Using a flexible tape measure, measure the circumference of your dog’s abdomen (B) just behind the front legs at the widest point of the chest. The tape measure should be tight but not restrict your dog. Leave approximately one finger’s width between the tape measure and your dog. You can use this measurement and the circumference of the neck (A) to determine the correct harness size. As a rule, all harnesses are adjustable around the abdomen as well as in several other positions, making it possible to adapt the harness optimally to any body shape for ideal comfort.
Your dog needs a new collar, lead or, e.g., a new coat? Now you can quickly orientate yourself using the sizes presented here for the respective breed. To make completely certain, you should always measure the individual size (neck or belly circumference, back length, etc.). Valuable information regarding the typical characteristics, special challenges, average shoulder height and weight of the different breeds are presented here for your consideration if you wish to offer a dog a home.
Afghan Hound
- Weight 22 - 27 kg
- Neck Circumference 40 - 57 cm
- Shoulder Height 63 - 74 cm
- Back Length 60 - 65 cm
- A somewhat self-willed breed, not suitable for every owner. These dogs need to run, and will not be satisfied with strolls on the leash. They love to race. Very dependent in the family, but usually rather reserved.
American Staffordshire
- Weight 16 - 18 kg
- Neck Circumference 50 - 59 cm
- Shoulder Height 43 - 48 cm
- Back Length 39 - 45 cm
- Dogs of this breed are courageous and domineering, but also true and loyal to their owners.
Basset
- Weight 18 - 30 kg
- Neck Circumference 42 - 50 cm
- Shoulder Height 33 - 37 cm
- Back Length 60 - 73 cm
- A quiet, self-confident breed, somewhat stubborn. This breed is unfortunately seen as a type of long lap dog. In contact with other dogs, they are fearless and powerful.
Bearded Collie
- Weight: 20 - 27 kg
- Neck Circumference: 42 - 51 cm
- Shoulder Height: 51 - 56 cm
- Back Length: 50 - 55 cm
- A happy, easily trained family pet, which loves to frolic with children. However, this breed requires a lot of affection, freedom of movement and long walks. The silky fur must be groomed daily.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Weight: around 41 kg
- Neck Circumference: 50 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 60 cm - 72 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
- A reliable dog with a heart of gold. Easily trained as a working dog, and also an almost perfect family pet: even small children do not disturb these dogs of strong character.
Bull Terrier
- Weight: 20 kg - 30 kg
- Neck Circumference: 50 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 40 cm - 55 cm
- Back Length: 55 cm - 65 cm
- Unfairly identified as an attack dog. This breed is loyal, dependant and child-friendly. However, they can be made to become a deadly weapon by criminal conditioning. With proper obedience training, they can be raised to be good family pets.
Chihuahua
- Weight: 1 kg - 3 kg
- Neck Circumference: 25 cm - 32 cm
- Shoulder Height: up to 22 cm
- Back Length: 20 cm - 30 cm
- The smallest breed of dog in the world! However, when avoiding extreme miniaturisation in breeding, astonishingly compact and robust. An intelligent dog, eager and willing to learn. This breed’s need for exercise can also be satisfied in the apartment.
Dachshund
- Weight: up to 9 kg
- Neck Circumference: 30 cm - 40 cm
- Shoulder Height: 18 cm - 23 cm
- Back Length: 30 cm - 45 cm
The dachshund belongs to one of the most valued and numerous pets overall, but is also kept as a hunter. These perky and somewhat thickheaded dogs will try to train their masters and mistresses with clever and amusing tricks.
German Longhair
- Weight: around 30 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 50 cm
- Shoulder Height: 63 cm - 70 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 70 cm
Because of their keen sense of smell, intelligence and eagerness to learn, these dogs are brilliant allaround hunting dogs. This breed is suited to the sporting type, who also likes to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Golden Retriever
- Weight: 27 kg - 36 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 53 cm
- Shoulder Height: 51 cm - 61 cm
- Back Length: 55 cm - 65 cm
Not only a golden coat, but a heart of gold as well. The ideal dog for children and families. Because of their friendliness and cleverness, also good hunting dogs which love the water.
