Dog Harness - Find the Right Size
- Matthias
- Mar 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Choosing the right dog harness is crucial for the comfort, safety and well-being of your four-legged friend. But with so much choice on the market, how do you find the right size dog harness? A harness that is too tight can be uncomfortable, while one that is too loose can compromise the desired control. In our latest blog post, we delve into the world of dog harnesses and show you how to determine the best size for your dog. From practical measuring methods to important considerations for individual needs, you'll find everything you need to know to find the best harness for your dog.
Correctly Measuring the Dog for the Optimal Size of Chest Harness
When making a customized dog harness, accurate sizing is essential to ensure that the harness fits perfectly and meets your dog's specific needs. Below you will find a measuring guide to help you find the right harness for your dog at Lolinq. You can find the corresponding chest harness configurator here:
Neck side: is measured from the top of the sternum diagonally up to the point where the shoulder blades meet (where the neck begins).
Chest bridge: we measure from the front tip of the sternum onwards between the front legs, until just before the end of the sternum (usually the lowest point of the chest). In any case, in a standing position, between the armpit and the final measurement there should be enough space for about 3 fingers (for smaller dogs) up to one hand (for large dogs).
Chest size: at the point where the sternum ends, the measuring tape is applied and wrapped completely around the whole rib cage. Measure as vertically as possible. Note the uppermost point where the measuring tape is on the spine for the next measuring step!
Back bridge: this represents the connection between the neck and waist belt. Again, start at the point where the shoulder blades meet and measure the spine onwards to the point where the chest circumference was measured (see previous step).
No flexible tape measuring at hand? Simply take a cable (e.g. charging cable), place it around the areas of your dog to be measured and mark the length with your finger. Unroll the cable and measure the length of the cable.
You can use the size chart to determine the size you need to order a suitable harness from Lolinq. Our unique configurators also make it easy to create a beautiful design for your dog harness.
To ensure an exact fit, these measurements must be taken carefully. In case of doubt or special requirements, it is best to contact the manufacturer or supplier of custom-made dog harnesses directly, as they may need additional information to produce a perfectly fitting harness.
Why a Fitting Dog Harness is Important
A well-fitting chest harness is essential, as it has numerous benefits for both the dog and the dog owner.
In our blog topic: "Dog harness - a general guide to the optimal chest harness" you will find further important information on this topic.
Overall, a well-fitting chest harness ensures that the dog feels comfortable and safe and that the owner remains in control. It is important to check regularly that the harness still fits properly, especially for growing dogs or dogs that are undergoing physical changes.
Choosing the Right Size for a Dog Harness
If everything has been measured correctly, you can use the measurement tables to determine which harness size is the right one. If all the measurements fit the same size, you can simply choose a standard size. Otherwise, it is best to opt for a customized harness. In our chest harness configurator, you can easily check which harness size fits your dog. Very important: We do not charge extra for custom-made harnesses, as we believe that every dog should have a harness that fits.
What Makes a Dog Harness too Small?
A dog harness is too small if it no longer offers the necessary freedom of movement, comfort and safety for the dog. Here are some signs that a dog harness is too small:
Tight fit: if the harness is too tight and the straps or straps cut into the dog's body, this can cause discomfort and chafing.
Difficulty putting on and taking off: If the harness suddenly becomes more difficult to put on or take off and the dog resists, this could indicate that the harness has become too tight.
Breathing difficulties: A harness that is too tight can affect the dog's breathing. If the dog shows signs of shortness of breath or is breathing heavily, this could indicate that the harness is too small.
Behavioral changes: A dog that suddenly becomes stressed, nervous or restless could be reacting to physical discomfort from a harness that is too small.
Markings or hair loss: Cutting harnesses can cause pressure points and irritation. If you notice red marks or hair loss in the harness area, it may be too small.
It is important to check the fit of the dog harness regularly, especially as the dog grows or changes physically. A well-fitting harness should be tight enough to fit securely, but at the same time provide enough room to ensure comfort and freedom of movement. If there is any uncertainty about the size or fit, it is advisable to seek professional help, be it from an experienced dog trainer or a vet.
