Designer Dog Coats - Measuring Your dog

MEASURING A DOG AND INTERPRETING THE MEASUREMENTS

1. Back length is measured from the withers to the base of the tail while the dog stands in the normal position (not from the collar). When measuring the back length, be very careful as depending on the dog’s position, the dimensions may vary by several centimeters.

2. Neckline measurement is taken from the widest part of the dog’s neck, i.e. from the base of the neck. The neckline of the overalls may be several centimeters larger than the neck measurement, as the neckline of the overalls can be adjusted smaller.

3. Chest measurement is taken from the widest part of the dog’s chest behind the forelegs. In order that the overalls have sufficient room for movement, the chest measurement of the overalls must be at least 5 cm larger in small size classes and at least 10–20 cm larger in large size classes. Breeds with long and thick fur need more room for the chest than dogs with short fur.

4. Waistline is taken from the narrowest section of the dog’s stomach in front of the hind legs. Always in front of the sex organs of a male dog, however. Together with the chest measurement, also the waist measurement can be several centimetres larger than the dog’s waist measurement. The waist of the Hurtta outdoor recreation overalls can be adjusted with a rubber band according to the size of each dog. The adjustability is important especially to male dogs and breeds with a narrow waste.

5. Front leg inner length is measured from the bottom of the chest along the inside of the leg to the wrist bone. The front leg should be shorter than the inside length of the dog’s leg. So that the dog can safely run and play while wearing the overalls, the front legs should at most reach the dog’s wrist. The length is correct when the front leg reaches the dog’s forearm.

6. Length of the hind leg is measured between the hind legs along the inside of the leg to the hock. The length is correct when the hind leg reaches the dog’s hock.

Note! If the overalls are acquired to protect the fur of a longhaired dog, the legs can be longer than listed above. However, the overalls should in this case be used only when the dog is monitored by the owners.