Chasing your canine pal around, stumbling over obstacles, wrestling with a tape measure, and becoming a magnet for dog fur might sound like scenes from a comedy movie, but it's all in the pursuit of the perfect fit for a dog coat! Alright, perhaps I exaggerated a bit. However, be prepared for some genuinely fun moments because your dog will probably think it's a new playtime game.
Why all this effort, you ask? Precisely guaranteeing that the dog coat you choose fits snugly, ensuring your furry friend's utmost comfort. A well-fitted coat ensures there's no restricted movement. And let's be honest, estimating your dog's size and ordering a coat that doesn't fit is not only a waste of money but also means you've got to navigate the return process. Trust me, precise measurements trump guesstimates every time!
The Ideal Fit for the Canine Fashionista
Your goal is to have the coat covering your dog from the base of its collar down to the start of its tail. If it's slightly shorter or a tad longer by a couple of centimeters (or 1 to 2 inches for those preferring non-metric measurements), that's perfectly acceptable.
The Two Styles
Dog coats generally come in two fashionable avatars: the 'jacket style' and the 'blanket style.'
- Jacket Style Coats
These are the more encompassing of the two. They cover the chest, shoulders, belly, and thighs. On our website, we refer to this style as the 'all-in-one full body dog raincoat'.
- Blanket Style Coats
As the name suggests, these are more like a draped blanket. They don't envelop the dog's stomach completely. Instead, they rest atop the dog's back and cascade down the sides, roughly around the shoulder area. They are often termed just as 'coats.' Due to their easy-fit nature and adjustability, they are usually the go-to for most dog owners. Plus, if your dog's the wriggly type when dressing up, these are a godsend.
Remember, the perfect full body dog raincoat shouldn't hamper your dog's movement. Neither should it cause any chafing or unease. You should smoothly slide your hand inside openings like the neck or along the strap regions of the coat. A coat that feels tight and pinches your hand? It'll likely pinch your dog, too.
Decoding the Measurement Maze
While each full body dog raincoat comes with its size guide, let me simplify the measuring process:
- Dog's Length
Start from the collar's base and measure up to the tail's beginning. This is your magic number for coat length.
- Dog's Chest or Girth
Here's where things get tricky. Measure the broadest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. A full body dog raincoat that envelopes the entire chest needs a precise measurement. Too snug? It might cause friction. Too loose? There's a chance your dog might entangle its legs.
- Dog's Neck
Think of where your dog's collar usually rests. That's your measurement zone. While it's crucial for the fit around the neck not to be constricting, an overly loose fit isn't problematic. In fact, many canines prefer a bit of breathing room around their necks.