|
Fitting Your Dog For Fashion & Function:
Taking Correct Measurements
So you want to buy your dog a new collar, and maybe even a cute outfit or two. The only problem is, you have no idea how to find out what size your baby is. Not to worry; as long as you have a measuring tape, in no time you can be on your way to adorably accessorizing your little love!
When measuring for clothing size, be sure to use a soft, flexible measuring tape (such as a cloth one), and not a metal one you use for home improvement. Alternately, you can use a piece of string, mark off the correct measurement on the string with a pen, and then hold it up against a ruler. The tape or string should not be held too tightly, and you should keep in mind that you are measuring the body itself - not the thickness of the fur - so if you need to dig through a substantial coat of hair (such as for a full-coated Pomeranian or Shih Tzu), then you must do that.
Take the measurements of the neck, then the circumference around the widest part of the ribcage (behind the front legs), and last the length from base of neck to base of tail. For accuracy, this needs to be done while your little one is standing in a relaxed position on all fours. Adding an inch to the girth is a good idea. In general, if clothing fits around the ribcage circumference then it should also fit the length and neck fine. It's also important to realize that if the length of an article of clothing is correct, but the ribcage circumference is too tight around your baby's body, then it is definitely not the right size because your dog will end up feeling very uncomfortable and unable to walk properly wearing it. Keep in mind that not all canine clothing is made to fit way down to the base of the tail; sometimes shirts are made to end at the dog's waist, as a human's would.
If your best friend wears a harness, then it is the ribcage girth circumference measurement that you should be concerned with. The harness should lay against the dogs' body, but not be too tight. As your baby walks, the harness naturally gets pulled upward against the skin underneath the ribcage as you hold on to the leash, so a too-tight harness would be binding and annoying. A well-fitting harness makes walks as enjoyable as can be!
Collars are normally sized according to the length between the buckle and the middle hole. To find out what size collar your dog would take, use a soft measuring tape and take the measurement of the lowest part of your dog's neck (this is where the collar should comfortably lie), and then slip two fingers flatly underneath the tape to give a measurement that will allow for movement and proper breathing. This is usually 2" more than your measurement. You can also use the string method (explained earlier) in place of a tape.
Once fitted to perfection, you'll take pride in the fact that not only is your companion looking fabulous in the latest styles, she's also safe, secure, and comfy too.
|
|