Finding the perfect fit for your pet is essential for their comfort and safety. Follow this guide to measure your pet correctly and choose the right size for each product type.
How to Measure Your Pet
Before you start, grab a soft measuring tape. If you don’t have one, use a piece of string and measure it against a ruler afterward. Make sure your pet is standing upright in a natural position. Measure snugly but not tight — you should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your pet.
Neck (Collar Size)
Wrap the measuring tape around the middle of your pet’s neck — where a collar would naturally sit. For growing puppies, add an extra inch for adjustment room.
Chest / Girth (Harness & Clothing Size)
Measure around the widest part of your pet’s chest, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement for harnesses and clothing. Make sure the tape goes all the way around.
Back Length (Clothing Size)
Measure from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail. Keep the tape straight along your pet’s spine. Do not follow the curve of the back.
Measurement Diagram
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ MEASURING GUIDE │
├─────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ Neck ──────────────────► │ ← Measure around mid-neck
│ │
│ Chest/Girth ───────────► │ ← Measure around widest part
│ │ behind front legs
│ Back Length ───────────► │ ← Base of neck to base of tail
│ │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Size Charts
Collars
Measure your pet’s neck circumference and select the matching size range. If your pet’s measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger size.
| Size | Neck Circumference (inches) | Neck Circumference (cm) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 8–12″ | 20–30 cm | Cats, Teacup breeds |
| S | 12–16″ | 30–40 cm | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian |
| M | 16–20″ | 40–50 cm | Corgi, Beagle, French Bulldog |
| L | 20–24″ | 50–60 cm | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie |
| XL | 24–28″ | 60–70 cm | German Shepherd, Boxer, Husky |
Harnesses
For harnesses, the chest/girth measurement is the primary sizing factor. Also check the neck measurement to ensure a proper fit at both points.
| Size | Chest/Girth (inches) | Chest/Girth (cm) | Neck (inches) | Neck (cm) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 14–18″ | 35–45 cm | 10–14″ | 25–35 cm | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle |
| S | 18–22″ | 45–55 cm | 14–18″ | 35–45 cm | Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Jack Russell |
| M | 22–28″ | 55–70 cm | 16–22″ | 40–55 cm | Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Beagle |
| L | 28–34″ | 70–85 cm | 20–26″ | 50–65 cm | Labrador, Golden Retriever |
| XL | 34–40″ | 85–100 cm | 24–30″ | 60–75 cm | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Husky |
Clothing & Apparel
For clothing, you need both the chest/girth and back length measurements. If the two measurements suggest different sizes, go with the larger one — a slightly loose fit is better than too tight.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) | Back Length (inches) | Back Length (cm) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 12–15″ | 30–38 cm | 8–10″ | 20–25 cm | Teacup breeds, small cats |
| S | 15–19″ | 38–48 cm | 10–14″ | 25–35 cm | Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkie |
| M | 19–23″ | 48–58 cm | 14–18″ | 35–45 cm | French Bulldog, Corgi, Shih Tzu |
| L | 23–28″ | 58–70 cm | 18–22″ | 45–55 cm | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie |
| XL | 28–33″ | 70–84 cm | 22–26″ | 55–65 cm | Labrador, Golden Retriever |
Measurement Unit Reference
All our size charts display measurements in both inches (in) and centimeters (cm).
| Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8″ | 20 cm | 22″ | 56 cm |
| 10″ | 25 cm | 24″ | 61 cm |
| 12″ | 30 cm | 26″ | 66 cm |
| 14″ | 36 cm | 28″ | 71 cm |
| 16″ | 41 cm | 30″ | 76 cm |
| 18″ | 46 cm | 34″ | 86 cm |
| 20″ | 51 cm | 40″ | 102 cm |
Quick conversion: 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters; divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches.
Sizing Tips
- When in doubt, size up — it’s always easier to adjust a slightly loose fit than a too-tight one.
- For fluffy or long-haired pets, add 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) to your measurements to accommodate the fur.
- For growing puppies, choose a size that fits now with room to adjust as they grow. Our collars and harnesses have generous adjustment ranges.
- Between sizes? If your pet’s measurement falls exactly on the boundary between two sizes, choose the larger size for comfort.
- Breed is only a guide — every pet is unique. Always measure your pet rather than relying solely on breed recommendations.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re unsure about sizing, we’re happy to help:
- Email us at support@vippaw.store with your pet’s breed, approximate weight, and measurements
- We’ll recommend the best size for your specific product
- Response within 24 hours on business days