How to Measure a Dog for a Coat

No matter the breed or character of your dog, your loyal companion deserves the absolute best you can give them. For many of us, treating our dogs well means taking them on plenty of walks to give them sufficient exercise, as well as providing them with a healthy diet and making sure they have a good selection of toys. While this is an excellent start and a sign of a great dog owner, making sure dogs stay warm and protected from poor weather and cold conditions while they are on a walk should be an additional priority for owners, but this can often be overlooked. 

If you’re looking to treat your dog to a comfortable dog coat or jacket, we would recommend measuring them before you make a purchase to ensure this fits them correctly. Generally, a well-fitting dog coat allows for complete freedom of movement while your pup is busy exploring the outdoors - whether this is during a day at the beach or while on a short walk. Alternatively, a dog jacket can also be worn around the house to add a cosy layer if they get cold easily or the temperature drops. 

If you have never measured your dog before, our step-by-step guide on how to measure a dog for a coat will tell you everything you need to know about sizing your dog correctly. With additional information about the Barbour dog coats available and the measurements of these, we will make it easy for you to find a comfortable, stylish and hard-wearing dog coat that is right for your loyal companion in no time. 

How to measure a dog for a coat step-by-step

Below we’ve compiled a complete step-by-step guide on how to measure your dog to find the right size dog coat. Follow the steps below and make sure you have the necessary equipment required to ensure you accurately size your dog to find a coat that will keep them feeling comfortable and looking stylish, no matter what their daily routine entails.

Equipment Needed to Measure Your Dog: 

• Pen and paper (or the notes app on your phone)
• Standard tailor’s tape measure

Step 1: Once your dog is standing on all fours ready to be measured, (try enticing them with a treat or toy if they struggle to stand still) the first measurement you will need to take is their length. To do this, take the tape measure and use this to measure the length between your dog's neck (from where their collar sits if they wear one) and the base of their tail. As a general tip, Barbour size guides use centimetres as their unit of measurement, so we recommend writing your dogs’ measurements down in this format to make it easier once you come to purchase your dog coat. 

Step 2: Next, you’ll need to measure the mid width of your dog. For a Barbour dog coat, the mid width refers to the entire top side of the fabric. This is the part that will be securely fastened to your loyal companion with a comfortable strap when they wear the coat. To measure this, measure the top width of your dog’s middle, from rib to rib. Again, since the units on the Barbour dog coat size guide are taken in centimetres, we advise noting your pups’ measurements down accordingly. 

Step 3: Depending on the shape of the dog coat that you’re looking to buy, you may need to measure the full length of your dog from the front centre of their chest to the base of their tail on the underside. On the Barbour dog coat size guide, this is called the tab to cheek length and is applicable for most coats that fasten across the front of the dog.

Step 4: The final measurement to take before starting your search for a new dog jacket is sizing up the underside of your dog. Again, this measurement is only necessary for dog coats that fasten with a buckle or strap in the same way that theBarbour coats do. For this measurement, use the measuring tape to find the underside mid width of your dog. This is effectively the opposite of the top mid width measurement from Step 2.

Barbour dog coat sizes

Designed to be luxurious, comfortable and durable, the sizing of our dog jackets can be seen in the comprehensive dog coat size guide illustrated below. 

Featuring a versatile range of sizes that vary from XS to XXL, using this simple guide to find the perfect coat size for your dog, no matter how big or small, is an easy and straightforward process.

How to choose a dog coat

With a simple measuring system in place, arguably the hardest part of finding the perfect dog coat for your pooch is choosing the right style. Crafted with a wide range of patterns and designs, at Barbour, we have a full selection of stylish dog coats to choose from. However, if you’d like some additional inspiration while you’re deciding on a dog coat, take a look at some of our most sought-after styles below. 

Barbour Dog Coats

At Barbour, we offer two main styles of jackets for dogs - waxed and quilted. Both iconic Barbour designs that are world-renowned, each comes with their own unique features and benefits. We outline this below:

Barbour Wax Dog Coat

The Barbour wax dog coat in Olive is a creative reimagining of the classic Barbour waxed jacket, allowing you to match with your dog. Designed with a wide range of practical and hard-wearing features, this classic Barbour dog coat includes a durable waxed outer to provide lasting protection from the rain. The coat also features a cotton tartan liner for extra warmth on chilly days. Finished with additional detailing that includes a stylish corduroy collar and signature Barbour branding, this weatherproof dog coat is not only perfect for strolls during unpleasant weather or low temperatures, but for adding a stylish touch to your dog’s attire too.

Barbour Quilted Dog Coat

The Barbour quilted dog coat in navy provides a chic look for your pooch, while offering the benefits of warmth and weather protection too. Following the signature Barbour quilted jacket design tropes that we’re known for, but in an all-round comfortable design for dogs, this smart quilted dog coat features a navy corduroy collar and is complete Barbour branding on the side for added style. While, whether you’re heading on a long or short walk, the underbody strap and velcro collar ensures that the product stays securely fastened to your dog throughout.

Need some further inspiration? Take a look at a broader selection of best-selling Barbour dog coats as we highlight their distinctive features and timeless designs. 

Featuring a traditional quilted design, the Barbour polar dog coat is made from our signature quilted fabric. Boasting a lightweight fleece lining to provide additional warmth and protection on colder days, this durable dog coat is the perfect option for longer walks or day-long trips. From forestry adventures to exploring the coastline, this hard-wearing piece is designed to last while your dog explores all kinds of settings. Complete with a classic Barbour style, the coat offers a cord-lined collar and belted middle.

Searching for a more distinctive quilted style? Boasting a unique paw-shaped quilt pattern, this elegant rose pink dog coat features a playful and stylish design suitable for wearing for a range of walks, from coast to country to city. Complete with a timeless inner tartan lining and able to be easily attached to a dog lead, this luxurious but functional dog jacket provides an iconic option from the collection.

Want to dress your dog in some classic country-style attire? Look no further than our authentic tartan wax dog coat. Featuring a classic tartan design, this smart and tasteful piece allows your dog to look the part while staying warm, with the convenient addition of the comfortable inner lining. Made using traditional waxed cotton, this classic tartan dog coat is great for providing weather protection and is finished with a brown corduroy collar for added comfort.

Whether you’re searching for an additional layer to place under a dog jacket during especially cold temperatures, or you’re simply looking for an alternative to a dog coat to keep your canine cosy, browse the features of two of our sought-after products from the range of Barbour dog jumpers and hoodies below.

Barbour Teddy Fleece Dog Jumper

Treat your pup to a taste of luxury with this super soft and cosy fleece jumper. Featuring a playful design crafted from cosy teddy bear-style fabric, this dog fleece is the perfect option for pampered pooches of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for something suitable for your dog to wear around the house, or you’re searching for an alternative to a dog coat for walks when the weather is calmer, this fleece was made with elite comfort in mind to suit all activities. 

Barbour Logo Dog Hoodie 

Searching for a more casual piece for everyday wear? Designed with authentic Barbour branding in a colourful motif across the back and contrasted with navy fabric for a statement effect, this logo dog hoodie is a playful piece that is suitable for anything from daily walks to lounging at home. Providing the ideal piece for your pup, this simple and versatile dog hoodie also features a hood to provide extra warmth when it’s needed.

Discover Dog Coats and Jackets at Barbour

Ready to order your dog a comfortable coat in the perfect size? Head over to our collection of Barbour dog coats and jackets, where you will discover a large selection of sought-after styles and colours to find the perfect design for your pooch.