A Simple Step-by-Step Measuring Guide from Glenndarcy

Finding the right dog nappy or belly band starts with taking the correct measurements.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from narrow-waisted Whippets and Greyhounds to fluffy Pomeranians and rounded, short-bodied breeds. Even dogs of the same breed and weight can have very different measurements.

At Glenndarcy, we’ve been designing reusable dog nappies, season pants and belly bands since 2011. Over the years, we’ve learned that body shape is just as important as size when choosing a comfortable, secure fit.

Follow our simple guide below before comparing your dog’s measurements with the individual product size chart.

Before You Start Measuring

You’ll need a soft, flexible measuring tape and ideally someone to help keep your dog standing comfortably.

For the most accurate measurements:

• Measure your dog while standing naturally on a level surface.
• Take a measurement of your dog's girth sitting
• Keep the tape snug against the body without pulling it tight.
• Check the measurements again while your dog is sitting, particularly if their body shape changes considerably.
• Allow for thick or fluffy coats, which can affect how a garment fits.
• Consider the thickness of the absorbent pad you intend to use.
• Record measurements in centimetres or inches, then compare them with the individual product chart.

Important: Different Glenndarcy products require different measurements. You may not need every measurement shown in this guide.

Step 1: Measuring Waist Girth (A)

For female dog nappies, season pants and styles that use a waistband.

Waist girth is the circumference around your dog’s body where the waistband of the pants will sit.

How to measure:

1. Stand your dog naturally on all four legs.
2. Locate the narrowest part of the waist, just in front of the hind legs.
3. Wrap your flexible measuring tape all the way around this area.
4. Keep the tape comfortably snug without squeezing the body.
5. Take a measurement of your dog's girth sitting down - does it increase or is it similar?
6. Record the measurement and compare it with the waist range in the relevant Glenndarcy size chart.

For most traditional female dog season pants, the waistband sits towards the rear of the body, rather than around the middle of the chest or rib cage.

Our tip: Dogs with thick coats may need particular care when measuring. The tape should follow the dog’s body shape rather than sit loosely on top of the fur.

Step 2: Measuring Overall Pants Length (B)

For female dog nappies and season pants where an overall pants length measurement is provided.

This is one of the most important measurements, and it’s often misunderstood.

Overall pants length is NOT the length of your dog’s back from neck to tail.

It is the total measurement from the waistband position on the dog’s back, around the rear, between the hind legs and forwards underneath the tummy to where the waistband will sit at the front.

How to measure:

1. Find the position on top of your dog’s back, immediately in front of the tail, where the rear waistband of the pants would sit.
2. Place the end of your measuring tape at this point.
3. Follow the natural curve down around your dog’s rear.
4. Continue between the hind legs.
5. Bring the measuring tape forwards along the underside of the tummy.
6. Stop where the front waistband of the pants would sit underneath the abdomen.
7. Record this complete measurement and compare it with the overall length shown in the product size chart.

The measuring tape should follow the natural shape of your dog’s body without being pulled tight.

This measurement helps determine whether the pants will have sufficient length to fit comfortably between the hind legs without being too loose or too tight.

Our tip: Too much length can result in baggy pants, while too little can cause pulling or discomfort.

As we like to say at Glenndarcy, nobody wants baggy knickers or tight pants!

Step 3: Measuring for Male Dog Belly Bands

For Glenndarcy male belly bands, including traditional, popper-fastening and Diamond designs.

Male dog belly bands are measured differently from traditional female season pants.

A male belly band is designed to wrap around the dog’s body and hold an absorbent pad over the penis to help manage urinary leakage or marking.

How to measure:

1. Stand your male dog naturally.
2. Locate the penis on the underside of the body.
3. Identify where the belly band needs to sit to cover this area, in front of the hind legs.
4. Wrap the measuring tape completely around the body at this position.
5. Ensure the tape is comfortably snug without squeezing.
6. Record the circumference and compare it with the relevant belly band size chart.

Important: Do not automatically use the narrowest waist measurement intended for female season pants.

The belly band must be positioned over the penis to provide the correct coverage, so its measuring position may be further forward along the body.

Check the individual product description for the width and shape of the belly band, particularly when choosing between our traditional and Diamond designs.

 

Step 4: Measuring for Glenndarcy Flexi-Pants

Our Glenndarcy Flexi-Pants were developed to offer greater flexibility for dogs that are difficult to fit with traditional pants.

They feature adjustment in three key areas:

• Waistband: Helps achieve a comfortable fit around the waist.
• Tail hole: Allows adjustment around the tail opening.
• Elasticated body sides: Provide additional adjustment to suit different body shapes.

Flexi-Pants can be particularly helpful for dogs with narrow waists, deep chests, sloping backs, rounded bodies or thick coats.

How to Choose Your Flexi-Pants Size

Start by measuring your dog’s waist circumference as described in Step 1.

Then consult the specific Flexi-Pants size chart and any additional measurements provided.

