Let’s Talk About Pet Harnesses
For most dog harnesses, you will want to take three main measurements, plus your pet’s weight as a backup reference:
- Chest girth – The most important measurement. Wrap a soft tape around the widest part of the rib cage, usually just behind the front legs.
- Neck circumference – Measure around the lower part of the neck where the harness will sit, not high up where a collar normally rests.
- Back/chest length – For harnesses with longer body panels, measure from the base of the neck to the point where the harness should end along the back or chest.
- Weight – Helpful for checking the manufacturer’s size chart, but don’t choose a harness by weight alone.
For a good fit, you should generally be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog’s body. When you fit your pet and make adjustments, the harness should be snug enough that your pet cannot back out of it, but not so tight that it restricts movement, breathing, or rubs behind the front legs. If you pet falls between sizes, use the manufacturer’s sizing instructions for best results, chest girth usually matters most.