Sizing Guide
Dog sizing by breed or weight is a coin flip. Two 60-pound dogs can need different harness sizes. Measure with a soft tape or a piece of string and a ruler — it takes ninety seconds and prevents the most common return we get.
The three measurements that matter
- Chest girth: the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs, all the way around. Used for harnesses, vests, and lift harnesses.
- Neck circumference: where the collar naturally sits. Two fingers should fit under the tape. Used for collars.
- Paw width: press the paw down on paper with the dog's weight on it, mark the widest points, and measure across. Used for boots. Width, not length.
Harnesses and vests — by chest girth
| Size | Chest girth | Typical dog |
|---|---|---|
| S | 17–22 in | Beagle, mini schnauzer, small terrier |
| M | 22–28 in | Border collie, springer, small pit mix |
| L | 28–34 in | Labrador, boxer, standard poodle |
| XL | 34–40 in | German shepherd, golden, larger hound |
| XXL | 40–46 in | Great Pyrenees, mastiff mix, large shepherd |
If your dog falls on a boundary, size up for the Coastal Cooling Vest (it should drape) and size down for the Ride Secure Car Harness (it should be snug — two fingers under the chest strap, no more).
Boots — by paw width
| Size | Paw width |
|---|---|
| S | 1.5–1.7 in |
| M | 1.8–2.0 in |
| L | 2.1–2.4 in |
| XL | 2.5–2.8 in |
Front paws are usually wider than rear paws. Size to the front paws. If the boots slide, the straps are not tight enough — they should compress the pastern above the paw, not just the paw itself.
Collars — by neck circumference
| Size | Neck |
|---|---|
| S | 11–15 in |
| M | 15–20 in |
| L | 20–26 in |
The Beacon LED Collar is cut-to-fit within its size range. Measure, buckle, then trim.
Beds and crates — nose to tail, plus six inches
| Size | Bed | Crate | Dog length nose-to-tail-base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 28 x 22 in | 30 in | up to 24 in |
| Large | 36 x 27 in | 36 in | 24–30 in |
| X-Large | 44 x 35 in | 42 in | 30–36 in |
Dogs that sleep stretched out need the next size up. Dogs that curl can stay in size.
Ramps — by tailgate or sill height
Measure from the ground to the loading surface. A ramp should sit at roughly a 25-degree angle or shallower for a senior dog.
| Vehicle height | Ramp |
|---|---|
| Up to 28 in (sedan, crossover, low SUV) | 62 in |
| 28–36 in (pickup, lifted SUV, van) | 72 in |
Still unsure? Email your measurements to help@anchordogco.com and we will tell you the size — including when the answer is that we do not have one that fits.