How to Measure Your Italian Greyhound: Guide & Size Simulator

An Italian Greyhound can combine a deep chest, a fine neck and a relatively long back. A letter such as S or M does not describe those proportions. This guide helps you record repeatable measurements and compare them with the particular style you want. It does not replace the Size Chart on each product page.

1. Prepare your Iggy and your tools

Use a flexible tape, a level surface and somewhere to write the results. Without a tape, use non-stretch string, mark the overlap and measure it against a ruler. A second person can reassure your dog while you measure.

Your Iggy should stand naturally on all four paws with a relaxed head position. Avoid measuring while sitting, lying down, stretching or curling up. Keep the tape in contact without compressing the skin. Repeat each measurement; if the numbers differ, check the tape position before recording a result.

2. Neck circumference

Measure around the base of the neck, where it meets the body. Do not slide the tape up under the jaw or down around the shoulders. Record the full circumference, not the width seen from the front. A high collar, wide collar or pullover may need additional measurement points: follow that item’s instructions.

3. Chest circumference — girth

Loop the tape around the deepest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. Pass it underneath and over the back in an even loop, without tilting it diagonally. Do not let it slip backwards onto the narrow waist. Let your dog breathe normally rather than tightening the tape to reach a smaller size.

Chest is a key measurement for many garments and harnesses, but it is not sufficient alone: check the neck, length and openings too.

4. Back length

Measure from the point where the neck joins the back to the base of the tail, gently following the topline. Include neither the head nor the tail itself. Do not start at the top of the skull. If your Iggy arches or stretches while you measure, reposition them and try again.

A cropped jacket may intentionally be shorter than your dog’s full back. A four-leg suit needs more checks than back length alone. Follow the measurement points for that particular design.

5. Read the product’s own chart

• Dog measurements: compare your recorded figures with the stated body ranges and follow the style’s instructions.
• Garment measurements: these describe the item, sometimes its maximum circumferences. They are not automatically recommended body measurements. Check any stated ease, stretch and adjustment information.
• Flat measurements: a width measured flat is not a circumference. Double it only when the chart explicitly tells you to interpret it that way.
• Units: 1 inch equals 2.54 cm. Keep units consistent across a comparison.

Record your dog’s measurements without adding an arbitrary allowance. Then apply only the allowance or method specified for the product. Adding extra room at both stages can make the garment too loose.

6. Between sizes or different proportions?

Do not automatically size up. A chest that matches M and a neck that matches XS can indicate the wrong cut, even when the larger garment closes around the ribs. A sufficient back length does not establish that the leg openings fit. Ask for help with all three measurements and the product link. If an essential chart measurement is missing, have it confirmed before buying.

Example: the Corduroy-Collar Coat chart lists maximum garment circumferences. The Colorblock Harness has a smallest stated chest range of 43–56 cm; a dog below 43 cm does not match any of that harness’s listed sizes. Neither example transfers to other products.

7. Match the checks to the item

• Sweater or coat: neck, chest and back; also check the head opening, leg openings and underside cut.
• Harness or collar: use the measurement points and adjustment ranges for its construction. Matching a size range is not an escape-prevention guarantee.
• Four-leg clothing: check leg lengths and openings when provided.
• Carrier: compare internal space and openings. Weight alone is insufficient.
• Bed: measure your dog’s resting footprint. Outer diameter does not equal usable sleeping space inside the rim.

8. Check the fit on arrival

Try the item calmly indoors. Look for pulling at the shoulders, rubbing behind the legs or restricted walking. Check the fasteners and room around the neck and chest according to the item’s instructions. The underside must not interfere with toileting. Check a harness in an enclosed space before taking it on a walk.

If the item seems tight, loose or restrictive, remove it and contact us. Keep it clean and unworn outdoors during the fitting, in line with the return conditions.

9. Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing by weight alone; reusing another style’s size; measuring the waist instead of the ribcage; confusing width with circumference; guessing missing dimensions; treating a photograph as fit evidence. Remeasure a growing puppy and after a noticeable change in body shape.

Need help with a particular style?

Send the product link, neck circumference, chest circumference, back length and units. Mention whether you want a cropped style or more back coverage. Contact Iggy Grey.

Further reading on technique: American Kennel Club measuring guide. Always use the individual product’s chart to choose a size.