Dog coat size guide: how to measure properly
Getting a dog coat to fit properly comes down to three measurements — back length, chest girth and neck girth — taken from your own dog rather than estimated from breed or weight. Coat sizing varies significantly between brands and styles, so a tape measure and a few minutes with your dog beats guessing from a size chart alone.
The three measurements that matter
Back length is measured from the base of the neck, where a collar would sit, to the base of the tail, following the curve of the spine rather than a straight line. This is usually the single most important number on a coat's size chart.
Chest girth is measured around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs, and neck girth around the base of the neck where a collar sits. Take all three with your dog standing naturally, not sitting or stretching, for the most accurate result.
Why breed and weight alone are not enough
Two dogs of the same breed and weight can have noticeably different back lengths and chest shapes — a deep-chested breed and a barrel-chested one of similar weight will often need different coat styles entirely, not just different sizes of the same cut.
Coat style also affects fit: a coat with a wraparound belly panel needs a different chest measurement approach than one that simply sits over the back, so check what each specific product's chart actually asks you to measure rather than assuming they are all the same.
Getting the fit right once it arrives
A well-fitted coat should sit snugly without restricting shoulder movement or rubbing under the front legs, and should not gape open along the belly in a way that lets cold air or rain in. Check the fit while your dog is walking, not just standing still.
If your dog measures between two sizes, most brands recommend sizing up, since a slightly loose coat can usually be adjusted with straps, while one that is too tight cannot be stretched and may rub.
The sizes we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Hooded Dinosaur Dog Raincoat
A waterproof hooded dog raincoat with a fun dinosaur spine and yellow fins. It features full-coverage legs, a reflective strip and a built-in D-ring for a lead, keeping smaller dogs dry and visible on wet walks.
From£29.99
Dog Sports Jacket For Medium & Large Breeds
A sleek zip-up sports jacket with full leg sleeves and reflective trim, designed to keep medium and large dogs warm and dry on cold-weather walks. Easy-fit and snug at the cuffs.
From£24.99
Hooded Fleece Bear Cloak for Dogs
A hooded fleece bear cloak that wraps your dog in soft warmth, with sweet little ears on top.
From£16.99
Breathable Mesh Dog Boots with Reflective Strap
Lightweight breathable mesh dog boots with a wear-resistant non-slip sole and a reflective hook-and-loop strap for grip and night-time visibility. Keep paws cool and protected on walks. Sold as a set of four.
From£11.99
Common questions
- What is the most important measurement for a dog coat?
- Back length is usually the measurement most size charts rely on most heavily, taken from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Chest and neck girth then confirm the fit around the body.
- Do all dog coat brands use the same sizing?
- No, sizing varies noticeably between brands and even between styles from the same brand. Always check the specific product's own size chart against your dog's measurements rather than relying on a size that fitted a different coat.
- My dog is between two sizes on the chart, what should I do?
- Most manufacturers recommend sizing up rather than down, since a slightly loose coat can usually be tightened with adjustable straps, while one that is too small cannot be stretched to fit properly.
- How do I know if a dog coat fits properly?
- It should sit snugly without restricting the shoulders, without rubbing under the front legs, and without gaping open along the belly. Check the fit while your dog is walking around, not just standing still, since some coats shift once the dog moves.
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.