If you are a dog owner, you may wonder how to measure your dog’s height. Measuring your dog’s height can be important for many reasons. For example, you may need to know your dog’s height to purchase a properly sized crate or dog door.
This blog post will discuss the reasons you should know how to measure your dog’s height and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so. You will come with pro tips on how to make the most accurate measurements.
Reasons to Measure Your Dog’s Height
You should take the time to measure your dog’s height for many reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons:
To crate train your dog
When crate training your puppy, it is important to get a crate that is the right size. The crate should be large enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, and sleep comfortably. Your puppy may feel cramped and uncomfortable if the crate is too small. On the other hand, if the crate is too big, your puppy may be able to use one side of the crate as a bathroom.
To purchase a dog bed
When purchasing a dog bed, you want to ensure that the bed is big enough for your dog to stretch out and sleep comfortably. If the bed is too small, adult dogs may be unable to get comfortable and may end up sleeping on the floor instead.
To find clothes that fit
If you are looking for clothes for your dogs, such as a sweater or raincoat, you will need to know your dog’s measurements. Many pet stores carry clothes that are sized by weight and height.
To estimate how much food to feed your dog
When feeding your dog, you will want to ensure that you give them the appropriate amount of food. The food you give your dog will depend on its age, weight, and activity level. However, knowing your dog’s height can help you estimate how much food to give them.
To ensure a dog harness/collar fits comfortably and securely
A properly fitting collar or harness is important for your dog’s safety. A too-tight collar or harness can be uncomfortable for your dog and cause injury. A too-loose collar or harness may slip off, putting your dog in danger if they are not on a leash.
Measuring a Dog’s Height: 4 Essential Measurements
Please keep in mind that taking your dog’s measurements is easy, and the procedure is the same for small dogs like pugs, French bulldogs, or dachshunds as it is for bigger dogs like German shepherds, greyhounds, Labrador retrievers, or Great Danes.
#1 Body length
This is the measurement from your dog’s chest to the base of its tail. To measure this, have your dog stand on all fours and place one hand on its back at the level of its shoulders. Use a measuring tape to measure from here to the base of their tail.
#2 Chest girth
This is the measurement around your dog’s chest, just behind its front legs. To find your dog’s chest size, stand them up and locate the spot on their back that’s the widest between your dog’s shoulder blades. Then, wrap a tape measure around them, so it passes behind their forelegs, being sure to snug it up against their body. Once you have the measurement, write it down.
#3 Neck girth
This is the measurement around your dog’s neck. To measure this, place the tape measurer around your dog’s neck where their collar would normally sit. Be sure not to pull the tape measurer too tight, as you want to leave room for a comfortable fit.
#4 Height at withers
This is the measurement from the top of your dog’s withers to the ground. To measure this, have your dog stand on all fours and place one hand on its back at the level of its shoulders. Use a tape measurer to measure from here to the ground.
7 Pro Tips from Our Experts for Measuring a Dog
Here are a few additional tips from our experts to help you measure dog height correctly:
1. Right tools are essential
As we mentioned before, you will want to use a flexible measuring tape to get the most accurate measurements of your dog. A regular ruler or yardstick will not be able to wrap around your dog’s body and will give you an inaccurate measurement.
2. Get a helper
Measuring your dog by yourself can be difficult, especially if they are wiggly or uncooperative. It may be helpful to ask a friend or family member to help you hold your dog still while you take their measurements.
3. Don’t pull the measuring tape too tight
When measuring your dog’s girth (chest and neck), be sure not to pull the measuring tape too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the tape measurer and your dog’s body.
4. Measure in inches
All dog measurements should be taken in inches, as this is the standard unit of measurement for dog clothes and beds.
5. Take your time
Don’t rush when taking your dog’s measurements. Make sure you measure each area carefully to get the most accurate results.
6. Measure while your dog is standing
It’s best to measure your dog while standing, as this will give you the most accurate measurement of its height.
7. Measure against a wall
For the most accurate measurement of your dog’s height, measure them from shoulder to ground while standing next to a wall. This will ensure that you measure a dog’s height from the top of its shoulder rather than its head.
Final Words: How to Measure Dog Height
Taking your dog’s measurements is a simple and easy process that only takes a few minutes. By measuring your dog, you can be sure that you are ordering the right size clothes, beds, and other accessories for them. Following these tips will help you get the most accurate measurement of your dog possible.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your own tips for measuring a dog, please leave a comment below.