Hovawart
Weight
- Weight: 25 kg - 40 kg
- Neck Circumference: 48 cm - 60 cm
- Shoulder Height: 58 cm - 70 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
One of the oldest German breeds. Has all of the positive characteristics of the German Shepherd, with a very pleasant personality. Can be easily trained for all purposes.
Irish Wolfhound
- Weight: 40 kg - 55 kg
- Neck Circumference: 54 cm - 65 cm
- Shoulder Height: 70 cm - 85 cm
- Back Length: 39 cm - 85 cm
The largest breed in the world! If one can do without extreme size, still relatively robust. A peaceful, gentle yet self-confident dog. With a minimum of training, suitable as a family dog. Lots of exercise is an absolute must.
Pomeranian
- Weight: Variable
- Neck Circumference: 35 cm - 40 cm
- Shoulder Height: 23 cm - 28 cm
- Back Length: 30 cm - 35 cm
These dogs were quite in style in the 1920’s, with their beautiful bushy tails and thick and luxuriant coats. An ideal guard dog, that shows no mercy when barking at strangers. An intelligent dog, eager to learn, that needs a lot of human affection and attention.
Leonberger
- Weight: 50 kg - 70 kg
- Neck Circumference: 54 cm - 65 cm
- Shoulder Height: 65 cm - 80 cm
- Back Length: 69 cm - 85 cm
This race, resembling the lion in appearance, is lively, loyal, and reliable and loves children. Does not need a lot of exercise. Because of their cleverness, they can be trained as working dogs.
Maltese
- Weight: 3 kg - 4 kg
- Neck Circumference: 29 cm - 35 cm
- Shoulder Height: 19 cm - 24 cm
- Back Length: 29 cm - 38 cm
As long ago as 2000 years, this dog was bred especially for ladies. Lively, happy, playful and vivacious. These dogs have a long life expectancy when they receive regular care and lots of love and affection.
Münsterländer (Small)
- Weight: 20 kg - 25 kg
- Neck Circumference: 44 cm - 50 cm
- Shoulder Height: 50 cm - 60 cm
- Back Length: 44 cm - 55 cm
A true and gentle soul, that always wishes to be kept busy. Due to their extreme cleverness, can be well trained for hunting. The great need for exercise and freedom of movement can lead to problems when kept indoors.
Newfoundlander
- Weight: 50 kg - 66 kg
- Neck Circumference: 55 cm - 65 cm
- Shoulder Height: 62 cm - 75 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
Sense of humour, gentle disposition, uncomplicated, dependent and obedient are the adjectives best describing the Newfoundlander breed. They are friendly to people and animals, love to swim and are good at it, not particularly alert, but very robust because of their thick coats.
Scottish Terrier
- Weight: 9 kg - 11 kg
- Neck Circumference: 35 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 25 cm - 28 cm
- Back Length: 40 cm - 45 cm
Dog of the Year 1994! Typical terrier, although relatively easy to raise. Basically a hunting dog, that also has a right to take its place as an ideal family and apartment dog. Sensible, vivacious and very clever.
Shih Tzu
- Weight: 5 kg - 9 kg
- Neck Circumference: 35 cm - 42 cm
- Shoulder Height: 25 cm - 27 cm
- Back Length: 40 cm - 45 cm
This dog appears arrogant and self-confident, but is indeed playful and good-natured. Not considering the great deal of care and attention required, this breed is an uncomplicated and child-friendly family dog.
Staffordshire Bullterrier
- Weight: 11 kg - 18 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 60 cm
- Shoulder Height: 35 cm - 40 cm
- Back Length: 42 cm - 48 cm
A strong character and chiefly people-friendly. This dog can be twisted into a fearsome attack dog, after criminal conditioning. Proper training makes a comfortable companion of this breed.
Whippet
- Weight: 9 kg - 16 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 44 cm - 47 cm
- Back Length: 40 cm - 45 cm
A real racing dog, that requires a great deal of exercise and movement. Very dependent, sensitive, but also hearty. The whippet is child-friendly and vivacious. Good as a family dog.
