How to Measure Your Dog for Crates, Beds & Harnesses
Wondering how to measure a dog for a crate? This step-by-step guide walks you through the exact measurements you need for crates, beds, and harnesses so your big dog ends up with gear that actually fits. Getting crate, bed, and harness sizes right is a big deal for big dogs. Too small and your dog can’t relax. Too large and they slide around, feel insecure, or escape.
This guide walks you through exactly how to measure your dog with a simple tape measure so you can match those numbers to size charts with confidence.
What You Need Before You Measure
- A soft tape measure (tailor’s tape).
- Or a piece of string + ruler if you don’t have one.
- Your dog standing on a flat, non-slippery surface.
- A helper if your dog is wiggly.
Tip: Take each measurement twice and write it down. Use inches or centimeters consistently.
Quick Size Checklist (TL;DR)
You’ll measure:
- Body length – nose to base of tail.
- Body height – floor to top of head or ears (whichever is taller).
- Girth / chest – around the widest part of the ribcage.
- Neck – where the collar sits.
You’ll use:
- Length + height → crates & beds
- Girth + neck → harnesses
How to Measure a Dog for a Crate (Step-by-Step)
A crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie flat without being cramped—while still feeling den-like.
Step 1 – Measure body length
- Have your dog stand in a natural position.
- Place the tape at the tip of the nose.
- Run it along the spine to the base of the tail (not the tip).
- Write this down as Length (L).
Now add 4 inches for most adult large dogs. Extremely large or long-back breeds may need +6 inches.
Working formula: Crate length = L + 4–6 inches
Step 2 – Measure body height
- With your dog standing, place the tape on the floor next to one front paw.
- Measure straight up to the top of the head or tips of the ears if they stand upright.
- Write this down as Height (H).
Add 2–4 inches for comfortable headroom.
Working formula: Crate height = H + 2–4 inches
These simple formulas make it easy when you’re learning how to measure a dog for a crate the right way.
Step 3 – Check width (most brands standardize this)
Crates are usually sized so width is proportional to length. Once you know the right length and height, pick the crate size whose numbers are equal to or just above your formulas—not the next huge size up “just in case.”
For help choosing a comfortable sleeping surface once you have your measurements, check out our guide to the best dog beds for large dogs.
Step 4 – Adjust for puppies and airline travel
- Puppies
- Choose a crate sized for their estimated adult size.
- Use a divider panel to make the space smaller at first, then move it as they grow.
- Airline travel
- Airlines have stricter rules (especially for international flights).
- Always confirm measurements against the airline’s own chart and crate requirements.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed
A good bed lets your dog lie in their favorite position without hanging off the edges.
Step 1 – Decide how your dog likes to sleep
Watch your dog for a few nights:
- Curls up in a ball → donut or bolstered beds work best.
- Sprawls out on their side or back → rectangular or mattress-style beds.
- Leans against furniture or walls → beds with high bolsters.
Step 2 – Measure for length
- Have your dog lie down in their natural sleeping position.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- If they sprawl, measure to the end of the back feet instead.
Add 6–12 inches to this measurement depending on how much extra space you want. We use this exact formula when picking products in our best dog beds for large dogs guide.
These simple formulas make it easy when you’re learning how to measure a dog for a crate the right way.
Working formula: Bed length = nose-to-tail (or feet) + 6–12 inches
Step 3 – Measure for width (for rectangular beds)
- With your dog lying down, measure across the widest part of the body—usually shoulder to shoulder or hips.
- Add 4–8 inches for wiggle room.
For round/donut beds, use your dog’s length and choose a diameter that’s 6–12 inches larger.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
A properly fitted harness takes pressure off the neck and keeps strong dogs secure without rubbing.
You’ll mainly use girth and neck measurements.
Step 1 – Measure chest girth
- Find the widest part of the ribcage—usually just behind the front legs.
- Wrap the tape all the way around the body, keeping it snug but not tight.
- Make sure the tape stays horizontal (not angled up toward the back).
- Write this down as Girth (G).
Step 2 – Measure neck
- Place the tape where a regular collar sits, midway down the neck.
- Wrap around to measure the full circumference.
- Write this down as Neck (N).
Step 3 – Check the fit on your dog
Once you’ve picked a harness size using the brand’s chart and when you’re ready to upgrade, our guide to the best dog harnesses for large dogs walks through options that fit strong pullers and deep-chested breeds better than basic store brands.
- Put it on your dog and adjust all straps.
- You should be able to slide two fingers under each strap comfortably—but not your whole hand.
- Make sure:
- Straps aren’t rubbing armpits.
- Hardware isn’t digging into the shoulders or spine.
- The front piece sits low on the chest, not against the throat.
Walk your dog and watch for rubbing, twisting, or shifting. If any strap is maxed out or cinched all the way, you probably need a different size.
For another handy reference, the American Kennel Club has a helpful guide on how to choose the right crate size for your dog.
Pair a well-fitted harness with one of the picks from our best dog leashes for large dogs guide for safer everyday walks.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
- Guessing from weight only
Brands often list weight ranges, but body shape (deep chest, long back) matters more. Always go by the actual tape-measure numbers first, then check weight as a secondary guide. - Measuring to the tail tip
Crate and bed measurements use the base of the tail, not the very end. - Not adding “comfort inches”
If you buy a crate or bed that matches your dog’s measurements exactly, it will feel cramped. Always add the extra inches noted above. - Forgetting about growth
For puppies, expect multiple harness sizes. For crates, buy for adult size and use dividers while they grow.
When to Re-Measure Your Dog
Re-measure your dog if:
- They gain or lose more than ~10% of their body weight.
- You notice harness straps are suddenly too tight or too loose.
- You’re buying a new style of bed or crate (e.g., switching from wire to furniture-style).
A quick 5-minute measuring session now can save you the cost and hassle of returning gear that doesn’t fit.
Where to Go Next
To put your measurements to work:
- Choose a sleeping setup in Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs.
- Find secure walking gear in Best Dog Harnesses for Large Dogs and Best Dog Leashes for Large Dogs.
- Browse all our big-dog picks on the Dog Gear hub page.