Dog Coat Sizing Guide: Understand Any Brand’s Size Chart

If you’ve ever bought a dog coat without fully understanding the sizing guide, you already know how frustrating it can be. Brands all use different systems — centimetres, inches, weight-based sizing, S/M/L labels, or their own measurements.

There’s no universal standard, which is why guessing often leads to returns, poor fit, or a coat your dog refuses to wear.

A well-fitted dog coat does two things: keeps your dog warm and lets them move naturally. When the size or shape is wrong — too tight, too loose, or the wrong cut for your dog — the coat becomes uncomfortable and a wasted purchase.

Getting the right fit comes down to three things:

• matching the coat shape to your dog’s body
• enough room around the chest and shoulders
• secure but comfortable straps

This guide breaks down exactly how to measure your dog accurately, how to read size charts, what the numbers and letters really mean, and how to avoid common sizing mistakes — especially for short-backed or broad-chested breeds like Staffies.

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The Three Core Measurements You Need

Most dog coats use the same three measurements. Once you know these, you can size almost any brand with confidence — even the ones that use vague labels like Small or Medium.

1. Back Length (Topline)

This is the measurement most size charts prioritise — and the easiest one to get wrong.

Measure from the nape of the neck (where a collar naturally sits) to the base of the tail.
Not the tail tip — the point where the spine ends.

A good back length measurement means the coat:

• covers the spine without hanging over the tail
• doesn’t pull backwards when your dog sits
• doesn’t ride up toward the shoulders when they walk

If your dog won’t stand still, have someone hold a treat near their nose and measure while they sniff — the back naturally straightens. .

2. Chest Girth (Deepest Part of the Ribcage)

This is the most important measurement for broad-chested breeds like Staffies and Frenchies.

Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the chest, usually just behind the front legs.
This is often called the girth, chest circumference, or simply chest size.

Why it matters:

• too tight → rubbing, restricted breathing, coat shifts to one side
• too loose → coat spins like a saddle and won’t stay centred
• muscular dogs need more room here than you’d expect for their length

When in doubt, measure twice. Chest size is the number most owners underestimate.

3. Neck Circumference

Some coats use a fixed neck opening; others have velcro, buckles, or a stretchy funnel-style collar. A comfortable neck fit keeps the coat stable and prevents rubbing.

Use a soft tape and measure around the base of the neck, not behind the ears. Behind the ears is where a slip lead sits — far too high for coat sizing.

Go lower and measure where your dog’s collar naturally sits.

A correct neck measurement:

• prevents chafing under the collar line
• stops the coat shifting backwards
• helps the chest panel sit in the right place

If your dog falls between neck sizes, prioritise the chest girth — that measurement determines comfort far more than the neck opening does.

Optional Measurements (When Brands Ask for More)

Most coats only need the three basics — back length, chest girth, and neck circumference.

But some technical or performance-focused brands (like Hurtta or Non-stop Dogwear) ask for extra measurements to create a more tailored, movement-friendly fit. These aren’t replacements for the core measurements; they just fine-tune the shape of the coat.

Different brands sometimes use different names for the same thing, which can be confusing at first. The table below keeps it simple:

Optional Measurements (Brand-Specific)

Measurement Name	Alternate Names	Purpose	Typical Brands
Waist	Slim Part, Tuck-Up	Keeps the coat snug and reduces twisting	Hurtta, Non-stop, Ruffwear
Topline Depth	Backbone Depth, Spine-to-Belly	Shapes the belly or chest underpanel	Hurtta, Non-stop
Lower Neck / Front Length	Front Panel, Neck-to-Chest	Prevents digging or sagging at the front	Hurtta, Non-stop

These measurements matter most when your dog:

• is between sizes
• has a broad chest and short back (common in Staffies and bull breeds)
• needs a performance or cold-weather coat
• often ends up with coats that twist, rub, or ride up

For drying robes or towel-style coats, you won’t need these extras — they’re designed to wrap and fasten with velcro, so back length and chest girth are enough.

How to Measure a Dog for a Coat (UK Guide)

In the UK, we measure in centimetres but buy many things including dog coats that use inches for sizing or vague S/M/L labels. Boutique British brands tend to use cm-based charts, while most mass-produced or imported coats mix both systems.

It’s normal to switch between cm and inches, so once you’ve taken your dog’s measurements, convert them and write down both. It saves time later when you’re comparing different sizing charts.

Why UK Sizing Differences Matter

British-made coats are generally designed for:

• wet cold instead of dry cold
• frequent rain and wind
• breeds common in the UK (Staffies, Spaniels, Collies, Terriers)
• shorter winter days → greater need for reflective trims

Imported brands can still be excellent — but their coat shapes often assume American breed proportions or different winter conditions.