The Right Harness for Narrow Dogs
For narrow dogs, it is important to choose a harness that is specifically tailored to their body shape to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Measure the chest circumference and adjust the harness accordingly to ensure an optimal fit. Our configurator is specially designed for individual chest harnesses and, in addition to individual measurements, also allows an intuitive view of different combinations to create a suitable design for your dog.
Harness with Chest Ring
A dog harness with a chest ring, also known as a front-attachment harness, has several benefits, especially when it comes to dog training and control. Here are some reasons why a harness with a chest ring can be a good choice:
Better control: the chest ring allows for better control of the dog, especially if it tends to pull on the leash. By attaching the leash to the chest ring, the dog is made to turn and return to its owner when it pulls.
Reduction of pulling behavior: A harness with a chest ring can help minimize pulling on the leash. By redirecting the dog towards the owner, pulling behavior is controlled more effectively.
Less strain on the neck: Unlike collars, which can concentrate pressure on the neck and airway, a harness with a chest ring distributes pressure evenly across the dog's chest area and back. This is particularly important for dogs that are sensitive to neck pressure or already have health problems in the neck area.
Improving training: A harness with front attachment can make training easier, especially when it comes to walking the dog on a loose lead or performing obedience exercises. The ability to gently steer the dog makes training more effective.
Suitable for certain behavioral problems: A harness with a chest ring can be helpful if the dog tends to show aggressive behavior towards other dogs. The ability to easily control and direct the dog allows the owner to respond appropriately to unwanted behavior.
It is important to note that not every dog harness with a chest ring is suitable for every dog. The choice depends on the size, behavior and needs of the dog. In our configurator, you can easily select a second leash ring in the extras.
Sizes and Table for Some Dog Breeds
Dog breed | Back length | Neck circumference | Chest circumference |
Pekingese | 35 - 40 cm | 30 - 35 cm | 40 - 45 cm |
Dachshund | 30 - 45 cm | 30 - 40 cm | 40 - 45 cm |
Chihuahua | 30 - 30 cm | 25 - 32 cm | 30 - 35 cm |
Maltese | 30 - 38 cm | 30 - 35 cm | 35 - 40 cm |
Yorkshire Terrier | 25 - 30 cm | 25 - 30 cm | 35 - 40 cm |
Jack Russell Terrier | 30 - 40 cm | 30 - 35 cm | 45 - 50 cm |
French Bulldog | 30 - 45 cm | 35 - 40 cm | 50 - 60 cm |
Pug | 28 - 35 cm | 36 - 44 cm | 50 - 60 cm |
Sheltie | 42 - 48 cm | 40 - 45 cm | 50 - 55 cm |
Beagle | 42 - 48 cm | 40 - 45 cm | 45 - 50 cm |
Fox Terrier | 38 - 45 cm | 40 - 45 cm | 50 - 55 cm |
Cocker Spaniel | 42 - 47 cm | 40 - 45 cm | 50 - 55 cm |
Australian Shepherd | 50 - 60 cm | 45 - 50 cm | 70 - 75 cm |
Border Collie | 48 - 52 cm | 60 - 65 cm | 75 - 85 cm |
Dalmatian | 65 - 75 cm | 40 - 50 cm | 75 - 85 cm |
Collie | 50 - 60 cm | 40 - 45 cm | 75 - 85 cm |
Golden Retriever | 55 - 65 cm | 45 - 53 cm | 85 - 95 cm |
Siberian Husky | 60 - 70 cm | 45 - 50 cm | 85 - 95 cm |
Labrador Retriever | 55 - 60 cm | 50 - 55 cm | 85 - 95 cm |
German Shepherd Dog | 65 - 75 cm | 50 - 70 cm | 95 - 105 cm |
Rottweiler | 67 - 82 cm | 55 - 70 cm | 95 - 105 cm |
Saint Bernard | 65 - 75 cm | 50 -55 cm | 105 - 115 cm |
Afghan Greyhound | 60 - 65 cm | 40 - 52 cm | 75 - 85 cm |
Doberman | 59 - 67 cm | 50 - 55 cm | 85 - 95 cm |
Greyhound | 60 - 70 cm | 45 - 50 cm | 75 - 85 cm |
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