Before taking your dog's measurements, you need to make sure that he or she is in a calm and quiet place.

For the most accurate measurements, have your dog stand upright

and use a soft measuring tape that will follow

your dog's body curvature.

STEP ONE

Measure Your Dog’s Neck

STEP TWO

Measure The Back or Body Length

Once you're done measuring the neck, the next thing to do is measure the back length. This is the length of your dog, starting from the base of its neck to where its tail starts. Measure down the center line of its back, running the tape measure down between your dog's shoulder blades.

STEP THREE

 Measure Your Dog’s Chest

Now that you are done with the neck and the back length, the last part you need to measure is the chest. Use a tape measure and wrap it around their chest at the widest part, usually around a dog's rib cage. As you did when measuring the neck girth, make sure to apply the two-finger rule.

*If your dog has short dogs like Dachshunds, we highly recommend fitted measurements since these types of dog travel low to the ground.*

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Often the three measurements may not perfectly match up, based on our years of experience, prioritize the chest first; a slight discrepancy in the neck and back will not be an issue.

OTHER FACTORS:

• Consider your dog's mental and physical comfort - it is important that your dog connects clothes to a positive experience. Be patient and give plenty of treats. 

For first-timers, we recommend starting with a relaxed-fitting piece like a dress or t-shirt as the materials are stretchable and there is plenty of room for error. These often sit loosely around a dog's chest so it will keep anxiety to a minimum.

Once you and your dog are both more comfortable with the process, then you can move on to more fitted pieces like dog winter jackets and sweaters, where a more accurate measurement is more important.

• Consider your dog’s hair density & length - dogs with dense hair coats such as Australian shepherds, Shih Tzus, and Border collies don’t need any additional insulation. Their coat is naturally designed to protect them from cold weather, though this can be unreliable if living in a constantly cold climate. 

On the other hand, certain dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Frenchies have single-layer fur, and these dogs have a harder time retaining body heat.

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One of the most exciting moments of buying dog clothes is putting that cute piece on for the first time. Shop Miminko & share the joy of fashion with your pooch.