Knowing how to measure properly lets you choose confidently from any brand, UK-made or imported.

Interpreting Size Charts (With Examples)

Once you’ve taken your dog’s measurements, the next step is matching them to the brand’s size chart. Size charts look different across brands, but most of them can be interpreted quickly using the seven checks below.

1. What the chart prioritises

Some brands size by back length, others by chest girth, and some by both.

For broad-chested breeds like Staffies, girth is the most important measurement — length can be adjusted for, but a tight chest cannot.

2. Ignore S / M / L by itself

Size labels like Small or Medium mean nothing without the numbers.
One brand’s Medium could be 40 cm long with a 55 cm girth; another might be 50 cm long with a 65 cm girth.
Always match numbers, not letters.

3. If your dog falls between sizes

Use this rule:

Choose the size that fits the chest girth best.
A few cm long or short is manageable; a tight chest is not.

If the brand’s chart recommends “size up” for dogs between sizes, follow it — they (presumably) base that on common customer returns.

4. Example: A clear, helpful chart

Your dog:

• Back: 45 cm
• Chest: 64 cm
• Neck: 43 cm

Brand chart:

• M: 40 cm back, 55–65 cm chest
• L: 50 cm back, 60–70 cm chest

Both could work, but L is the better choice because the chest and neck match more comfortably.

5. Example: A vague, unhelpful chart

Some budget brands only list:

Size	Dog Weight
M	10–15 kg
L	15–25 kg

Weight-based sizing is unreliable — a 15 kg Staffy has a completely different build from a 15 kg Whippet .

Use:

• customer photos
• Q&A (“what size fits a Staffy?”)
• notes like “runs small” or “tight on the chest”

to guide your decision.

6. Don’t ignore the neck column

Neck fit matters more than many owners realise.
If the neck is too tight, the coat slides backwards and distorts the chest fit.
If it’s too loose, the coat drifts or twists.
Neck should be comfortable, not snug.

7. Imported sizing quirks

Coats made outside the UK often assume different breed proportions.
This is why some imported coats that “should fit” your dog on paper still look wrong in person.
Matching your measurements to the chart will always outperform guessing based on breed or weight.

Breed Examples (Quick Reference)

Different breeds have different body shapes, which affects coat sizing. Here’s a simple guide showing why some dogs are harder to fit:

Breed Examples (Quick Reference)

Breed Type	Body Shape	Fit Challenges	What Helps
Staffies / Bull Breeds	Broad chest, short back	Chest too tight, length mismatch	Adjustable straps, size up for girth
French Bulldogs	Round chest, compact frame	Narrow neck openings, short back	Wrap-style coats, stretchy neck
Sighthounds	Deep chest, slim waist, long back	Standard coats flap or twist	Sighthound-cut coats
Pugs	Barrel chest, short spine	Overhead coats awkward, girth mismatch	Chest-focused sizing
Collies / Spaniels	Longer backs, lean build	Length mismatch more common	Check back length first

Breed tendencies explain why some dogs fall between sizes — but measurements beat averages every time. 

How These Examples Help You Choose a Coat

Breed examples aren’t a substitute for measurements, but they help you understand why certain coats never seem to fit right. If your dog matches any of the shapes above:

✅ prioritise chest girth
✅ look for coats with adjustable straps
✅ avoid designs that rely on one fixed measurement
✅ consider brands that cater to your dog’s body type

Coats fit best when the shape of the coat matches the shape of the dog — not the number on the label.

Understanding Belly Protection in Dog Coats

Belly coverage isn’t essential for every dog, but it can help in colder, wetter conditions. The underside gets cold quickly from wind, wet grass, puddles, or slush , so a coat with a shaped belly panel can keep your dog warmer and protect sensitive, sparse-fur areas.

Full belly coverage is most useful in cold wind, heavy rain, deep snow, or for dogs whose bellies sit close to the ground. For mild winter days or thicker-coated breeds, a coat that protects the chest without covering the full underside is usually enough and gives better ventilation.

Belly panels rely heavily on accurate chest girth and back length measurements. If either one is off, the panel can rub, twist, or leave gaps. When the coat matches your dog’s proportions, belly coverage can be a great extra layer of protection — but it’s not mandatory for every dog or every walk.

Once you’ve chosen a coat that suits your dog’s body shape — and decided how much belly protection they actually need — the final step is making sure it fits properly when they move. 

