Pupsize

How to measure your puppy for a harness, collar and crate

Type your puppy's age and weight to see the sizes it likely measures, then check them with a tape.

weeks
lb
Size group when grown, if you know it
Grown, your puppy will weigh about ? lb

  • Grown weight?
  • Crate to buy once?
  • Harness?
  • Collar?
General information, not veterinary advice. Breeds, mixes and individual puppies vary; your vet can tell you how your puppy is growing.

Where to put the tape

  1. Chest, for a harnessWrap a soft tape around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.
  2. Neck, for a collarWrap the tape around the middle of the neck, where the collar sits.
  3. Length, for a crateWith your dog standing, measure from the nose to the base of the tail, then add 2 to 4 inches.
  4. Height, for a crateWith your dog sitting, measure from the floor to the top of the head, then add 2 to 4 inches.
  5. CompareCheck each number against the maker's own size chart. Sizes differ from one maker to the next.

For example, a 14 lb puppy usually measures 17 to 22 inches around the chest, harness size S, and 10 to 14 inches around the neck, collar size S. Grown, at 30 to 48 lb, it will need a 36-inch crate.

Questions

What if my puppy is between two sizes?

Check the maker's chart for both sizes. An adjustable harness or collar that covers your measurement with room to let out lasts longer on a growing puppy.

How often should I measure my puppy?

Every few weeks while it grows. Pupsize says about when your puppy will likely need the next harness and collar size.

What if I don't have a soft tape?

Wrap a piece of string where the tape would go, mark it, and measure the string against a ruler.