A dog’s withers: where to find them and how to correctly measure your pet’s height at the withers?

Taking into account the pet’s parameters is necessary to monitor its development, determine compliance with the breed’s exterior, and calculate medication doses.

To select the correct collar, harness, or winter overalls, you need to measure your height at the withers.

Not all breeders know how to correctly determine this indicator. It is not difficult to learn this if you follow the basic techniques and follow the instructions.

When to correctly determine the location of the withers

The height of the withers is a necessary parameter for dogs. It is measured at various exhibitions and competitions. The indicator is also necessary in other cases.

When applying flea drops

Many antiparasitic drugs are applied to the withers. Since this is the highest point of the body, the animal cannot reach it on its own, and the risk of toxic substances entering the body is eliminated.

Insecticides are slowly absorbed through the pores of the skin on the nape of the neck, which reduces their side effects. The presence of blood vessels under the skin facilitates the distribution of the active substance throughout the body through the bloodstream.

When giving injections

The skin here is elastic, does not have increased sensitivity, and bundles of blood vessels connect here. 90% of all veterinary drugs are administered to dogs in this place: the procedure is painless, the drugs quickly enter the bloodstream.

It is quite difficult for a tailed friend to bite a veterinarian’s hand when he is holding him by the scruff of the neck.

To control the growth and development of your pet

All dog breeds meet certain standards. The adult puppy is measured to determine if he is developing properly.

Any deviations from the norm indicate diseases and a lack of nutrients in the diet.

Problems with the spine, curvature of the back, and developmental defects are determined after measuring height.

For accessories

Growth is an important parameter that you cannot do without.

A collar, harness, warm clothes, veterinary collar, and carrier are chosen based on this indicator. If their size does not correspond to the animal, then the pet will experience discomfort and the skin will chafe.

A large collar or collar is also useless: the dog can break free at any moment.

At exhibitions and competitions

If the dog belongs to the show class species, all its dimensions must correspond to the generally accepted exterior of the breed. Any deviations are not considered the norm; such an individual may be rejected and will not be allowed to breed.

In sports dogs participating in competitions, the potential jump height is determined by the height at the withers.

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Rules followed when measuring a dog

To carry out accurate measurements, the help of a person with whom the dog can easily communicate is important. The assistant holds the animal, and the owner makes the calculations.

Measuring device

Dog handlers recommend using a special device - a height meter. If you don't have one, you will need a ruler (measuring tape), a level and a pencil.

Industrial height meters are equipped with a level and a clamp; their readings are more accurate.

At home, you can make a stadiometer yourself. To do this, take 2 wooden slats 3 cm wide, the length of one should be 25 cm, and the other 5 cm. They are glued together so that they form a right angle or the letter “G”.

A measuring tape is glued along the 5-centimeter strip, and a weight is hung on its end for convenience.

How to find the average

The dog is called, the assistant fixes it in one position. The long part of the stadiometer is placed on the dog’s withers; the short strip with the measuring tape is located along the body. The device must be positioned strictly vertically.

Measurements are carried out 3 or 4 times, this result is considered correct. During a one-time measurement, a slight deflection of the dog’s pasterns can significantly distort the results.

The interval between measurements is 30 seconds or 1 minute. All indicators are added up and divided by the number of measurements taken.

For example: the height of the dog at the withers at the first measurement is 25 cm, at the second - 24, at the third - 24.5 cm. Calculations: (25+24+24.5): 3=24.5.

Stand as a prerequisite

The dog's height is measured in a calm, standing position. The floor surface must be flat and hard. The dog's paws are straight, but not tense.

Expert opinion

Panteleeva Irina Petrovna

Breeder, 11 years experience.

Young, active individuals are gradually accustomed to the procedure: they must behave calmly. The dog is fixed in the exhibition stand.

Correct application of measuring instruments

The most accurate results are shown by a professional stadiometer, but dog breeders do not always have one.

In its absence, measurements are made as follows:

1. The pet is placed on a flat surface and fixed.
2. Determine the location of the withers.
3. Place a book, construction meter, level or any other flat object on top of the blades.
4. Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure the height of the pet from the scruff of the neck to the floor.

Important! The tool must be strictly straight (it is better to use a plastic or metal ruler).

There should be no soft coverings, baseboards, or protrusions on the floor.

Clothing size charts

The manufacturer of each type of clothing indicates its own parameters. Average indicative data is shown in tables designed for pets of large, medium or small breeds. There is a separate table for dogs with a non-standard body shape.

Table for determining clothing sizes for pugs, as well as pets of large and medium breeds:

But how to choose the appropriate sizes of overalls if one of the two parameters - torso length or chest girth - does not match the data in the table? For example, with a length of 300 and a girth of 550 mm, choose size A2 rather than A1, otherwise the clothes will be tight.

Clothing size chart for small dogs:

Clothing size chart for Welsh Corgis and Dachshunds

To choose the right clothes for your pet, you need to determine what it is needed for. In most cases, you choose clothes for your pet to look attractive when paired with it. But do not harm the dog.

Most buyers of dog clothes believe that in this way they protect their pet from dirt, dust, and precipitation. Pay attention to the length of the wool; do not buy a suit with insulation, so as not to develop overheating, which is more dangerous than hypothermia.

Overalls look good on small dogs. There is a problem with large breeds. The length of the back and the width of the chest do not match the tabular data. In such a situation, I recommend purchasing a jacket or sweatshirt. The products do not have pants. Which means there are restrictions on length. The main thing is that the chest circumference is suitable.

If you use the table to choose a clothing size, be guided not by the breed, but by the actual body length and chest circumference.

An alternative size chart uses the following symbols:

• X (extra) - very;
• S (short) - small;
• M (medium) - average;
• L (large) - large.

