- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Are you in the market for a cute dog costume but want to ensure it will fit? Whether you’re looking for puppy party wear or just a fun clothing accessory for your dog, it’s not always easy figuring out how to measure a dog for a costume.
Proper sizing requires capturing a series of accurate measurements, such as your dog’s length, neck, and girth—which can be tricky if your pup doesn’t like to sit still. The good news, though, is that your dog’s weight isn’t usually a factor, so there’s no need to get out the scale.
For more insight, we consulted Alex van der Walt, a veterinary assistant and Animals Around the Globe contributor. Together, we developed some best practices for measuring your dog for a costume. So grab a fabric tape measure and a piece of paper to jot down your dog’s dimensions, and let’s get started!
How To Measure a Dog’s Chest Girth
According to pet expert Alex van der Walt, measuring your dog’s chest girth is essential to ensuring they can breathe normally while wearing a costume. Since costumes are for fun and not function, you can go with a looser fit, just as long as the clothing isn’t so big or long that it restricts your dog’s movement. Here are the steps to take to measure your dog’s chest girth.
- Measure your dog standing up. This measurement is much easier and more accurate if your dog is standing. If you have trouble keeping your pup in this position, enlist a friend to help you. Have your helper move in front of your dog and give them treats and affection while you take the measurements.
- Position the tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest. For most dogs, this will be directly behind their front legs. However, some dogs, like barrel-chested breeds, might need the measurements taken further back on their chest.
- Make sure the tape is secure but comfortable. Keeping the measuring tape straight so it doesn’t get twisted, check if you can fit at least two fingers between the tape and your dog’s body. This is a good way to ensure the tape measure is snug but not too tight.
How To Measure a Dog’s Neck
Van der Walt notes that correctly measuring your dog’s neck will ensure they have enough room to move their head freely when wearing costumes. Neck measurements could also bump your dog up a size regardless of their weight. Here’s how to measure your dog’s neck accurately.
1. Make sure your dog is in an upright and comfortable position. Your dog can sit or stand as long as you can easily measure their entire neck while the tape stays straight.
2. Wrap the tape around your dog’s neck at the place where the collar sits. For some dogs, it will be easy for pet parents to determine the correct placement. However, some breeds may require a little extra attention.
For example, if you have a short dog with a thick neck, find the area between your dog’s ears where you can feel the skull begin to taper and the shoulder bones. The spot between these two points is where the collar would naturally fall.
For dogs with lots of fur, the tape should be snug against the skin, not just the floof. If you’re having trouble determining the right measurement, use your dog’s collar as a guide. When in doubt, always go for the larger size.
3. Make sure the tape is not too tight. As with the girth, be sure you can fit two fingers between the tape and your dog.
How To Measure a Dog’s Height
Measuring your dog’s height is important for full-body clothing. Unlike humans, a dog’s height is measured from the floor to the top of their shoulders when standing. You can use the same flexible fabric tape measure to take the following steps.
- Put your dog into a standing position. Your dog must be standing to measure height; sitting will not work here!
- Start the tape from the floor and measure to the top of your dog’s shoulders. This should include the full length of the front leg and the shoulders so the tape ends at the top of the dog’s back. Use a straight line from the floor up. There’s no need to wrap the tape around your dog’s shoulder if they have a larger build.
- Measure the legs if needed. If you also need leg measurements, use the height guidance to capture the length of your dog’s front leg. Start the measuring tape on the floor and measure to the point where your dog’s upper leg meets their body. You can do this for both the front and the hind legs if measuring your dog for a costume with leg sleeves.
How To Measure a Dog’s Topline
Measuring your dog’s topline (or body length) for a costume is especially helpful if you have an extra-long or extra-short breed that doesn’t fall under typical body types (calling all Dachshunds). The topline is the mid-point of your dog’s shoulders to the beginning of their tail. Here’s how you find it.
- Make sure your dog is in a comfortable standing position. While your dog stands, make sure his spine is straight as you take the measurements for a more accurate reading.
- Run the tape between your dog’s shoulders and the base of the tail. If you have trouble finding your dog’s shoulders, use your finger to trace a line from the top of one front leg, over the back, and to the top of the other leg in a semi-circle. That should give you a good idea of where the center of your dog’s shoulders is. Use that as your starting point and measure all the way to where the tail begins.
- Take your dog’s sex into consideration. Depending on your dog’s sex and the costume you want to buy, you may need to take special precautions so your dog can go to the bathroom unimpeded. For male dogs, this may mean considering costume items that do not extend the full body length.
How To Measure a Dog’s Paws for Shoes, Socks, or Boots
Some costumes include booties or socks as part of the whole look. Measuring a dog’s paws might seem daunting, but Van der Walt has some great hacks. Here’s how to get an accurate measurement so the boots comfortably fit.
- Get out a blank piece of paper and a pencil. It’s time to create some paw art!
- Have your dog step onto the paper and trace the outline of their paw. Your dog should be putting their entire weight on their paw, but let them do it on their own—don’t press down on their paw.
- Measure the length and the width of the traced paw. If you find that your measurements are between boot sizes, opt for the larger set of shoes.
- If you’re measuring for socks, you may also need to take a leg measurement. Consider the fabric of the sock and whether it’s meant to be pulled up or stay around their paws. (Think knee-highs versus ankle socks.)
How To Measure a Dog’s Head for a Hat
Not all dogs tolerate hats and headgear well, so you’ll want to keep your dog’s temperament in mind as you select your costume. If your dog doesn’t mind something on their head, hats with ear holes, chin straps, or other adjustable features stay on better. To size your dog for a hat, measure the distance between their ears and the circumference of their head following these steps.
- Make sure your dog is in a comfortable position. They can be standing, sitting, or even sleeping for this measurement.
- Measure the space between your dog’s ears. This measurement should be taken from the point of one ear, over the crown of your dog’s head, to the point of the second ear.
- Measure your dog’s circumference. Start by placing the measuring tape at your dog’s chin, then wrap it around his head in front of the ears all the way around until it meets the chin again.
How To Choose a Costume Your Dog Will Tolerate
Van der Walt has a few tips for pet parents looking to outfit their dogs in costumes. First, if your dog has never worn accessories before, gradually introduce the costume elements so they can get used to wearing them. (In other words, the annual Halloween Party might not be the best first attempt at a doggy costume.)
Second, let your dog wear their new costume for short periods, then slowly extend the time until they’re comfortable in their new outfit. Lastly, use lots of positive reinforcement, offering plenty of treats and praise. (Never force your dog into a costume if they’re not feeling it.)
You know your dog’s temperament best, so choose a costume accordingly. For instance, if you have a chewer, anything with tassels or strings could present a temptation for chomping. Similarly, some dogs may not be keen on hats, sleeves, or anything that makes noise (think Velcro fasteners and bells).
Young puppies new to socialization or seniors with more sensitivities may be less likely to tolerate costumes. If your dog has any skin conditions, sensitivities around any body parts (usually ears and tail), or difficulties with movement, costumes may not be the best way to express their style. Instead, opt for something simple like a bandana, a festive collar, or a bow tie.