Shopping for a harness for a large dog? Big dogs come in wonderfully different shapes—from broad chests to long, lanky frames. Start with measurements, not breed labels. Two dogs of the same breed can have different proportions, and size names vary between harness designs, so finding the right harness starts with getting to know your dog’s measurements.
This guide helps you record the measurements you need before comparing them with a product’s size chart. A few minutes with a tape measure will help you compare sizes with more confidence.
What you’ll need
Use a flexible measuring tape, or a piece of string that you can measure against a ruler. Keep a note of each measurement in centimeters. Choose a quiet moment when your dog is happy to stand, and have a few treats handy. An extra pair of hands can help if your measuring assistant has other plans. Ask someone to help if your dog finds it difficult to stand still.
1. Measure your dog’s chest
With your dog standing naturally, wrap the tape around the widest part of the chest, behind the front legs. Keep it level and resting against the coat without pulling it tight. Record the circumference in centimetres, then repeat the measurement to check your result.
2. Measure the lower neck
Measure around the lower part of the neck, near where it meets the shoulders, rather than using an everyday collar measurement taken higher up. Record this separately from the chest measurement. Follow any measuring diagram supplied for the harness you are considering, because strap positions differ between designs.
3. Compare both measurements with the size chart
For example, the Maximus Harness — White & Gold (Big Dog), the current product size chart lists:
| M: | chest | 50–75 cm |
lower neck |
35–58 cm. |
| L/XL | chest | 60–115 cm | lower neck | 43–63.5 cm |
| XXL | chest | 95–145 cm | lower neck | 53–83.5 cm |
Check that both measurements fall within the listed ranges. The product description identifies XXL as intended for giant breeds, so don’t choose it simply because your dog is described as large.
What if your dog fits more than one size?
The ranges overlap. If only one measurement falls within a size range, don’t assume that size will fit. Finding your dog in more than one size range can be confusing. If you’re unsure, send us their chest and lower-neck measurements before ordering, and we’ll help you work through the options.
If both measurements fit more than one size, or your dog is close to a limit, contact Companion Haus with the chest and lower-neck measurements before ordering.
Why breed and weight aren’t enough
Breed and weight can provide context, but neither replaces measuring the parts of the body covered by the harness. A broad chest and a narrower lower neck can require a different fit from another dog of similar weight.
Keep your measurements handy
Save your dog’s chest and lower-neck measurements with the date you took them. Measure again if your dog is still growing or their body shape has changed, and check the chart for each new harness design.
Measurements ready? Explore the Maximus Harness — White & Gold (Big Dog) for its current size options and compare your dog’s proportions with its size chart. If you need a hand, we’re happy to help.
