Size Chart & Measuring Guide
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR DOG
Getting the right fit is the most important step to ensuring your dog's comfort and safety. Every Goody Paws® harness and collar is adjustable, but starting with the right size makes all the difference.
Measure your dog when they are standing naturally. Use a soft tape measure. Measure twice if you are unsure.
STEP 1
NECK
Measure around the base of your dog's neck where the harness or collar naturally sits roughly where a collar would usually rest. Leave enough room to fit two fingers comfortably between the tape and your dog's neck.
STEP 2
CHEST (Most Important Measurement)
Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement when choosing a harness size. The tape should be snug but not tight you should still be able to slip two fingers underneath.
STEP 3
CHEST DEPTH (Tough Style Harness Only)
For the Tough Style Harness, also measure from the base of the ribcage up to the base of the neck. This ensures the harness sits correctly and prevents rubbing behind the front legs.
💙 Always measure your individual dog rather than going by breed or weight alone. Dogs of the same breed can vary significantly.
💙 If your dog falls between sizes, always size up for the most comfortable fit.
💙 The two-finger rule: you should always be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your dog and their harness or collar at any point.
Tough Style Harness — Size Guide
Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large.
Features: 3-buckle lockable system · Metal D-rings front and back · Breathable padded mesh · Reflective trim · Machine washable at 30°C · Strength tested
SIZE CHART:
Extra Small (XS) | Neck: 23–36 cm | Chest: 32–45 cm | Suitable for: Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, small Dachshund, small Yorkie
Small (S) | Neck: 26–40 cm | Chest: 43–56 cm | Suitable for: French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, Cavapoo, small Spaniel
Medium (M) | Neck: 33–51 cm | Chest: 56–69 cm | Suitable for: Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Cockapoo, Miniature Schnauzer
Large (L) | Neck: 40–61 cm | Chest: 69–81 cm | Suitable for: Labrador (small), Springer Spaniel, Boxer, Dalmatian
Extra Large (XL) | Neck: 51–79 cm | Chest: 81–107 cm | Suitable for: Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, large breeds
💙 For brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) always use the chest measurement as your primary guide. Their deep chests often mean sizing up from the neck measurement.
💙 If your dog falls between S and M on the chest measurement look at the M. The Tough Style Harness has wide adjustment so it will fit well.
Adjustable Harness, Size Guide
Available in XS, S, M, L. Step-in style with adjustable neck and chest straps.
Features: Easy-clean neoprene fabric · Breathable quick-drying mesh lining · D-rings on front and back · Adjustable neck and chest straps
SIZE CHART:
XS | Neck: 29–36 cm | Chest: 36–48 cm | Suitable for: Chihuahua, Toy breeds, small Dachshund
S | Neck: 35–44 cm | Chest: 41–54 cm | Suitable for: French Bulldog (small), Cavapoo, Shih Tzu, Miniature Dachshund
M | Neck: 39–51 cm | Chest: 46–61 cm | Suitable for: Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Cockapoo
L | Neck: 42–56 cm | Chest: 57–83 cm | Suitable for: Labrador (small), Springer Spaniel, Standard Poodle
💙 The Adjustable Harness has a wide adjustment range and suits dogs who are between sizes particularly well.
💙 For puppies, the Adjustable Harness in XS or S is ideal. Check the fit regularly as puppies grow quickly.
Collar Size Guide
Available in XS, S, M, L. Measure around the base of your dog's neck where the collar naturally sits. Leave two fingers of room between the collar and your dog's neck.
SIZE CHART:
XS | Length: 22–30 cm | Width: 1.5 cm | Suitable for: Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Teacup breeds
S | Length: 28–43 cm | Width: 1.5 cm | Suitable for: French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, Cavapoo
M | Length: 35–51 cm | Width: 2.0 cm | Suitable for: Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Terrier, Cockapoo
L | Length: 41–66 cm | Width: 2.5 cm | Suitable for: Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Dobermann
💙 We recommend using a harness as the primary lead attachment and a collar for your dog's ID tag only. This is especially important for dogs that pull and flat-faced breeds.
HARNESS COMPARISON
Which Harness is Right for Your Dog?
FEATURE | TOUGH STYLE HARNESS | ADJUSTABLE HARNESS
Sizes available | XS – XL | XS – L
Style | Step-over / over-the-head | Step-in
Buckle system | 3-buckle lockable system | Adjustable clip system
D-rings | Front + Back (metal) | Front + Back
Fabric | Breathable padded mesh | Neoprene + mesh lining
Reflective trim | Yes | No
Machine washable | Yes (30°C) | No — wipe clean only
Best for | Active dogs, pullers, brachycephalic breeds | Smaller dogs, puppies, step-in preference
BREED SIZE GUIDE
Quick Breed Size Guide
A general guide only. Always measure your individual dog.
