Dogs deals

What the specs mean

Collars, harnesses, coats, crates and beds are all sized from measurements of the dog. Neck, chest and back length in centimetres matter more than the S, M or L a store prints.

Neck and chest

Collars are sized by neck girth and harnesses by chest girth, and brands' S, M and L ranges do not line up. Measure the neck and the widest part of the chest in centimetres and compare with the listed range; leave two fingers of room.

Back length

Coats and jumpers are sized by the back, from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Compare the back length in centimetres first, then the chest girth, and check the opening for a harness clip.

Crate and kennel size

A dog should stand, turn and lie flat inside; a crate much larger than that is harder to use for training. Compare internal length, width and height with the dog standing; an airline-approved claim is a separate standard to check with the airline.

Bed sleeping area

The outer measurement includes bolsters; the sleeping surface inside is what the dog lies on. Measure the dog nose to tail lying down, add 10 to 20 cm, and compare with the internal dimensions.

Weight limit

Carriers, car seats, ramps and stairs have a maximum pet weight for their frame and straps. Compare the stated weight limit in kilograms with the dog's weight, not its breed size.

Material and hardware

Nylon webbing, neoprene and leather wear differently, and the buckle or D-ring is what takes the load on a lead. Compare the strap material and width, the buckle type and whether metal hardware is specified.

Washing

Beds, coats and harnesses pick up dirt and parasites. Look for a removable, machine-washable cover and the wash temperature in the care instructions.