The combination XS means very small, XL means very large, XXL means too large. This table does not take into account breed characteristics, but it makes it easier to choose clothes not only according to measurements, but also according to the weight of the pet.

Universal size chart for dogs:

The size that is called height at the withers

By the age of 2–3 years, the dog’s skeleton is fully formed. At this time, measurements will be more accurate than at an earlier age.

Dog classification:

• small breeds - up to 28 cm (dachshunds, spitz, toy terriers, chihuahuas, pinschers, beagles, corgis);
• medium dogs - from 28 cm to 55 cm (bulldogs, spaniels, hounds, greyhounds, bull terriers);
• large breeds of dogs - more than 55 cm at the withers (mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Caucasian Shepherds, Great Danes, St. Bernards, Labradors).

Dogs that do not have a breed can have any height regardless of weight.

For purebred dogs, the indicator must meet established standards. If dogs of different breeds were allowed to breed puppies, the indicator may undergo changes in one period of time.

Exact position of the desired point

If you draw a vertical line along the dog's front legs, and a horizontal line over his spine, then the intersection of these lines will indicate the exact location of the withers. This area (protruding tubercle) is located between your pet's shoulder blades. It is easy to lift the skin in this area with your hand.

The withers are located just behind the dog's neck and consist of the first five thoracic spines. The mother carries the puppies by holding them by the withers.

In a healthy, properly developed dog of any breed, the withers are the highest part of the body. That is why growth is measured based on this point.

Monitor your weight every week

If possible, weigh the puppy at the end of the week for a month and calculate the average gain. Typically, in a week, a puppy who eats properly according to the schedule will gain 250 g. Multiply this value by 52 weeks and add to the current weight. Get the approximate weight of a one-year-old dog. Large dogs can gain a kilogram per week, so at the end of the year you will get at least 52 kg of happiness.

Also watch your appetite. All puppies are constantly hungry, but if your little one eats a meal instantly, looks forward to the next meal, and quickly gains weight, expect a large dog in the future.

How to measure a dog's chest

When looking to buy a new dog harness or dog jacket, you need to know your dog's chest circumference. Chest girth is the measurement of the largest part of your dog's chest, usually just behind the front legs.

To measure chest girth, first press one end of the measuring tape against your dog's spine. While the dog is standing, wrap the tape behind the dog's front legs and around his body. Don't measure directly under your puppy's armpits unless that's the widest part of the waist. Place the end of the tape measure next to the beginning; where it intersects is your dimension. To achieve an optimal fit, use the "two finger rule" and place your index finger and middle finger between the measuring tape and the dog.

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Choosing a harness

To choose the right harness, you need to do the following: use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your chest at a distance of the width of your palm from your armpit. This is where the belts will go. Next, we focus on the table, taking into account the suitable parameters given below.

Dog harness sizes

Attention! The breeds given for comparison are indicative examples. Taking into account the features, equipment, parameters of a full breed dog may differ.

How to measure the length of a dog's back

Determine the length of your dog's back (or topline) by placing the beginning of the tape measure on the dog's neck. The base of your dog's neck is where the collar naturally fits. Holding the tape measure with one hand, pull the tape straight through the dog's spine until you reach the base of the tail.

Do you have a male dog? If so, you may need to size down a bit depending on the fit of the garment. If the coat or hoodie you buy is not shaped to avoid dog mess (meaning the bottom of the garment should be shorter than the length of the back of the garment), there is a chance that your dog will pee on it.

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P Correct measurements of your pet to purchase a carrier

If the dog is small, then the owners can successfully use a special carrier - an excellent device for transporting their four-legged friend. It is convenient to take on a trip, use it to deliver your pet to an exhibition, to a veterinary clinic, etc.

While in a carrier, the dog is less stressed and does not get its paws dirty. Naturally, it is much more convenient and humane to carry a sick dog in such a device, which reduces pain from shaking or contact with human hands.

Shoe size chart

If the attitude towards your pet’s clothing is ambiguous, even more so, questions arise: why are shoes needed? What is this? Glamorous entertainment for eccentric owners? Protecting pampered pets from dirt and cold? Nature has provided dog paws with adaptations to withstand adverse environmental conditions. Only man has changed the environment itself. In winter, city streets are treated with deicing agents - chemically aggressive substances that corrode the skin of dog paws. Shoes will protect your pet from cuts and bruises even in good weather.

The second reason “in favor” is the reluctance to drag dirt into the apartment. Owners have a choice: wash their paws in a basin after every walk, purchase a paw washer, or train their pet to wear shoes.

Just like for humans, boots and socks are provided for dogs. The latter are necessary to protect dog paws from slippery floors and floors, as well as upholstered furniture from paws and sharp claws. In addition, socks are an intermediate stage in getting used to wearing shoes or boots.

How to measure your dog to find the right shoes? You need to measure the size of your limbs. To do this, place your pet’s paw on a clean sheet of paper, outline the perimeter of the limbs, as shown in the figure:

There is another way: measure the paw with a tailor's centimeter by weight. In this case, you need to take into account the length of the claws and add 0.5 cm to the result. But I recommend the option with drawing on paper, as it is more accurate and reliable.

Based on the measurement results, purchase shoes according to the table indicators:

The table shows average indicators. Product information may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so to find out the shoe size for your pet, I recommend consulting with the seller.

What is a dog’s withers, what is it for and where is it located?

In pets, the withers are the highest point of the body, which is located between the shoulder blades on the spine. All important measurements necessary to determine the size of the pet begin from this area of ​​the back. The size of a dog is quite significant for some calculations. There is also a significant number of vessels in the withers, which allows various medications to be applied there.