SMALL BREEDS:
Chihuahua | Adj. Harness: XS | Tough Harness: XS | Collar: XS
Toy Poodle | Adj. Harness: XS | Tough Harness: XS | Collar: XS
French Bulldog | Adj. Harness: S | Tough Harness: S–M | Collar: S | Use chest as primary measurement
Pug | Adj. Harness: XS–S | Tough Harness: S | Collar: S | Use chest as primary measurement
Shih Tzu | Adj. Harness: XS–S | Tough Harness: XS–S | Collar: S
Cavapoo (Mini) | Adj. Harness: S | Tough Harness: S | Collar: S
Miniature Dachshund | Adj. Harness: XS–S | Tough Harness: XS | Collar: XS–S | Deep chest size up
Cavalier King Charles | Adj. Harness: S | Tough Harness: S | Collar: S | Use chest as primary
Yorkshire Terrier | Adj. Harness: XS | Tough Harness: XS | Collar: XS
Boston Terrier | Adj. Harness: S | Tough Harness: S | Collar: S | Use chest as primary
MEDIUM BREEDS:
Cocker Spaniel | Adj. Harness: M | Tough Harness: S–M | Collar: M
Cockapoo (Standard) | Adj. Harness: M | Tough Harness: M | Collar: M
Springer Spaniel | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: M–L | Collar: M–L
Beagle | Adj. Harness: M | Tough Harness: M | Collar: M
Miniature Schnauzer | Adj. Harness: M | Tough Harness: S–M | Collar: M
Border Terrier | Adj. Harness: S–M | Tough Harness: S–M | Collar: S–M
Whippet | Adj. Harness: M–L | Tough Harness: M | Collar: M | Deep chest breed
Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Adj. Harness: M | Tough Harness: M | Collar: M | Use chest as primary
Basenji | Adj. Harness: S–M | Tough Harness: S–M | Collar: S–M
Shar Pei | Adj. Harness: M | Tough Harness: M | Collar: M
LARGE BREEDS:
Labrador Retriever | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L–XL | Collar: L | Measure chest — varies widely
Golden Retriever | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L–XL | Collar: L
German Shepherd | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L–XL | Collar: L
Dobermann | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L | Collar: L
Border Collie | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: M–L | Collar: M–L
Boxer | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L | Collar: L | Use chest as primary
Dalmatian | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L | Collar: L
Weimaraner | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L–XL | Collar: L
Hungarian Vizsla | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L | Collar: L
Greyhound / Lurcher | Adj. Harness: L | Tough Harness: L | Collar: L | Deep chest — use chest measurement.
SIZE GUIDE FAQ
Q: What if my dog is between sizes?
A: We always recommend sizing up if your dog falls between two sizes. A slightly larger harness can be adjusted down to fit. A harness that is too small cannot be made larger and may cause discomfort or restrict movement.
Q: What size Tough Style Harness does a French Bulldog need?
A: Most French Bulldogs fit the Tough Style Harness in Small (S) with a neck of 26–40cm and chest of 43–56cm. However, because French Bulldogs have deep chests, always use the chest as your primary measurement. Some Frenchies with a wider chest may need a Medium. Email us at info@goodypaws.co.uk with your dog's measurements and we will advise personally.
Q: What is the difference between the Tough Style Harness and the Adjustable Harness?
A: The Tough Style Harness is a step-over style with a 3-buckle lockable system, metal D-rings, reflective trim, and is machine washable at 30°C. It is best for active dogs, strong pullers, and brachycephalic breeds. The Adjustable Harness is a step-in style with neoprene fabric and is best for smaller dogs, puppies, and dogs who prefer a step-in design.
Q: How do I measure my dog for a Goody Paws harness?
A: Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest just behind the front legs, this is your most important measurement. Also measure around the base of the neck. Always ensure you can fit two fingers between the tape measure and your dog's body. If in doubt, size up.
Q: What size harness does a Cockapoo need?
A: Most Standard Cockapoos fit the Tough Style Harness in Medium (M) with a chest of 56–69cm, or the Adjustable Harness in M with a chest of 46–61cm. Miniature Cockapoos typically need Small. Always measure the chest first.
Q: What size collar does a French Bulldog need?
A: Most French Bulldogs need a Small collar (neck 28–43cm). However, we recommend using a harness as the primary lead attachment for French Bulldogs rather than a collar, as harnesses distribute pressure across the chest rather than the throat.
Q: Can I exchange if the harness does not fit?
A: Yes. We offer 30-day easy size exchanges on all orders. Contact us at info@goodypaws.co.uk with your order number and the size you need. We will sort it as quickly as possible.
Q: Do you offer personalised sizing advice?
A: Yes. Email us at info@goodypaws.co.uk with your dog's breed, weight, and measurements (neck and chest in centimetres) and we will personally recommend the right size and style for your dog. We aim to respond within 24 hours Monday to Friday.
Q: What size harness is best for a dog that pulls?
A: We recommend the Tough Style Harness for dogs that pull. Attach the lead to the front D-ring, when a dog pulls forward, the front attachment redirects them to the side rather than allowing them to pull with full force. Available in XS–XL.
Q: Are Goody Paws harnesses safe for brachycephalic dogs?
A: Yes. Our harnesses distribute lead pressure across the chest and shoulders rather than the throat, making them much safer for flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Boston Terriers. We recommend the Tough Style Harness with the front D-ring for these breeds.
Still Not Sure? We Will Help.
Getting the right fit matters. If you are not 100% sure which size or style is right for your dog, please do not guess just ask us. We are a small Yorkshire-based team and we love helping.
Email: info@goodypaws.co.uk
Instagram: @goodypaws
Response time: We aim to respond within 24 hours Monday to Friday.
Need help choosing between the Tough Style Harness and the Adjustable Harness? See our full guide: Which Harness Should I Choose?
Where every paw deserves a goody!®