How do I measure my dog correctly for a collar, chain and harness?
Regardless of whether you choose a collar, chain or harness for your dog, they will only work safely and reliably if you choose the right size and fit them correctly.
If they fit incorrectly, 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 the dog's neck circumference?
To measure your dog's neck circumference correctly, you just need to follow three steps:
1. Find the right place
Many dog owners wonder 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 place on your dog's neck where the chain or collar should sit at the end.
2. Not too tight, not too loose
To ensure that the collar fits correctly in 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
You already have a very well-fitting collar? Perfect!
Then you can use this to check your measurement. This is also a great alternative if you don't have your dog on hand to measure.
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 bear 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 not corresponds to the maximum neck circumference.
Select chain length for chains with pull-through chain
As SPRENGER chains with pull-through chains are not adjustable and have to be pulled over your dog's head, it is particularly important to select the correct length.
Measure your dog's neck circumference as described and add 8 cm to your measurement. Then choose the chain length that corresponds to this measurement or is longer.
Attention:To be on the safe side, you should measure your dog's head at the widest point (usually just before the ears) (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 pull-through chain
The same applies to our new 2 mm chains as to the large models, the only difference: add only 5 cm to your measurement here instead of 8 cm, as the pull-through chains are shorter on these chains.
Select chain length for chains without pull stop
Since SPRENGER chains without a pull stop are also not adjustable and have to be pulled over your dog's head and also have less play than chains with a pull-through chain, you should pay particular attention to choosing the right size here.
You should add 5 cm to your dog's neck circumference and choose the chain length according to the result.
Attention:Again, 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 applies to our new 2 mm chains as to their larger counterparts with one difference: add only 3 cm to your measurement here instead of 5 cm, this is because the rings at the end of the chain are smaller here.
Select chain length for chains with hooks
SPRENGER chains with hooks are adjustable and do not have to be pulled over your dog's head. Accordingly, as with other adjustable collars, you can choose the length according to the circumference of your dog's neck.
Select chain length for NeckTech
SPRENGER NeckTechs with ClicLock fastener also do not need to be pulled over your dog's head. So you can also choose the length to suit your dog's neck circumference, as with adjustable collars.
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 collar: Adjustable and non-adjustable collars.
How to measure dog collars for adjustable collars?
Many collars are adjustable using buckles or sliders. This makes them not only perfect for dogs that are still growing, but 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 determine the circumference 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 the middle of the value you have reached or the length in the lower part of the value 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. Accordingly, 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 offered.
Attention:If your dog tends to have a very thick winter coat and will wear the selected collar all year round, you should increase the buffer to be added slightly and add 5 cm instead.
Measure your dog's harness
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!
Measure Y-harness dog
With our SPENGER Y-harnesses you have to take four different measurements:
1. Neck circumference
For the neck circumference of your dog for a dog harness, you must measure the circumference from the tip of the sternum over the shoulder blades.
Attention:This measurement isnotIdentical to the neck circumference for a collar or chain, but is taken much further down the dog's neck!
2nd chest circumference
For the chest circumference, you must 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 ridge
To measure the chest ridge, measure from the tip of the sternum to just behind the front paws. This length corresponds to the distance between the point where you measured the neck circumference and the point where 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 waist circumference.
Table for the correct dog harness size
You can then use our table to select the correct 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
But our SPRENGER Y harnesses can do even more!
For this reason, we have redesigned them for a whole new target group: As foal harnesses. They are 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.
