How to Measure Dog Height? Tips on Measuring Your Dog Height

There are many reasons as to why you’ll want to measure a dog’s height in inches. However, measuring it is not the same as with a human. To get an accurate measurement of your dog’s height, you will need to know where to measure and have the proper equipment. So, keep reading this article to discover how to measure the height of your canine friend.

Why Measure a Dog’s Height?

Having the correct height measurements for your dog is necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, you will need to measure inches to get a harness and clothing that fits appropriately. Determining your pup height will also be required if you will purchase a dog door or kennel. You’ll want to be sure that your pup can fit inside the kennel and through the door quickly but without too much surrounding space.

Finally, if you plan on entering your pooch into dog shows, you’ll need to know how tall they stand from the ground. There have been instances of dogs getting disqualified because they were not appropriately measured and did not meet the correct threshold for the show.

READ MORE: Best Harness for Small Dogs

Equipment Needed to Measure Your Dog’s Height

Measuring a dog’s body in inches doesn’t take very much equipment. All you’ll need is a tape measure and some flat ground. Of course, you’ll need your pet too!

How to Measure a Dog’s Height Step-by-Step Guide

• Make sure your pup is standing on flat ground or floor. It should be standing straight with its feet evenly spaced out. Puppies and small dogs might get too excited for you to get them to stand still on your own. In this case, you might want to put them up on a table and have someone hold their body for you.
• Find the withers. This is the highest point right between their shoulder blades and at the base of their neck.
• Grab your measuring tape and check from the floor, up to your dog’s legs, and to the point between their shoulders, their withers. Make sure the tape measure is straight so your measurement will be correct.

Other Methods for Taking Accurate Readings

• Another way to find your dog’s height is to take a carpenter’s level and place it across the withers. Stand your pup next to a wall and allow the level to meet the wall. Mark the dog’s height with a pencil on your wall and then use the measuring tape to check the height of the mark from the floor. This will be the height.

If you don’t want to write on your wall, you can effectively measure a dog by using the above method and placing a piece of putty or colored tape where the level meets the wall.

A third way to get the height measurement of your pup is to use the above method against a refrigerator and place a magnet where the level meets the fridge.

READ MORE: How to Tell How Old My Puppy is?

How a Dog’s Height Affects His Abilities and Behaviors

Just like people, it’s difficult to say that the size of a canine will predict its behavior. However, some generalizations can be made.

In general, big and tall dogs are more calm and cuddly. More giant breed canines are great for training as guards, and they tend to be better at sports. On the other hand, larger breeds tend to have short life spans, and they require more resources: more food and water, larger living spaces, and plenty of exercise.

The small breed pups are usually more excitable. They may love to run around, but they don’t require exercise very much and will probably get tired quickly. One great thing that pet owners like about small breeds is the fact that their maximum life expectancy is longer than that of big canines. Smaller pups are also easier to travel will and don’t require as many resources as large pups. A small amount of space, food, water, and exercise is enough to satisfy a small pet’s needs.

READ MORE: Do Neutered Dogs Live Longer?

FAQs

Understanding the sizes of your pup is very important. This information will help you make sure they are as comfortable as possible throughout their life.