Getting the right harness fit starts with one simple thing: knowing how to measure your dog correctly.
To measure your dog for a harness, wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of their chest, usually just behind the front legs. Keep the tape comfortably snug without pulling it tight, and measure while your dog is standing naturally.
This measurement is known as your dog's chest girth, and it's one of the most important measurements when choosing the right dog harness size.
A well-fitting harness should feel secure without restricting your dog's natural movement. Too loose and your dog may be able to wriggle out; too tight and it could cause unnecessary pressure, rubbing or discomfort.
Here's how to get the measurement right.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
1. Stand your dog naturally
Make sure your dog is standing comfortably on all four paws. Measuring while they're standing will give you a more accurate measurement than when they're sitting or lying down.
2. Use a soft measuring tape
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog's chest, usually just behind the front legs.
3. Keep the tape snug, but not tight
The tape should sit comfortably against your dog's body without compressing them. You should be able to slide a finger underneath it.
4. Note the measurement in centimetres
This is your dog's chest girth. Use this measurement to compare against the sizing chart for the harness you're considering.
Tip: Don't have a soft measuring tape? Use a piece of string instead, then measure the string against a ruler.
Where Should You Measure a Dog for a Harness?
The most important measurement for many dog harnesses is the chest girth.
This is taken around the widest part of your dog's ribcage, typically just behind the front legs.
Try not to measure too close to the armpits, as this can give you an inaccurate measurement and isn't where you want a harness to sit when worn.
If your dog has a particularly thick or fluffy coat, don't pull the tape so tightly that you completely flatten their coat. You want the measurement to reflect how the harness will actually sit when they wear it.
Do You Need to Measure Your Dog's Neck Too?
That depends on the harness.
Some dog harnesses require both neck and chest measurements, while others are primarily sized using chest girth.
Always check the individual product's sizing guide rather than assuming that your dog will wear the same size across different brands or harness styles.
A Medium in one harness isn't necessarily the same as a Medium in another.
What If Your Dog Is Between Harness Sizes?
It's very common for a dog's measurement to fall between two harness sizes.
If this happens, check the manufacturer's individual sizing guidance rather than automatically choosing the smaller or larger size.
For the TWINE & CO. Signature Step-In Dog Harness, we recommend sizing up if your dog falls between sizes.
The harness has adjustable straps so you can then refine the fit around your individual dog.
How Should a Dog Harness Fit?
Once you've chosen the right size, it's important to check the fit on your dog.
A properly fitted harness should feel secure without digging into your dog's body or restricting their natural movement.
As a general fit check, you should be able to fit around two fingers between the harness and your dog's body once it is being worn.
This is different from taking the original chest measurement, where the measuring tape should simply sit snugly against the body without being pulled tight.
Check that the harness isn't rubbing behind the front legs, pressing uncomfortably against the body or sitting so loosely that your dog could easily wriggle or back out of it.
It's also worth checking the fit regularly, particularly for puppies, dogs whose weight changes or dogs whose coats change significantly throughout the year.
Does Breed Affect Harness Sizing?
Your dog's breed can give you a rough idea of their proportions, but it shouldn't replace actually measuring them.
Even two dogs of the same breed and similar weight can have different chest measurements and require different harness sizes.
This is particularly important for breeds with distinctive body shapes.
For example, Dachshunds often have a relatively deep chest compared with their neck and body shape. French Bulldogs can have broader chests, while Whippets and other sighthounds have very different proportions again.
So if you're wondering how to measure a Dachshund for a harness, the process is fundamentally the same: measure around the widest part of your individual dog's chest and use that measurement against the specific harness sizing guide.
Don't choose a harness size based solely on breed, age or weight.
Why the Type of Harness Matters Too
Getting the size right is important, but fit isn't the only thing to consider.
How the harness actually goes onto your dog can matter too.
An over-the-head harness needs to pass over your dog's head before being secured around their body. Plenty of dogs are completely comfortable with this, but others may duck their head, pull away or become reluctant when their harness comes out.
A step-in dog harness works differently.
Instead of being pulled over the head, your dog steps their front legs into the harness before it is brought up around their body and fastened.
Neither design is automatically right for every dog. The important thing is choosing a harness that fits properly and works comfortably for your individual dog.
If you're deciding which design might suit your dog, read our Step-In vs Over-the-Head Dog Harnesses guide.
What If Your Dog Doesn't Like Their Harness?
If your dog backs away, freezes, hides or becomes reluctant when their harness appears, don't automatically assume they're simply being difficult.
Consider the fit of the harness, how it's being put on, whether anything might be rubbing or uncomfortable and whether your dog appears particularly sensitive to having something passed over their head.
Taking things slowly and creating positive associations around the harness can also help some dogs become more comfortable with the process.
We've explored this in more detail in our guide to Why Some Dogs Hate Harnesses and What Owners Often Miss.
If your dog suddenly becomes reluctant to wear a harness they previously accepted, appears to be in pain or shows persistent signs of discomfort, speak to your vet or an appropriately qualified canine professional.
Looking for a Step-In Dog Harness?
The TWINE & CO. Signature Step-In Dog Harness was designed for dogs who prefer a harness that doesn't need to be pulled over their head — without asking their humans to compromise on design.
Your dog simply steps into the harness before it is brought up around their body and secured.
Made from soft quilted neoprene with adjustable straps and considered detailing, the Signature Harness combines everyday practicality with the modern, understated design at the heart of TWINE & CO.
If your dog falls between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
Shop the Signature Step-In Dog Harness
Not sure which size to choose? Send us your dog's measurements and we'll help you find the closest fit.
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