Yorkshire Terrier
- Weight: 1 kg - 3 kg
- Neck Circumference: 25 cm - 30 cm
- Shoulder Height: 22 cm (maximum)
- Back Length: 25 cm - 30 cm
The smallest breed of terrier, but with all the terrier characteristics such as self-confidence, intelligence, eager to learn and cheerful. Does not want to be treated as a lap dog but as a real full-value dog.
Airedale Terrier
- Weight: 20 kg - 25 kg
- Neck Circumference: 48 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 56 cm - 61 cm
- Back Length: 48 cm - 55 cm
The largest but most uncomplicated terrier. This breed can be a useful working animal, but also a good family pet. Terriers need a lot of exercise, but are otherwise undemanding. This breed is suitable even for first-time dog owners.
Barzoi
- Weight: 34 kg - 45 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 65 cm - 82 cm
- Back Length: 67 cm - 84 cm
Borzois were once used for hounding wolves! An extremely elegant breed, these dogs lose their reserve and coolness the moment they are allowed to run as long and as quickly as they like. When they get sufficient exercise, they can fit well into the family.
Beagle
- Weight: 10 kg - 18 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 33 cm - 41 cm
- Back Length: 42 cm - 48 cm
This breed has a sad reputation as a research animal. By nature, tends to be a good hunter (running in the pack). These are also good family dogs, because of their good-tempered, clever and happy characteristics.
Berger de Brie
- Weight: 20 kg - 29 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 56 cm - 68 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
This typical shepherd’s helper is more and more often to be found in the household, due to his / her alertness, trusting nature and quickness and eagerness to learn. It is no rarity to find these dogs performing as the star of the circus.
St. Bernhard
Weight
- Weight: 68 kg - 86 kg
- Neck Circumference: 60 cm - 70 cm
- Shoulder Height: 70 cm - 80 cm
- Back Length: 70 cm - 80 cm
The typically peaceful and thoughtful utility dog. No dog for beginners, as this breed must be well trained and carefully fed. Their claim to fame is their impressive appearance as well as their bravery and courage.
Cairn Terrier
- Weight: 6 kg - 8 kg
- Neck Circumference: 37 cm - 42 cm
- Shoulder Height: 26 cm - 31 cm
- Back Length: 40 cm - 42 cm
A typical terrier, not a lap dog, and not a toy. Good with children. Intelligent, lively, self-confident and fearless. Can also be trained for the hunt. Tends to be cheeky when improperly raised.
Chow
- Weight: 20 kg - 27 kg
- Neck Circumference: 60 cm - 65 cm
- Shoulder Height: 45 cm - 50 cm
- Back Length: 45 cm - 50 cm
A particularly regal bearing distinguishes this breed, which usually prefers only one master or mistress. These dogs have strong nerves, do not startle easily, and make good watchdogs.
Collie
- Weight: 18 kg - 29 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 51 cm - 61 cm
- Back Length: 50 cm - 60 cm
Not to be mistaken for Lassie! Independent of its unattainable Hollywood image, however, the collie is a clever, alert and eager learner. Fits well into the family and needs a lot of affection and attention.
Dalmatian
- Weight: 23 kg - 32 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 50 cm
- Shoulder Height: 50 cm - 61 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
An elegant and clever dog, often degraded to being put on display due to its beautiful and unusual appearance. This breed can be well trained, and has all the characteristics of a good utility dog.
German Shepherd
- Weight: 32 kg - 39 kg
- Neck Circumference: 50 cm - 70 cm
- Shoulder Height: 55 cm - 65 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
The most common large German breed. In spite of their uniformity of appearance, these dogs can present a wide variety of dog personalities. In the ideal case, a very clever and reliable companion with strong nerves, displaying superior characteristics as a working dog.
Fox Terrier
- Weight: 7 kg - 9 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 36 cm - 38 cm
- Back Length: 38 cm - 45 cm
This classic terrier breed incorporates all the attractive characteristics of this beloved species. Fox Terriers can be trained for the hunt as well as making good family pets. However, thorough training is necessary.
Greyhound
- Weight: 25 kg - 34 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 50 cm
- Shoulder Height: 68 cm - 74 cm
- Back Length: 60 cm - 70 cm
The typical racing dog, with the highest level of performance in this area. If one satisfies this animal’s incredible need for running and exercise, he or she can become a happy-go-lucky and dependent family dog with a minimum of training as well.
