How to Measure Your Dog for a Perfect-Fitting Jumper
A jumper that fits well stays in place, moves with your dog and keeps them comfortable. One that does not ride up, slip sideways or restrict movement. Getting the fit right starts with two measurements and a few minutes with a soft tape measure.
What You Need
- A soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing)
- Your dog standing naturally on a flat surface
- A treat or two to keep them still
If your dog will not stand still, ask someone to hold them gently or measure when they are calm after a walk.
The Two Measurements That Matter
1. Back Length
This is the most important measurement. It determines whether the jumper covers your dog properly without being too long or too short.
How to measure: Place the tape at the base of your dog's neck — where the collar sits — and run it along the spine to the base of the tail. Do not measure from the top of the neck or the shoulders; the jumper starts where the neck meets the back.
What to look for: The jumper should end just before the tail starts. If it extends over the tail base, it is too long and will restrict movement. If it stops well short, it leaves the loin exposed and will ride up.
2. Chest Girth
This ensures the jumper is snug but not tight around the ribcage.
How to measure: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog's chest, usually just behind the front legs. Keep the tape level and snug — not tight. You should be able to slip two fingers under the tape comfortably.
What to look for: The jumper should sit close to the body without pulling or gaping. If the chest measurement is at the upper end of a size range, size up.
Reading the Size Chart
Most dog jumpers use back length as the primary size indicator. Ours runs:
- XS: back 20–25 cm
- S: back 26–33 cm
- M: back 34–42 cm
- L: back 43–52 cm
If your dog's measurement falls between sizes, choose the larger size. A slightly roomy jumper is more comfortable than one that is too snug, especially for breeds with thick coats or broad chests.
Breed-Specific Considerations
Some breeds have proportions that do not fit neatly into standard sizing:
- Deep-chested breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Dalmatians) often need a size up for chest girth even if their back length fits a smaller size.
- Short-backed breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) may need a size down for back length but a size up for chest. Look for jumpers with stretch or adjustable closures.
- Long-backed breeds (Dachshunds, Corgis) need careful back-length measurement. A jumper that is too short will ride up; one that is too long will gap at the chest.
Checking the Fit
Once the jumper is on, check these points:
- The neck sits comfortably without choking or gaping
- The front legs move freely without the jumper pulling
- The hem ends just before the tail base
- The chest is snug but not tight — you can slip two fingers underneath
- The jumper does not twist or shift when your dog walks, sits or lies down
If the jumper rides up when your dog moves, it is too short or too narrow in the chest. If it gaps at the neck or shoulders, it is too large.
The Merino Wool Dog Sweater Fit
Our merino wool dog sweater is designed with a close but comfortable fit. The ribbed neck and cuffs stay in place without pulling, and the belly is cut away so male dogs can relieve themselves cleanly. The merino knit has natural stretch, which accommodates a range of chest sizes within each back-length category.
Available in four sizes from XS (back 20–25 cm) to L (back 43–52 cm), and machine washable.
Shop the Merino Wool Dog Sweater
When to Re-Measure
Puppies grow quickly — re-measure every four to six weeks until they reach adult size. Adult dogs should be measured once a year, or after significant weight change.
A well-fitting jumper is one your dog forgets they are wearing. Take the time to measure properly, and the fit will follow.