Dog Chest Sizes
Looking for a Harness?
A dog’s chest measurement is the most important factor when choosing the correct harness. Below you'll find a detailed dog chest size chart organised by small, medium and large breeds. Measurements are provided in both centimetres and inches for convenience.
Tip: If you're viewing this chart on a mobile device, zooming out or rotating your phone horizontally may make the tables easier to read.
Quick Jump
- Small Breed Chest Sizes
- Medium Breed Chest Sizes
- Large Breed Chest Sizes
- How to Measure Your Dog's Chest
- FAQs
Small Breed Chest Sizes
Typically fitting an XS or S size dog harness.
| Breed | Male Chest (cm) | Male Chest (in) | Female Chest (cm) | Female Chest (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 30–38 | 12–15 | 28–36 | 11–14 |
| Pomeranian | 32–40 | 13–16 | 30–38 | 12–15 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 30–40 | 12–16 | 28–38 | 11–15 |
| Shih Tzu | 38–48 | 15–19 | 36–46 | 14–18 |
| Maltese | 34–44 | 13–17 | 32–42 | 12–16 |
| Papillon | 32–40 | 13–16 | 30–38 | 12–15 |
| Toy Poodle | 34–44 | 13–17 | 32–42 | 12–16 |
| Dachshund (Mini) | 38–50 | 15–20 | 36–48 | 14–19 |
| Miniature Pinscher | 36–46 | 14–18 | 34–44 | 13–17 |
| Italian Greyhound | 38–48 | 15–19 | 36–46 | 14–18 |
Medium Breed Chest Sizes
Typically fitting an M or L size dog harness.
| Breed | Male Chest (cm) | Male Chest (in) | Female Chest (cm) | Female Chest (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beagle | 50–65 | 20–26 | 48–63 | 19–25 |
| Cocker Spaniel | 55–70 | 22–28 | 52–68 | 20–27 |
| Border Collie | 60–75 | 24–30 | 58–72 | 23–28 |
| Australian Shepherd | 60–78 | 24–31 | 58–75 | 23–30 |
| French Bulldog | 55–70 | 22–28 | 52–68 | 20–27 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 60–75 | 24–30 | 58–72 | 23–28 |
| Mini Labradoodle | 60–75 | 24–30 | 58–72 | 23–28 |
| Whippet | 60–75 | 24–30 | 58–72 | 23–28 |
| Bull Terrier | 65–80 | 26–31 | 62–78 | 24–30 |
| Standard Schnauzer | 60–75 | 24–30 | 58–72 | 23–28 |
Large Breed Chest Sizes
Typically fitting an L or XL size dog harness.
| Breed | Male Chest (cm) | Male Chest (in) | Female Chest (cm) | Female Chest (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 75–90 | 30–35 | 70–85 | 28–33 |
| Golden Retriever | 75–95 | 30–37 | 70–90 | 28–35 |
| German Shepherd | 80–100 | 31–39 | 75–95 | 30–37 |
| Rottweiler | 85–105 | 33–41 | 80–100 | 31–39 |
| Doberman | 75–95 | 30–37 | 70–90 | 28–35 |
| Boxer | 75–90 | 30–35 | 70–85 | 28–33 |
| Siberian Husky | 70–85 | 28–33 | 65–80 | 26–31 |
| Great Dane | 90–110 | 35–43 | 85–105 | 33–41 |
| Alaskan Malamute | 80–100 | 31–39 | 75–95 | 30–37 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 85–105 | 33–41 | 80–100 | 31–39 |
How to Measure Your Dog’s Chest
To measure your dog’s chest, wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of the rib cage just behind the front legs.
- Stand your dog upright.
- Locate the widest part of the chest.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the rib cage.
- Ensure the tape is snug but not tight.
- Record the measurement and compare it to the chart above.
FAQs
Why is chest size important for harness fitting?
The chest measurement determines how securely and comfortably a harness fits around a dog's body.
Are male dogs larger than female dogs?
In most breeds males have slightly broader chests, which is why chest measurements often differ between genders.
What if my dog falls between two measurements?
If your dog falls between sizes, selecting the slightly larger harness size usually provides the best fit.
Are breed size charts always accurate?
Breed charts provide typical averages, but individual dogs can vary depending on genetics, weight and build.