Getting the right harness size is the single most important factor in whether a harness works. Too loose and your dog slips out. Too tight and it rubs, chafes, and causes pain. Here's how to get it right the first time.
What You Need
Just a soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing) and your dog's cooperation — which we know isn't always guaranteed. A treat or two helps.
The 3 Measurements That Matter
1. Chest Girth (Most Important)
This is the measurement most harnesses are sized by. Wrap your tape measure around the widest part of your dog's chest, which sits just behind the front legs. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath comfortably.
Write this number down. It's your primary size reference.
2. Neck Circumference
Measure around the base of your dog's neck — not the top where the collar sits, but lower, where the harness neck opening will rest. Again, two fingers of slack.
3. Back Length
Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail along your dog's spine. This helps confirm the harness won't sit too far forward or backward on the body.
Wagivo Harness Size Chart
Once you have your chest girth, match it to the Wagivo size guide:
- XS — Chest 30–40 cm (Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier)
- S — Chest 40–52 cm (French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu)
- M — Chest 52–65 cm (Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie)
- L — Chest 65–80 cm (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Husky)
- XL — Chest 80–95 cm (German Shepherd, Rottweiler)
- XXL — Chest 95–110 cm (Great Dane, Saint Bernard)
Between Two Sizes? Always Go Larger
If your dog falls between sizes, choose the larger one. The Wagivo harness has 4 adjustment points, so you can tighten it to a precise fit. Going smaller risks constriction — going larger just means adjusting the straps.
Puppy Owners: Measure More Often
Puppies grow fast. If you're buying a harness for a puppy under 12 months, plan to re-measure every 6–8 weeks. Most puppies reach their adult chest size between 9 and 18 months depending on the breed.
Ready to Order?
Once you have your measurements, ordering the right Wagivo harness takes less than a minute. Choose your size, pick one of 14 colours, and enter your dog's name for the custom embroidered patch — it's included at no extra cost.