How to Measure Your Dog for Our Equipment

Please note this guide is approximate measurements based on our experience and that of our suppliers. Experience has taught us that there are a great deal of body types and sizes which do not fit into the specifics listed. If you have any questions regarding the measurements of your dog, please email us. We'll try to source exactly what you need!

All numerical measurements are shown in inches.(unless otherwise stated)

• Measuring for Shoulder or Sidewalker Harness
• Measuring for X-Back Harnesses
• Measuring for Weight Pull & Carting Harnesses
• Size Chart
• Custom Harness
• Colours
• Padding
• Measuring for Dog Boots
• Harness Care
• Returns and Exchanges

Measuring for a Shoulder or Sidewalker Harness 

We require only one measurement for the Shoulder or Sidewalker Harness: the Neck.

Neck - Measure from just ahead of the withers at the base of the neck to the top of the breastbone, then double this measurement. Work the tape under the fur; pull it snug, but not stretched. Measure the dog, not the fur! Measure only one side of the dog, and then double the measurement. Wrapping the tape measure all the way around the neck may distort the measurement.

Neck fit is critical. When properly fitted, where the webbing crosses at the "Y" below the neck , the webbing should cross right on the breastbone. At the same time you are holding the webbing in place on the breastbone, check to see that the webbing in the "Y" at the top of the neck crosses where the neck joins the withers (shoulder blades). The padded neck fits snugly around the dogs shoulders, distributing the force evenly. The basic design is hundreds of years old, but improved by modern materials. Harness neck size must fit correctly. Too large, and the harness will slip, rub, or interfere with movement; too small, and it will cut, bruise, or choke.

Measuring for an X-Back Harness

We require two measurements for the X-Back Harness: the Neck Measurement and the Tail Measurement. 

Neck – Please follow the instructions shown above in how to measure for the Shoulder Harness.

Tail - Start tape at top of breastbone. Pass between the front legs, then up around rib cage to base of tail. Lift tail to feel join.

Check fit of tail length by pulling on webbing to see if the webbing will come to the base of the tail. Webbing should not come to the base of the tail unless there is tension against it. The more coat the dog has, the more tension is required.

Measuring for Weight Pull & Carting Harnesses

We require three measurements for the Weight Pull or Carting Harness: the Neck Measurement, the Tail Measurement, and the Rear Measurement. 

Neck – Please follow the instructions shown above in how to measure for the Shoulder Harness.

Tail – Please follow the instructions shown above in how to measure for the X-Back Harness.

Rear - Start tape at top of breastbone, pass between front legs, following the line of the center of the ribs, then to back of thigh (this will be the position of the spreader bar).

Weight Pull and Carting Harnesses are custom made and not held in stock.  Please be sure of your measurements before you place your order as custom harnesses are non-refundable.

Size Comparison Chart

We supply harnesses from a number of different manufacturers, each who use their own sizing guide. We have compiled this chart to allow ease of size comparison between harnesses. This size guide shows how all our harness sizes relate to each other (for X-Backs the first number is the neck measurement, the 2nd is breast bone to tail). "Short" harnesses refer to shoulder harnesses. If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate in contacting us.

Custom Harnesses 

If you are ordering custom sized harnesses, please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Custom harnesses cannot be returned or exchanged, so please be sure of measurements before ordering.

Colours

Nordkyn Harness Colours - Medium weight harness webbing available in: Red, Royal, Black, Navy, Light Blue, Turquoise, Green, Teal, Florescent Green, Purple, Burgundy, Florescent Pink, Florescent Orange, Yellow, Silver.  Other colours may be available on request. Please see the below image to show Nordkyn webbing colours.

ManMat Colours - Medium weight harness webbing available in: Red, Blue, Green, Paw Print Blue, Paw Print Red, Reflective Blue, Brown.  Please see the below image to show ManMat webbing colours.

Canadog Harness Colours - *RIPSTOP FABRIC COMES IN BLACK ONLY* Color option available for webbing only. Available in Blue, Red, Black (not shown), Aztec, Chilli, Gecko, Bones

Padding

Padding option only available on Nordkyn Harnesses. The standard padding on all Nordkyn harnesses, unless otherwise stated or requested is Type F: Polar Fleece.

Harness padding does two things; it keeps the webbing from cutting or chafing your dog and it provides some cushion to prevent bruising.

• TYPE F: Polar Fleece (Polar Tec 300) - quick drying Dacron polyester synthetic, good insulator because it holds a lot of air, resists water absorption. Machine washable.
• TYPE N: Super Plush-synthetic pile is furry nap with woven backing, good cushion, wears well, doesn't pill, machine washable.
• TYPE R: Rip stop over Closed Cell foam-closed cell foam encased in rip stop nylon, resists water absorption, resists freezing, lighter than neoprene, machine washable.
• TYPE P: Neoprene-closed-cell foam, with nylon sheathing, virtually indestructible padding that provides extra cushion for heavy pulling. Resists water absorption, resists freezing to approximately -30 even if wet. Machine washable.
• TYPE S: Sheepskin padding offers extra cushion and protection particularly when the temperature drops below zero. While not guaranteed machine-washable, the thick sheepskin wool retains enough lanolin and other oils to protect it, and to cause it to age by curling around the edge of the webbing. It wears extremely well. Particularly suitable for short-coated dogs.

 

Measuring for Dog Boots

Boots are built to secure around the ankle, but below the carpal pad. The boot should have room in the paw area, allowing the paw to spread when bearing weight.

Measuring Paw Width

• Have your dog stand on a firm surface (wood, linoleum, or concrete).
• Place a piece of blank paper under a front paw.
• Lift the dog's other front paw so that its weight is placed firmly on the paw being measured.
• Mark the paper at the paw's widest point on the left and right edges of the paw (see graphic).

• Use a ruler to measure the width of the paw (in inches) from the left mark to the right mark.
• If your dog is between sizes, then choose the larger size for comfort and performance.

 

Harness Care

Our harnesses are machine washable; here is a quick care guide:

• Do not store where continually wet.
• Try to prevent freezing.
• Do not dry over a fire to avoid shrinkage.
• Wash in lukewarm or cold water and drip dry.
• Do not tumble dry!

 

Returns and Exchanges

We want our products to fit properly. If you need help determining a correct fit, please email us and we will try to help you check the fit. If any standard size product isn't right, we are happy to exchange or refund any harness providing they are unused and returned to us in good condition within 10 days. Please do not write on the equipment before trying it on your dog. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE RETURNING AN ITEM PRIOR TO SENDING IT BACK. On returning your item for exchange, please enclose a note with your details and new requirement and payment of £4.50 for return delivery. Alternatively, you can enclose a SAE but please ensure sufficient postage has been paid for. Replacement items or refunds will not be sent until the original items have been received by us. Return shipping will be at the cost of the purchaser. We would strongly advise that you use a registered post as we cannot take responsibility for returned items lost in transit.

Custom harnesses cannot be returned or exchanged, so please be sure of measurements before ordering.