Getting the Right Fit and Design for Your Dog’s Vest - Part One

At Wuffable, we understand that a dog’s vest is more than just an accessory - it’s a tool for communication, safety, and advocacy. Whether you’re ordering for an Assistance/Service Dog, a Therapy dog, or for advocacy purposes, getting the right size and design makes all the difference.

Below, we’ll walk through the most important thing to consider when ordering a vest: Sizing.

Golden Retriever laying on a wooden bench wearing one of Wuffables Modular summer vests. The text simply reads "DO NOT PET" "Assistance Dog" with symbols for Stop, Do not stare, Do not Touch, and Do not speak.

1. Sizing Your Dog for a Proper Vest Fit

Every week we receive a few vests that were ordered in the wrong size, resulting in requests to exchange. In almost every case, it comes down to one of three things:

• “Guess-timated” measurements rather than actual ones.

• Measurements sent in inches instead of centimetres without notifying us (we work in cm, which is why we always request this).

• Didn't take the vest shape into consideration

It might feel like an extra step, but taking the time to measure your dog properly is essential. If you’re not confident doing it yourself, ask someone else to help. Double-check your numbers before sending them through - it saves time, money, and disappointment. Knowing your dog’s breed is also useful. On more than one occasion, we’ve caught incorrect measurements because they didn’t match the breed provided, which allowed us to check before production began.

A poorly fitted vest can be uncomfortable for your dog — too tight and it restricts movement, too loose and it slips around, making it less effective. Our goal is always to make sure your dog’s vest sits comfortably and securely, without hindering their mobility.

It’s also worth remembering that vest readability changes with your dog’s size. A Chihuahua in a vest will naturally have less visible space for text compared to a Labrador. Setting realistic expectations here ensures that the vest works for your needs without compromising your dog’s comfort.

How to Measure Your Dog Below, we’ve included a short video showing how to measure your dog for a vest. Please note that there is sound, so adjust your volume as needed.

For those who prefer written instructions (or if sound isn’t accessible for you), we’ve also provided a step-by-step written guide. Where to Measure

We utilise four key measurements to calculate the correct vest size. Please ensure all measurements are taken in centimetres (cm) for accuracy.

1. Neck Measurement - A

   • Measure around the base of your dog’s neck where a collar would naturally sit.

   • The tape should be snug but not tight — you should be able to fit two fingers underneath comfortably.

2. Chest Girth - B

   • Measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs.

   • This is one of the most important measurements, as it ensures the vest won’t restrict movement or slip, and tells us how wide to make your vest.

3. Back Length (Neck to Tail Measurement) - C

   • Measure from the base of your dog’s neck (where it meets the shoulders) down to the top of the tail.

   • This measurement needs to be "as the crow flies" - the tape measure should not follow the contour of the spine, but raise your tape measure a few cm above the dogs body when they are standing.

4. Depth / Drop Measurement - D

   • Where you took your Chest Girth measurement, position the tape behind one of the front legs, and extend the measurement around the front of the dog to the back of the other front leg.

   • This helps us calculate strap sizes.

Tip: Double-check each measurement before sending them to us, and if possible, have someone else help you. Knowing your dog’s breed also helps us catch potential errors.

A heart shaped vest for a Golden Retriever - this was our designers first training vest, designed before joining Wuffable. Next blog post will go into what she learned about visibility and clarity of a vest for best design practices.

A Note on Measurements and Our Policy

If you do send measurements in inches, please let us know when ordering that this is the system you’ve used. We work in centimetres, and knowing your chosen measurement system helps us avoid any confusion.

Our policy is to create vests to the exact measurements provided. In some cases, if we notice an obvious discrepancy (for example, an order for a Labrador with measurements sent that match a Dachshund), we will reach out to confirm before production begins.

However, once your vest goes into production, the size cannot be altered. If a vest has been made according to the specifications provided but turns out not to fit correctly, the buyer will be responsible for:

• Returning the original vest.

• Covering the cost of shipping for a replacement item, once correct measurements are supplied.
  

Taking the time to measure accurately — and double-checking before placing your order — helps avoid unnecessary costs and ensures your dog’s vest fits perfectly from the start. Vest Shapes and Managing Expectations

Vest shapes are also important for managing expectations. Our most commonly used shape is the Traditional vest. This classic design covers only half of the dog’s spine and allows plenty of airflow, leaving much of the dog’s fur uncovered.

We use this style most often for our own working teams because it provides a good balance between visibility and comfort. During the warmer months, however, we often switch to our Butterfly summer vests, which are lighter and even more breathable.

Vest Shapes We Offer

Once you have accurate measurements, the next step is choosing the right vest shape. At Wuffable, we offer six different shapes, each designed with comfort, movement, and visibility in mind.

1. Traditional

   • Covers about ½ of the dog’s spine.

   • Classic shape that lightly hugs the shoulders without restricting movement.

   • Our most popular and requested vest style and is the shape we utilise for our standard printed vests.

2. Heart-Shaped

   • Our largest vest shape, covering about ⅔ of the dog’s spine.

   • Hugs the shoulders while still allowing full movement.

   • Provides maximum visibility and space for text or symbols.

3. S+R

   • Similar in length to the Traditional-shaped vest, covering ½ of the dog’s spine.

   • This vest style does not hug the shoulders.

   • A great option with a timeless look.

4. Butterfly

   • Our smallest vest shape, covering around ⅓ of the spine.

   • Lightly hugs the shoulders but is minimal and lightweight.

   • Ideal for dogs who don’t enjoy wearing vests, and the base style we use for our summer vest range.

5. Cape (Rectangular)

   • Classic rectangular cape design.

   • Usually used with mobility or guiding harnesses, rather than as a standalone vest.

   • Typically covers ¼ to ⅓ of the spine, depending on the dog’s shape.

6. Cape (S+R)

   • Same as the rectangular cape, but with an extended middle for a slightly elongated look.

   • Designed to be used with harnesses.

   • Provides lighter coverage while still offering clear visibility.

Assistance dog in a traditional shaped vest in the process of a grounding task.

Final Thoughts

We hope this short guide helps you feel more confident in selecting the right vest shape, size, and design for your dog’s needs. Getting it right from the start ensures comfort for your dog and clarity for the public.

If you ever have questions about measurements, vest styles, or design choices, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re always happy to assist and make sure your vest is correct before ordering. Coming Up Next In our next blog post, we’ll be looking more closely at vest design — including how to choose colours, balance contrast, and make sure your vest is as accessible and readable as possible.