Fit Checks Before You Head Out

Before taking your dog out in cold or wet weather, do a quick fit check at home. A well-fitting coat should stay centred and allow full movement. These quick checks make sure the measurements you took translate to a proper, comfortable fit when worn. 

✅ 1. Coat stays centred on the back

• Doesn’t twist to one side
• Doesn’t slide backwards
  If it shifts during a short walk indoors, it will shift even more outdoors.

✅ 2. Shoulders move freely

Have your dog walk, sit, and turn.

• No pulling behind the front legs
• No bunching behind the shoulders

✅ 3. Chest panel sits flat and comfortable

• Two fingers should fit under straps
• No rubbing in the armpit area
• No pressure when your dog pants

✅ 4. Back length stays in place when sitting

• Coat shouldn’t lift up the spine
• Shouldn’t ride forward toward the shoulders
• Shouldn’t push over the tail base

✅ 5. Belly panel fits correctly (if the coat has one)

• Lies flat without sagging
• Doesn’t dig in when sitting
• Doesn’t rub the inner thighs

✅ 6. Your dog acts normal in it

Signs of discomfort:

• repeated shaking
• refusing to walk
• scratching at the coat
• stretching awkwardly
• stopping to look back at it

If you see any of these, adjust the straps or reconsider the size. 

When a coat fits well, your dog forgets it’s there — that’s the goal.
A few minutes of checking at home can prevent rubbing, cold spots, or a miserable winter walk.

If a coat repeatedly fails these checks or never sits right no matter how you adjust it, the issue usually isn’t your measuring — it’s the coat itself. 

When to Replace a Poorly Fitting Coat

Some coats simply aren’t the right shape or size, even if you’ve measured correctly. Over time, a poor fit becomes more noticeable — twisting, rubbing, or shifting as your dog moves. 

When that happens, it’s usually time for a new coat — ideally one with a sizing chart that actually makes sense. A lot of the coats in my best winter dog coats roundup have clearer measurements and broader chest options, which makes life much easier if your dog is tricky to fit.

Here are the signs a coat no longer fits properly:

❗  1. Twisting, sliding, or riding up

If the coat constantly drifts to one side, slides backwards, or pushes over the tail base, the girth or neck opening no longer matches your dog’s shape.

❗  2. Rubbing or irritation

Check for signs of discomfort under the armpits, around the chest panel, or along the neckline. Redness, thinning fur, or chafing means the coat is too tight or the cut isn’t suited to your dog.

❗  3. Straps are at maximum extension

If you’re having to pull every strap as far as it will go, the coat has been outgrown — common in pups and adolescent Staffies who muscle up quickly.

❗  4. Your dog’s body shape has changed

Even after puppyhood, dogs change over time. Weight gain/loss, increased muscle, age-related changes, or post-neutering shifts can all affect fit.

❗  5. The coat is worn or stretched

Velcro losing grip, stretched elastic, flattened insulation, or sagging belly panels all affect stability and warmth. Once the structure goes, the fit goes with it.

❗  6. Behaviour changes

A dog happy in a coat one winter but resistant the next is giving you feedback. Signs of discomfort include shaking, refusing to walk, scratching at the coat are all signs the fit isn’t right anymore.

A well-fitting coat should feel comfortable and stay put.

If it’s rubbing, sliding, or constantly needing adjustment, replacing it will make winter walks far more pleasant — and far warmer — for your dog.

Once you know what a good fit looks like — and what a failing coat looks like — the rest comes down to taking accurate measurements and choosing a design that matches your dog’s shape.

Wrapping Things Up

With the three core measurements — back length, chest girth, and neck circumference — written down in both centimetres and inches, you can choose a winter coat with far more confidence.

For most dogs, those measurements are all you need. Unless you’re buying a performance coat for extreme winter or snow trekking, the extra sizing fields won’t usually be necessary — but if you ever need them, you now know how to take them accurately.

For low-bodied breeds like Staffies and Frenchies, underbelly coats such as the Hurtta Summit Parka can offer great protection in snow or slush. For everyday UK weather, though, a well-sized raincoat or drying robe is usually enough.

If your dog has refused to walk in a coat before, check the size you tried against the measuring steps above. Many owners assume their dog “won’t wear a coat”, when in reality the fit was off. Once the coat sits correctly, dogs tend to settle into the walk rather than fight it.

Coat fit can change as dogs fill out, slim down, or mature, so it’s worth running a quick fit check before winter each year. If the coat twists, rubs, or slips, it’s probably time for a new size or shape.

When you’re ready to look, here’s a line-up of the best winter dog coats for short-haired, low-bodied breeds — chosen to take the guesswork out of picking the right fit.