Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quit affordable for anyone and everyone to enjoy with their dog, but not everyone knows the best ways to find their dog’s size or how a garment should fit to avoid accidents. Choosing the right size for your dog is very important, we always want our pets to be safe and feel comfortable in whatever they wear. 30% of all online dog apparel sales result in returns or exchanges due to improper sizing.

The first and most important thing you should know before you begin to buy for your dog is his/her measurements. You should write them down and always have them with you just in case you see something you can’t resist.

The most important places you’ll want to measure are:

The chest (circumference) measurements should be taken at the deepest part of the chest, which is usually right behind the front legs. This measurement is most important, so make sure you don’t exaggerate your dog’s chest by adding inches for more room and if you wrap the measuring tape to tight you will lessen the measurement and end up buying something too small.

Then measure the dog’s length from the back of his neck to tail. This measurement should start from the middle of the back of his neck right to the base of his tail. This measurement is not as important as the chest the length of the garment can vary and will be up to you whether you like him to wear his shirts long or short.

When measuring the dog’s neck (circumference) you should take the measurements around the lower middle of his neck.

If you have a breed with shorter legs then you’ll want to stick to short sleeves unless you’re purchasing from a store that makes their own clothes then you should provide them with his front leg measurements to ensure proper fit. The leg measurements should start from his under arm to right above his ankle. The length of the sleeves is very important, you don’t want your dog to wear anything with sleeves that are too long, this may cause accidents.

Every dog clothing manufacture has their own sizing chart, study it carefully for most charts won’t suit all dog’s so the most important thing to remember is the chest, as long as the chest size is right then it should be ok. If you’re buying online then you should provide the online store with his measurements, just to ensure you’ll get the right size. Some online stores will make the garment to your dogs measurements, this is a great feature for anyone but greater if you own a Dachshund or Crested or any hard to fit dog.

If you’re buying for a puppy from an online store then it’s very important to let the store know, what kind of puppy, how old and how much does he weigh. This is important so the seller can calculate what your dog’s size will be by the time you get your package.

Dressing your dog in different clothes for different occasions is lots of fun… after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using common sense in choosing what size for him as we, wouldn’t wear anything uncomfortable. Like babies they can’t tell us what’s too tight or loose so it’s our responsibility to choose the right size for them.