How to measure your dog for a harness and choose the right size

A chest strap that’s too loose will let the dog slip out at the first sign of a fright; if it’s too tight, it’ll rub against the armpits and make the walk uncomfortable. Choosing the right size doesn’t depend on the breed or on ‘the size M that the other dog wore’: it depends on two measurements that you can take in two minutes with a sewing tape measure.

What you’ll need

• A flexible tape measure (the kind used for sewing). If you don’t have one, use a piece of string and measure it afterwards with a ruler.
• Your dog standing still, calm – preferably after a walk. A treat helps keep them still.
• A set of scales, if you want to check their weight — but weight is only a secondary reference.

The two measurements that matter

1. Chest circumference — the most important

Wrap the tape around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. The tape should be snug, but not too tight. This is the measurement that determines the size for virtually all chest harnesses.

2. Neck circumference

Measure at the base of the neck, where it joins the shoulders — not where the collar sits, which is higher up. This measurement is important for chest harnesses that go round the neck, such as tactical harnesses.

What about weight?

Some size charts give a weight range, but two dogs of the same weight may have very different chest sizes: a greyhound and a 20 kg bulldog would not wear the same harness. When the weight and chest circumference suggest different sizes, go by the chest measurement.

The two-finger rule

Once you’ve put the harness on and adjusted it, you should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and the dog’s body. If you can’t, it’s too tight. If you can fit your whole hand, it’s too loose and the dog might be able to slip it off by backing up.

Signs that the size or fit is not right:

• rubbing or red skin behind the front legs;
• the harness twists to one side or slips backwards whilst out walking;
• the chest strap rides up and presses against the throat when the dog pulls;
• the dog manages to slip out of the harness by backing up.

Bafinho harness size charts

These are the actual measurements of the harnesses we sell. The ranges are wide because the straps are adjustable.

Padded tactical harness with lead

Size	Chest circumference	Neck circumference
XS	35–53 cm	29–38 cm
S	39–62 cm	34–44 cm
M	48–77 cm	39–51 cm
L	58–98 cm	48–62 cm
XL	61–97 cm	51–68 cm

With a control handle on the back, padded and with a lead included — designed for medium and large dogs that need extra control.

Personalised harness with name

Size	Chest circumference	Approximate weight
XS	38–50 cm	3–7.5 kg
S	42–59 cm	7–15 kg
M	52–68 cm	12.5–20 kg
L	60–84 cm	20–35 kg
XL	72–96 cm	30–45 kg
XXL	84–115 cm	40–75 kg

It comes with a tag bearing your dog’s name and a contact number of your choice. With this model, if your dog falls between two sizes, choose the smaller one.

Mesh harness with lead

One size fits all, suitable for small dogs with a chest circumference of 35–50 cm and weighing 4–10 kg. It is made from breathable, lightweight mesh and comes with a matching 120 cm lead.

Between two sizes? How to decide

• Follow the size guide for the model, where available — as with the custom-made harness.
• Opt for the size where your measurement falls in the middle of the range, rather than at the limit: this leaves room for adjustment in both directions.
• Puppies are still growing. Re-measure frequently: a harness that fits today may be too short in a few weeks’ time.
• Long or bushy fur can fool the tape measure: pull it tight enough to measure the body, not the fur.

Harness or collar?

A harness distributes the force across the chest and shoulders, rather than concentrating it on the neck. That’s why many owners prefer it for dogs that pull and for small dogs. If your dog pulls a lot, a harness helps with comfort, but the solution is training — we explain step by step how to teach your dog to walk on a lead without pulling. And to choose the right lead, see retractable or fixed leads.