Irish Red Setter
- Weight: 25 kg - 29 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 61 cm - 68 cm
- Back Length: 65 cm - 75 cm
An incredibly gentle and polite dog. This breeds clever nature allow them to be easily trained, but they cannot stand a harsh word or tone of voice. A happy companion that loves to run, can also be trained as a hunting dog.
Labrador Retriever
- Weight: 27 kg - 36 kg
- Neck Circumference: 50 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 54 cm - 57 cm
- Back Length: 55 cm - 60 cm
An intelligent dog distinguished by its well-natured character. A typical working dog, used in hunting, tracking, rescue missions and as seeing-eye dogs, this breed is also a good member of the family. They love water.
Lhasa Apso
- Weight: 5 kg - 7 kg
- Neck Circumference: 35 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 24 cm - 28 cm
- Back Length: 35 cm - 42 cm
A friendly breed with a strong sense of self-confidence. Extraordinarily alert and mistrustful of strangers. The lush fur needs a lot of care and attention. The Lhasa Apso needs a lot of attention in order not to become sullen or surly.
Mastiff
- Weight: 75 kg - 100 kg
- Neck Circumference: 65 cm - 80 cm
- Shoulder Height: Approximately 80 cm
- Back Length: 70 cm - 85 cm
The heaviest race of dog. The mastiff shows its best side when its weight is kept moderate does not approach the highest limit allowable! Good-natured and dependent in the family, their effect on strangers is only frightening because of their massive size.
Münsterländer (Large)
- Weight: 25 kg - 29 kg
- Neck Circumference: 50 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 58 cm - 65 cm
- Back Length: 55 cm - 65 cm
In addition to being an excellent hunting dog, the large Münsterländer also makes a good pet, when he / she gets enough exercise and freedom of movement. This breed is basically friendly to all, but is an excellent guard dog in an emergency.
Pekingese
- Weight: 3 kg - 6 kg
- Neck Circumference: 30 cm - 35 cm
- Shoulder Height: 15 cm - 25 cm
- Back Length: 35 cm - 40 cm
Ancient Chinese race, which served in the emperor’s palace as a lion substitute! Proud, regal and very alert, they love small children. The Pekingese is not spoiled or pampered, but does requires lots of care and attention.
Shelti (Shetl. Sheepdog)
- Weight: 7 kg - 8 kg
- Neck Circumference: 40 cm - 45 cm
- Shoulder Height: 31 cm - 35 cm
- Back Length: 42 cm - 48 cm
of the collie is a very dependent family dog. This breed needs lots of exercise, is lively and intelligent. In spite of the relatively long fur, care and upkeep are simple.
Siberian Husky
- Weight: 20 kg - 25 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 50 cm
- Shoulder Height: 51 cm - 60 cm
- Back Length: 60 cm - 70 cm
A friendly pack dog, which should not be raised alone. Not a guard dog, not aggressive towards people. The husky wants to work, and is therefore suited as a sled dog.
West Highland Terrier
- Weight: 7 kg - 9 kg
- Neck Circumference: 35 cm - 40 cm
- Shoulder Height: Approximately 28 cm
- Back Length: 37 cm - 42 cm
Actually a white Cairn terrier. Has the same characteristics, is however incorrectly considered to be a lap dog. West Highlands were unfortunately fashionable for a time, but have survived this affliction quite well.
Wolf Spitz
- Weight: 18 kg - 27 kg
- Neck Circumference: 45 cm - 55 cm
- Shoulder Height: 45 cm - 55 cm
- Back Length: 45 cm - 50 cm
Especially loyal and dependent on the family, but mistrustful of strangers. A watchdog who cannot be bribed; however, this breed loves to bark, which can be a nuisance.
Miniature Pomeranian
- Weight: Approximately 3 kg
- Neck Circumference: 25 cm - 35 cm
- Shoulder Height: 22 cm - 26 cm
- Back Length: 32 cm - 38 cm
The smallest breed of Pomeranian, but not a toy. Guards house and owner devotedly. Loves to bark, which can be a nuisance is some areas. Loves to walk and run, but needs little space.