The most common mistake people make when buying dog clothing is guessing the size. A dog sweater that is too tight restricts movement and causes discomfort. One that is too loose can catch on objects, trip the dog, or slide over their eyes. Getting the fit right is not complicated - but it does require three measurements and two minutes of your time.
The Three Measurements You Need
1. Back Length
Measure from the base of your dog’s neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail. This is the most important measurement - it determines whether the sweater will cover the body correctly without being too long or too short.
How to measure: Use a soft measuring tape. Have your dog stand in a natural position. Measure along the spine from the collar line to where the tail begins. Do not include the tail.
2. Chest Girth
Measure the circumference of your dog’s chest at its widest point - typically just behind the front legs. This measurement determines whether the sweater will fit around the body without pulling or gaping.
How to measure: Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the chest. You should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and your dog’s body - this ensures the finished garment will have enough ease for comfortable movement.
3. Neck Girth
Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck where the collar normally sits. This ensures the neckline of the sweater will not be too tight or too loose.
How to measure: Wrap the tape around the neck at collar height. Again, allow two fingers of ease.
CacheMio Compagno Size Chart
| Size | Back Length | Chest Girth | Neck Girth |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 20–25 cm | 28–32 cm | 20–24 cm |
| S | 25–30 cm | 32–38 cm | 24–28 cm |
| M | 30–37 cm | 38–46 cm | 28–34 cm |
| L | 37–45 cm | 46–56 cm | 34–40 cm |
| XL | 45–55 cm | 56–68 cm | 40–48 cm |
| XXL | 55–65 cm | 68–80 cm | 48–56 cm |
When your dog’s measurements fall between sizes, always choose the larger size. A slightly loose fit is always preferable to a tight one.
Breed Reference Guide
While individual dogs vary, this breed guide gives a useful starting point:
XS: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Maltese
S: Dachshund, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer
M: French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Whippet, Beagle, Border Terrier
L: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Dalmatian, Standard Poodle
XL: German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, Weimaraner
XXL: Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhound
Always verify with actual measurements - individual dogs within a breed can vary significantly.
How to Check the Fit
Once you have your sweater, check the fit before your dog wears it for an extended period:
- Neck: You should be able to fit two fingers between the neckline and your dog’s neck. If you cannot, the sweater is too tight.
- Shoulders: The sweater should not pull at the shoulders or restrict forward movement. Watch your dog walk - their stride should be completely natural.
- Length: The sweater should cover the back without extending past the base of the tail. It should not cover the back legs.
- Chest: There should be no pulling or gaping at the chest. The fabric should lie flat.
According to the American Kennel Club, a well-fitted garment should never restrict a dog’s natural movement, vision, or ability to breathe, eat, drink, or go to the toilet normally.
Signs Your Dog Is Uncomfortable
Dogs cannot tell us when something does not fit correctly, but they show us. Watch for:
- Scratching at the garment repeatedly
- Freezing or refusing to move
- Trying to remove the garment
- Changes in gait or posture
- Excessive panting (sign of overheating)
If you observe any of these signs, remove the garment and reassess the fit. A dog that is comfortable in their clothing will move, play, and behave normally.
Care and Maintenance
CacheMio Compagno sweaters are made from natural fibres and should be hand washed in cold water with a mild detergent. Reshape while damp and dry flat - never tumble dry. With proper care, each sweater will maintain its shape and softness through many seasons of wear.
- The CacheMio Team, Barcelona
Explore: CacheMio Compagno Dog Sweaters | Why Dogs Deserve Natural Materials | FAQ
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