Dog Drying Coat Size Guide: How to Measure Your Dog
A dog drying coat only works well when it fits. Too small and it leaves your dog's back and belly wet. Too big and it slips off, drags on the floor or lets your dog wriggle free. The good news: finding the right size takes about two minutes and a soft tape measure.
This guide walks you through how to measure your dog, how to read a drying coat size chart, and what to do if your dog falls between sizes.
What you need
- A soft, flexible tape measure (a piece of string and a ruler works too)
- A few treats to keep your dog standing still
- A helper, if your dog is wriggly
Measure your dog while they are standing on all four paws, not sitting or lying down. Sitting changes the length of the back and gives you a smaller number than you need.
Step 1: Measure the back length
Back length is the most important measurement for a drying coat, because it decides how much of your dog the coat covers. Find the spot where the neck meets the shoulders (roughly where a collar sits), then run the tape along the spine to the base of the tail. Keep the tape flat against the fur without pulling it tight.
Step 2: Measure the chest
Wrap the tape around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. You should be able to slip two fingers under the tape. Chest size matters because drying coats fasten around the belly, and a comfortable fit lets your dog move, lie down and breathe easily.
Step 3: Measure the neck
Measure around the base of the neck where a collar would sit, again leaving room for two fingers. The neck strap should be secure enough to keep the coat in place but never tight.
Step 4: Compare with the size chart
Here is the Royal Pup Club drying coat size chart. Start with back length, then check that your dog's chest falls inside the range for that size.
| Size | Back length | Chest | Neck | Total length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 14 in (35 cm) | 16–22 in (40–55 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) | 18 in (45 cm) |
| S | 18 in (45 cm) | 22–33 in (56–83 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) |
| M | 20 in (50 cm) | 28–39 in (70–100 cm) | 18 in (45 cm) | 27 in (68 cm) |
| L | 24 in (60 cm) | 30–41 in (75–105 cm) | 20 in (50 cm) | 32 in (82 cm) |
| XL | 28 in (70 cm) | 33–45 in (84–114 cm) | 22 in (56 cm) | 37 in (94 cm) |
You can also view the chart with a measuring diagram on our sizing guide page.
What if my dog is between sizes?
For a drying coat, the larger size is usually the better choice. A little extra length means more of your dog's back and sides stay covered while they dry, and the adjustable velcro straps at the neck and belly let you tighten the fit. Size down only if your dog is very slim and the larger size's chest range is well above their measurement.
Signs the coat fits well
- The coat covers your dog from the base of the neck to around the base of the tail
- You can slide two fingers under the neck and belly straps
- Your dog can walk, sit and lie down without the coat twisting or bunching
- The coat does not drag on the ground or catch under the back legs
Common sizing mistakes
Measuring a sitting dog. The back shortens when a dog sits, so you will pick a size that is too small.
Guessing by breed. Dogs of the same breed vary a lot in length and build. Two Labradors can easily need different sizes, so always measure.
Pulling the tape tight. A tight tape gives a smaller chest number than your dog's real, comfortable fit. Keep it snug, not squeezed.
Ready to choose?
Once you have your dog's measurements, pick a size and color on our dog drying coat page. Every coat is made from absorbent double-layer towelling with adjustable velcro straps, and comes in sizes XS to XL. New to drying coats? Read why your dog needs a drying coat.