How to measure your dog

At Happy Muzzle Co, we want every dog to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their muzzle. That starts with a great fit.

This simple guide will walk you through exactly how to measure your dog for a great fit.

The 3 key measurements

Whether you’re ordering a standard muzzle, a custom muzzle, or using our muzzle size quiz, you’ll need these three core measurements:

Dog's snout being measured with a yellow ruler on a yellow background

1) Snout length

📏 How to measure:

  • Place the start of your tape just in front of your dog’s eyes
  • Measure in a straight line to the tip of their nose
  • Make sure the tape runs flat (no curves)

2) Snout width

📏 How to measure:

  • Find the widest part of your dog’s snout (usually near the base)
  • Measure straight across, side to side
  • Keep the tape flat, no bending around the snout
  • DO NOT include the cheeks

3) Pant height

📏 How to measure:

  • Wait until your dog is panting naturally (or gently encourage with a toy or light play)
  • Measure from the tip of their nose down to the bottom of their jaw, in a straight line

If you’re ordering a standard muzzle or taking the muzzle size quiz these are the only measurements you need.

Our standard muzzles are designed with adjustable straps that allow for a flexible fit on most dogs.

Take our size quizShop standard muzzles

Ordering a custom muzzle? You’ll need a few extra measurements

Along with the three essential measurements, you’ll also need to measure:

4) Head length

📏 How to measure:

  • Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to just under their ear (where the ear starts).
  • This should be a straight line measurement.

5) Neck circumference

📏 How to measure:

  • Measure around your dog’s neck, just behind the ears
  • The collar of the muzzle will sit slightly higher than a regular collar
  • Keep the tape flat and snug against the fur

Top measuring tips

  • Use a soft measuring tape (or string with a ruler)
  • Measure in centimetres (cm)
  • Take each measurement twice to be sure
  • Always measure in straight lines, no curves
  • Keep your dog calm and still

If your dog struggles to stay still…

  • Take one measurement at a time, you don’t need to do them all in one go
  • Spread it out across the day if needed
  • Use high-value treats to reward them for staying still
  • Try smearing peanut butter or their favourite treat on a safe surface for them to lick while you measure
  • Enlist a friend or family member to gently help hold or distract your dog

We’re always here to help

NOT SURE HOW TO MEASURE?

If you have questions, aren’t sure if you’ve measured right, or want us to check your measurements, we’re here.

You can also tell us all about your dog and we’ll be happy to recommend sizing based on our experience.

Reach out anytime and we’ll always do our best to help.

Contact us

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We're here if you need advice and when you're ready, it's easy to get started.

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