The adjustable design offers more flexibility than traditional fixed-shape season pants, but it is still important to choose an appropriate starting size.

Remember to consider the type and thickness of absorbent pad you intend to use.

Our tip: If your dog is difficult to measure or falls between conventional sizes, Flexi-Pants may provide a useful alternative.

Step 5: Dogs with Unusual Body Shapes

Not all dogs fit neatly into standard sizing charts.

Here are some common fitting challenges we’ve encountered over the years.

Narrow Waists, Deep Chests and Sloping Backs

Whippets, Greyhounds and other sighthound-type dogs often have deep chests, very narrow waists and sloping backs.

Their short, smooth coats can also offer less friction to help keep ordinary pants in place.

Glenndarcy Flexi-Pants are often a useful option because their additional adjustment can help accommodate these body shapes.

Rounded or Barrel-Shaped Bodies

Some dogs have very little difference between their waist and chest measurements.

Traditional dog pants may gradually slip backwards, particularly when the dog walks, sits or lies down.

An adjustable design or our All-in-One Unisex Dog Nappy Suit may be worth considering.

Thick or Fluffy Coats

Pomeranians, Spitz breeds and other heavily coated dogs can be tricky to measure accurately.

The coat may make the dog appear considerably larger than its actual body size, and the fur may compress when the dog moves or lies down.

Take measurements carefully, allowing for the coat without leaving the tape excessively loose.

Short-Tailed and Tailless Dogs

French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and other dogs with very short or absent tails may benefit from our No Tail Hole Dog Nappies.

These are designed to provide rear coverage without a conventional tail opening.

Always consult the individual size chart, as different designs may require different measurements.

 

Extra Fitting Tips: Sitting Measurements & Long Coats

Check Your Dog’s Waist While Sitting

We recommend measuring your dog while standing naturally, but also checking the waist measurement while sitting.

Some dogs, particularly those with rounded or barrel-shaped bodies, can expand considerably around the tummy when they sit.

If the circumference increases significantly, you may need a larger waistband or a more adjustable design to ensure the pants remain comfortable in both positions.

Always compare both measurements with the product size chart. The waistband should fit comfortably without digging in, restricting movement or becoming too loose when your dog stands.

Long-Haired Dogs: Velcro or Poppers?

For dogs with long, thick or fluffy coats, popper fastenings can sometimes be easier to manage than Velcro.

Velcro can catch in long hair during fastening and removal, whereas poppers avoid this problem and may be easier to secure without trapping the coat.

Both fastening styles have their advantages:

• Poppers: Useful for long-haired dogs, with secure fastening and defined adjustment positions.
• Velcro: Offers more flexible adjustment, which can be particularly helpful for dogs with unusual body shapes.

The best option depends on your dog’s coat, measurements and the adjustment required.

Step 6: What if My Dog Is Between Sizes?

If your dog falls between sizes, don’t automatically choose the smaller or larger option based on one measurement.

Instead:

1. Compare all the measurements required for the product.
2. Consider your dog’s body shape and coat thickness.
3. Allow for the absorbent pad you intend to use.
4. Check how much adjustment the garment offers.
5. Consider the next size if your dog is at the upper end of a size range, provided the remaining measurements are suitable.
6. Poppers products can be handy in this situation as the product length will be same with a longer girth scope. 

A comfortable fit should allow your dog to stand, sit, walk and lie down naturally.

The garment should remain in position without digging into the skin or restricting movement.

Step 7: Choosing the Right Glenndarcy Product

Once you’ve taken your dog’s measurements, the next step is to choose the product style most suitable for their needs.

Female Dog Season Pants: Traditional reusable pants designed for female dogs in season or experiencing suitable levels of urinary leakage.

Adjustable Flexi-Pants: A versatile option for dogs with unusual body shapes or those needing additional adjustment.

Male Dog Belly Bands: Wraparound protection for male dogs experiencing marking or urinary leakage.

Diamond Male Belly Bands: An alternative shaped design offering different absorbent pad placement options.

No Tail Hole Dog Nappies: Designed for suitable short-tailed or tailless dogs.

All-in-One Unisex Dog Nappy Suit: An alternative for male or female dogs that need additional help keeping their nappy correctly positioned.

Each product has its own sizing information, so always compare your measurements with the relevant product chart before ordering.

Still Unsure Which Size or Style to Choose?

We understand that measuring dogs isn’t always straightforward, particularly when you’re buying your first dog nappy or your dog has an unusual body shape.

At Glenndarcy, our products have been developed with real dogs and their individual needs in mind.

For more help, explore our:

• Individual Glenndarcy Product Size Charts
• Female Dog Season Pants Buying Guide
• Dog Urinary Incontinence Buying Guide
• Why Does My Dog’s Nappy Keep Slipping Off? Guide
• Male Dog Belly Band Buying Guide

Designed in Scotland since 2011, Glenndarcy specialises in practical, reusable dog nappies, adjustable pants and belly bands for different body shapes and everyday needs.