A size chart for dog coats is usually marketing dressed up in centimetres. Here's one built from the real product measurements in our range, with the honest caveat that it remains a guide.
The two measurements that matter
The back length is measured from the base of the neck, where the collar normally sits, to the base of the tail, while your dog is standing. The chest girth runs around the widest point directly behind the front legs. Both measurements together determine the size, not back length alone – more on that in our two-minute guide.
The chart
| Size | Back length | Chest girth | Example dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 20–25 cm | 20–32 cm | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier |
| S | 27–30 cm | 24–34 cm | Pug, Dachshund (standard) |
| M | 33–40 cm | 34–54 cm | French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel |
| L | 43–50 cm | 44–66 cm | Border Collie, Australian Shepherd |
| XL | 55–62 cm | 60–82 cm | Golden Retriever, German Shepherd |
| XXL | 70–80 cm | 82–108 cm | Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Danes |
The example dogs are rough guides, not a guarantee – a particularly compact German Shepherd can fit L, a slim XL frame can fit M. Between two sizes, chest girth settles it: if the coat pinches there, it's too small, no matter how well the back length fits.
If your dog falls between two sizes
Go with the bigger one. A coat that's a centimetre too long barely matters. One that pinches at the chest girth will be refused or chafe raw after a few walks.
Special case: long, short-legged breeds
Dachshunds and similarly built dogs have a back length that doesn't fit any standard chart, without chest girth and leg length coming into play. They need their own cut rather than a bigger standard size.
The chart doesn't replace the manufacturer's measurements right on the product – those are always binding. For rainy weather specifically, it's also worth checking our rain coat guide, and for pairing with a matching lead, our dog lead guide. Back to the overview: Dog Coat Guide.