Five minutes with a soft measuring tape saves a week of exchange emails. Here's how to measure your dog properly, and how to use the numbers.
How to measure
Neck (for collars): Measure around the base of the neck where a collar naturally sits, then add two fingers of slack between the tape and your dog. That two-finger rule is also how a fitted collar should feel.
Chest/girth (for harnesses and coats): Measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement for harnesses.
Back length (for coats): Measure from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail.
For beds: Measure your dog stretched out in full sprawl, nose to tail base, and add 6-10 inches. Curl-up sleepers can size down; sprawlers should size up.
General size ranges
Exact dimensions vary by product and are listed on every product page, but as a rule of thumb:
XS: under 10 lbs (chihuahuas, teacup breeds)
S: 10-20 lbs (pugs, miniature dachshunds)
M: 20-40 lbs (beagles, cocker spaniels, french bulldogs)
L: 40-70 lbs (border collies, pit bulls, standard doodles)
XL and up: 70+ lbs (labs, shepherds, golden retrievers and larger)
Two rules that prevent most exchanges
1. Measure, don't guess by breed. Two labs can be two sizes apart.
2. Between sizes? Go up. A slightly roomy harness adjusts down; a too-small one goes back in the mail.
Still unsure? Email hello@tailwaggery.com with your dog's measurements and the product you're eyeing, and we'll tell you which size we'd pick.