How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness

Getting your dog's harness measurements right is the single most important step to a comfortable, secure fit - especially with a custom made harness. Here's exactly how to do it.

What you'll need

A soft fabric tape measure (a piece of string and a ruler works too), and ideally a helper to keep your dog still.

The two key measurements

1. Chest girth: Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest. Do not pull the tape into the fur or body and ensure you can fit two fingers comfortably underneath. This is the most critical measurement for harness fit.
2. Neck girth: Measure loosely around the base of the neck, where a collar would sit.

We provide the body length of all of our harnesses within our A-C sizing. We would always recommend checking this too just to make sure you are happy with the size.

Tips for accurate measuring

• Always measure with your dog standing in a natural, relaxed position.
• Add two fingers under the tape as you measure - this gives the right amount of ease for comfort and movement.
• Measure twice, especially for barrel-chested breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs.
• If your dog is between sizes, size up for comfort.

Why fit matters more than breed

Two Labradors can have entirely different chest measurements. That's why all Hugo and Ted harnesses are made to your dog's individual measurements rather than a generic size bracket. You submit your measurements at checkout and we cut and make your harness specifically for your dog.

Ready to get started? Browse our custom made harness collection and find the style that suits your dog's personality.