How to measure your dog to choose the right size harness?

Choosing the right harness for your dog is not just about design or style. Size is a fundamental factor in ensuring comfort, safety, and freedom of movement. An ill-fitting harness can cause chafing, restrict breathing, or limit your dog's movement.

At FRENCHTOUTOU, we always recommend taking a few minutes to measure your dog correctly before choosing a harness. In this article, we explain the essentials and guide you to our size guide, designed to help you make the right choice with confidence.

Why accurate measurements are essential

A well-fitting harness allows for:

better distribution of pressure on the body,
greater comfort during walks,
better control on the leash,
reduced risk of irritation or injury.

Even a high-quality harness loses its effectiveness if it is not the right size.

Key measurements to know before choosing a harness

Chest circumference: the most important measurement

Chest circumference is the most important measurement when choosing a harness. It corresponds to the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs.

This measurement determines the size of the harness, regardless of the model (soft, H-shaped, or sturdy).

Neck circumference: an additional measurement

Depending on the type of harness, particularly H-shaped and sturdy harnesses, the neck circumference may also be necessary. It is measured at the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit.

How to measure your dog correctly

To obtain a reliable measurement:

Use a flexible tape measure,
measure your dog while it is calm and standing up,
do not pull the tape measure too tight: leave a slight margin for comfort,
note the measurements in centimeters.

If your dog is between two sizes, its build, activity level, and the type of harness should be taken into account.

The Frenchtoutou size guide: a reliable guide to help you make the right choice

To help you choose the ideal size, we have created a clear and detailed size guide, accessible directly on our product pages.

This guide allows you to:

understand which measurements are necessary depending on the model,
easily compare the available sizes,
avoid common mistakes when choosing a harness,

select a harness that is truly suited to your dog's body type.

Rather than trying out multiple options, it explains step by step how to make the right choice from your very first order.

Adjust the size according to the type of harness.

Soft harness

Snug fit
Ideal for small and calm dogs
Accurate chest measurements are essential to prevent chafing.

H-harness

Adjustable structure
Good freedom of movement
Often requires neck and chest measurements

Strong harness

Enhanced support
Designed for active or powerful dogs
A precise fit ensures safety and stability

How do you know if the harness fits properly?

A well-chosen harness should allow:

two fingers to fit between the harness and the dog's body,
complete freedom of movement,
stability without excessive rotation,
comfortable wear, even on long walks.

If your dog shows signs of discomfort or tries to remove their harness, this is often an indicator of a poor fit.

To go further

If you want to understand the differences between the models and choose the one that best suits your dog, check out our article:

“How to choose the most suitable harness for your dog.”

And for even more precise guidance, our size guide remains the benchmark for selecting the ideal harness with complete peace of mind.

In summary

Measuring your dog correctly is an essential step in ensuring:

their comfort,
their safety,
more enjoyable walks