How do you choose the right size for your dog? You can read all about it in this page full of guidelines and useful tips on determining the right size!
Choosing the right size for your dog
Have you decided to purchase a product from our exclusive collection of dog beds, dog cushions, dog beds, dog collars or other dog accessories? Then you can be sure that you buy a product with a beautiful design and of good and durable quality.
Of course it would be a shame if the size of the product is not the right one and your dog therefore has too much or just too little space. The right size is therefore important, especially with dog collars and dog baskets. That is why we always recommend that you measure your dog before ordering.
Because the size indications S, M, L and XL differ between manufacturers, the use of these standard size indications sometimes creates some confusion. Therefore, pay particular attention to the size in centimeters. To make it as easy as possible for you, you'll find these sizes at The Pet Empire on every product page.
How do you determine the right size for your dog?
A standard size chart with dog breeds is not always accurate, because every dog is different. Your dog's age and gender also play a role. The most reliable way to determine the correct size for your dog is to measure with a tape measure.
We distinguish four different sizes that you often need when purchasing products for your dog:
- Collars - Your dog's neck circumference
- Dogbeds - The length of your dog
- Dog bowls - The height at the withers (shoulder height) of your dog
- Clothing - Your dog's belly circumference
When buying a dog bed, dog cushion or dog bed, the length of your dog is important. When purchasing a dog collar, your dog's neck circumference is the size you need. When buying a drinking or feeding bowl, the height at the withers and the size of your dog plays a major role. When purchasing dog clothes, measure the waist circumference.
1. Collars: Measure your dog's neck size (neck circumference)
A dog collar should be fairly tight, yet comfortable. Before buying a dog collar, measure your dog's neck size (neck size). This is easiest with a flexible measuring tape.
This is how you proceed: measure the neck at the widest point. That's usually where the neck starts, near the shoulders. When measuring, insert two fingers between the tape measure and your dog's neck. Then check how many centimeters you end up with.
Is your dog already wearing a collar that fits well? Then measuring the neck circumference is very easy. Place the collar on a flat surface and measure the area between the buckle and the hole you use most. This is the size you keep when you order a new collar from The Pet Empire.
All exclusive pet collars at The Pet Empire are available in many different sizes. With all dog collars, you simply select the correct size when ordering. Is the measured neck circumference within the range of the two indicated numbers? Then you have chosen the right size. The size of a dog collar is indicated in centimeters from the first to the last hole. The first number represents the smallest possible neck size and the second number the largest possible neck size.
2. Dog bed: measure the length of a dog
To determine the correct size dog bed, dog bed or dog cushion, the length of your dog is the number you need. But how do you measure a dog? To determine the correct size for a luxury dog bed, dog cushion, dog bed or dog sofa, measure your dog from the nose to where the tail starts.
That way your dog can stretch or stretch out in the basket. Also consider the height and material of the edge. Many dogs like to lie comfortably with their heads on the edge. It should not be too high for a small dog.
Sleeping position
Please note: your dog's sleeping method also plays a role in choosing the right size. Some dogs prefer to stretch completely when they sleep, like to sleep curled up or just with part of their body on a dog bed, basket or pillow.
The dog that stretches completely when he sleeps.
Give them space! A dog bed or dog cushion is desirable for this type of sleeper. When you choose a dog bed with a raised edge, choose a size that your dog fits well with a stretched head.
The dog that likes to sleep curled up.
These dogs love to be snug and safe and have a raised edge to snuggle against. This can be a bed or a basket.
The dog that only sleeps with a part of his body on a pillow.
They're there! His sleeping place cannot be big enough. Give him space and do not limit it by a raised edge, he must always be able to put his head outside the bed or pillow.
When in doubt, a size larger is always recommended. Also take into account the height of the raised edges, which can sometimes be on the high side, especially for smaller dogs, in order to lie comfortably.
Orthopedic and ergonomic dog bed
All dog baskets and dog cushions in the range of The Pet Empire are 100% orthopedic and offer the right support to your dog's body. Buying an ergonomic dog cushion online at The Pet Empire means that your dog can go through life with a good lying position! With an orthopedic dog bed you prevent annoying back problems.
3. Food and water bowl: measure shoulder height (height at withers) in dog
To determine the correct food bowl tailored to the size of your dog, measure the shoulder height or height at the withers. Based on that length, you know how high you place your dog's food and water bowl. Place your dog on a straight surface and then measure from the floor to the highest point of the shoulder blade. You can find that point by looking at the highest point of the body as soon as your dog lowers his head to the ground.
Eating behavior
The ideal eating and drinking height for dogs. Dogs like to eat at a height that suits their size. But what is the correct height? Measured from the dog's shoulders, you can maintain the following ideal eating and drinking height:
- Food bowl at 10cm height at shoulder height from 20 to 27 cm.
- Feeding trough at 20cm height at shoulder height from 30 to 38 cm.
- Food bowl at 30cm height at shoulder height from 40 to 48 cm.
- Feeding trough at 40cm height at 50cm shoulder height. or longer.
Tip: when choosing a good drinking or feeding bowl, also pay attention to the height of the rim.
- Dogs with a short snout - Preference has a low brim
- Dogs with a long snout - A high brim is preferred
- Shocking dogs - Food bowl with raised edges in the bowl or slightly larger size
We have indicated for all products on all productpage's for which varieties the food and drink containers are suitable. Can't figure it out? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].
4. Dog sweaters or coats: Determine the waist circumference
Clothing for dogs serves several purposes. It looks especially fashionable and fun, but it also protects your dog well against cold, wet and windy weather. Especially small or Short-haired dogs quickly get cold in these weather conditions. Long-haired dogs it gets cold faster in the rain, because of all wet hair. If your dog is sensitive to cold, it is advisable to keep your dog at a temperature to put on a dog sweater, neck warmer or dog coat under 8 degrees Celsius. This dog clothes ensures that your dog stays nice and warm when you go together going outside.
A dog sweater is therefore mainly intended to keep your dog's body warm. Bee You will find The Pet Empire wonderfully comfortable, warm and soft to the touch trendy dog sweaters in all sizes. There are also special dog coats that keep your dog warm and also protect it against moisture, rain and dirt.
Tip: a dog coat or sweater in a bright color also makes your dog in the dark extra visible! Before choosing the right size dog sweater or dog coat, have you need your dog's girth.
This is how you measure your dog's belly circumference
The easiest way to determine the belly circumference of your dog is with a measuring tape (or a piece
rope). Make sure your dog is stationary and place the tape measure around the chest where the perimeter is is the greatest. Usually that is the spot just behind the front legs. You use a rope to measure? After measuring, place the rope along a ruler or tape measure to determine the exact size determine.
When choosing a dog sweater or dog coat, the included size should be between it range of the two numbers indicated. With every product you will find the measure in centimeters, where the first number represents the smallest possible waist circumference and the second number for the largest possible waist circumference.
Determine the exact size via the product page
Because the exact sizes for the size indications XS, S, M, L and XL differ per manufacturer, you will find a table with the dimensions in centimeters on each product page at The Pet Empire. If you have your dog's measurements in centimeters to hand, determining the correct size is very easy. If you are unable to find a solution and do you have any questions? Mail us at: [email protected].
The Pet Empire: unique handmade products
Have you determined the right size? Entirely right! However, we would like to inform you to be sure that almost all products that are selected and sold at The Pet Empire are made with the utmost care and are handmade. That makes each product unique and gives it charm and exclusivity, but sometimes also means that the sizes of some individual products may have a slight deviation.