the tape measure at the nape of your dog’s neck, just above the shoulders where their collar sits. Wrap the tape measure around the neck, joining up the ends. As with the belly measurement, the tape should be snug but not too tight. Again, make sure you can fit two fingers between the tape and your dog’s neck.
Reversible harness size guide
Recommended reversible harness sizes for adult dogs
MEDIUM : Jack Russell, Bichon, Cockapoo, Yorkie, Lhasa apso, Pug, Standard Dachshund.
LARGE: Corgi, Cockapoo, Westipoo, French Bulldog, Pug, Border Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Beagle.
X LARGE: French Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pug, Beagle, English Bull Terrier, Border Collie, Puggle, Cocker Spaniel.
Adjustable harness size guide
Recommended adjustable harness sizes for adult dogs
MEDIUM: Corgi, Cockapoo, Westipoo, French Bulldog, Pug, Border Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Beagle.
LARGE: French Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Beagle, English Bull Terrier, Border Collie, Puggle, Cocker Spaniel.
Strap harness size guide
Recommended strap harness sizes for adult dogs
BIG DOG : Pug, Beagle, French Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Border Collie, Labrador, English Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel.
Collars size guide
In-between sizes
Our harnesses are four-way adjustable, meaning you can fine-tune the fit around the chest and belly for maximum comfort and control.
Need help choosing the right size?
If you’re unsure which size or harness style is best for your dog, or if your dog is in between two sizes, we’re happy to help.
Email us at woof@topdogharnesses.co.uk with your dog’s breed, approximate weight, and chest/girth measurement, and we’ll recommend the ideal TopDog harness size and style for you.