How do I measure my dog correctly for a collar, chain collar and dog harness?
Regardless of whether you choose a collar, chain collar or harness for your dog, they will only work safely and reliably if you choose the right size and fit them correctly.
If they are incorrectly fitted, they can not only be uncomfortable for your dog, but can even harm them. In our blog post, we tell you where and how to measure your dog correctly, choose the right size for your dog equipment and everything else you need to know about "How to measure a dog"!
How do I measure a dog's neck size?
To measure your dog's neck size correctly, you simply need to follow three steps:
1. Find the right spot
Many dog owners ask themselves where the dog collar is measured? The answer is actually quite simple! To measure the right place on your dog's neck, you need to find the spot on your dog's neck where you want the chain or collar to end up.
2. Not too tight, not too loose
To ensure that the collar fits correctly at the end, it is important to take enough time and be thorough when measuring. The best way to do this is with a flexible measuring tape or a string and a folding rule/ruler.
Place the measuring tape on your dog so that it lies against the coat and can be moved easily. You should still be able to slide a finger between the tape measure and the dog's neck.
3. Compare with what you have
Do you already have a well-fitting collar? Perfect!
Then you can use it to check your measurements. This is also a great alternative if you don't have your dog to measure at the moment.
How do I choose the right chain length for my dog?
Finding the right chain length for your dog is actually not as difficult as it might seem. You need to keep the following in mind: The SPRENGER chain lengths given are always measured from one end of the chain to the other, i.e. from end ring to end ring. This means that, depending on the type of chain, the specified length may not correspond to the maximum neck circumference.
Choosing the chain length for chains with an assembly chain
As SPRENGER chains with assembly chains are not adjustable and have to be pulled over your dog's head, it is particularly important to choose the right length.
To do this, measure your dog's neck size as described and add 8 cm to your measurement. Then choose the chain length that corresponds to this measurement or is longer.
Please note: To be on the safe side, you should measure your dog's head at the widest point (usually just before the ears) then proceed as for the neck circumference and make sure that your chosen length is greater than the head circumference.
Chain length for 2 mm chains with assembly chain
The same principle applies to our new 2 mm chains as to the larger models, the difference is that you only need to add 5 cm to your measurements instead of 8 cm, as the assembly chains are shorter on these chains.
Choose the chain length for chains without a pull stop
As SPRENGER chains without a pull stop are also not adjustable and have to be pulled over your dog's head and while also having less leeway than chains with an assembly chain, you should pay particular attention to choosing the right size.
You should add 5 cm to the circumference of your dog's neck and choose the chain length according to the result.
Please note: Here too, you should compare the chain length with the circumference of your dog's head to make sure that the chain fits over the widest part of your dog's head.
Chain length for 2 mm chains without pull stop
The same principle applies to our new 2 mm chains as to their larger counterparts, with one difference: add only 3 cm to your measurement instead of 5 cm, because the rings at the end of the chain are smaller here.
Choosing the chain length for chains with hooks
SPRENGER chains with hooks are adjustable and do not need to be pulled over your dog's head. As with other adjustable collars, you can therefore choose the length to suit your dog's neck size.
Choosing the chain length for NeckTech collars
SPRENGER NeckTech collars with ClicLock fastener also do not need to be pulled over your dog's head. As with adjustable collars, you can therefore choose the length to suit your dog's neck size.
How do I choose the right collar size for my dog?
Your dog must also be correctly measured for a collar, as this is the only way to achieve a secure fit that is also comfortable for the dog. At SPRENGER, we offer two types of collars: Adjustable and non-adjustable collars.
How to measure dog collars for adjustable collars?
Many collars are adjustable using buckles or sliders. This not only makes them perfect for dogs that are still growing, but is also more forgiving of measurement inaccuracies.
Our SPRENGER nylon collars are adjustable and come in two collar lengths: 30 - 45 cm and 40 - 55 cm.
To choose the right collar size, first measure the size of your dog's neck and make sure that there is enough space between the tape measure and the dog's neck. We then recommend allowing a 2-3 cm buffer to allow for the clasp and to ensure that the collar is not too tight. We recommend that you either choose the collar length in which the achieved value is in the middle or the length in which the value is in the lower range if your dog is still growing.
How to measure dog collars for non-adjustable collars?
Braided collars in particular, such as our SPRENGER paracord collars, often have a fixed length and are not adjustable. Therefore, measuring your dog correctly and choosing the right length is just as important here as with our chains.
Basically, you can proceed in the same way as with an adjustable collar: dog's neck circumference + 2 - 3 cm. Then choose the appropriate, next larger length from the collar lengths on offer.
Please note: If your dog tends to have a very thick winter coat and will be wearing the chosen collar all year round, you should increase the buffer to be added slightly and add 5 cm instead.
Measuring for dog harnesses
If your dog is wearing a harness, many more measurements than for a collar or chain play a decisive role in guaranteeing your dog's comfort and safety. We'll tell you how to measure your dog!
Measuring a dog for a Y-harness
With our SPENGER Y-harnesses you need to take four different measurements:
1. Neck size
To measure your dog's neck size for a dog harness, you need to measure the circumference from the tip of the sternum over the shoulder blades.
Please note: This measurement is not the same as the neck size for the collar or chain, but is taken much further down the dog's neck!
2. Chest circumference
For the chest circumference, you need to measure your dog's circumference at the correct point behind the front legs. We recommend measuring about a hand's width behind the front legs for large dogs and about two to three fingers behind the front legs for smaller dogs.
3. Chest bar
To measure the chest bar, measure from the tip of the sternum to just behind the front paws. This length corresponds to the distance between the point at which you measured the neck circumference and the point at which you measured the belly circumference.
4. Back bridge
You measure the length of the back bridge between the shoulder blades from the neck circumference to the belly circumference.
Table for the right dog harness size
You can then use our table to select the right dog harness size for your dog. Remember to allow for a tolerance of +/- 1 cm in your measurements!
Our SPRENGER dog harnesses come in four different sizes: S and M have a strap width of 20 mm, L and XL of 25 mm.
SPRENGER foal harness
Our SPRENGER Y harnesses can be used for even more!
This is why we have redesigned it for a whole new target group: As a foal harness. They make a great alternative to foal halters, especially for foals that need to be controlled early on for health reasons. The reason? They do not exert any pressure on the foal's sensitive neck, but distribute it evenly and gently over the entire body.
