Getting the size right is the single most important thing you'll do before ordering. A life jacket that's too tight restricts your dog's chest and won't get worn twice. One that's too loose slides sideways in the water. Two minutes with a tape measure solves both.
How to measure your dog
- Chest circumference (the one that matters). Stand your dog up. Run a soft tape measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. Keep the tape snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath.
- Back length (for reference). Measure from the base of the neck, where a collar sits, to the base of the tail.
- Neck girth (for reference). Measure around the base of the neck where the collar normally sits.
No tape measure? Use a piece of string, mark it, then lay it flat against a ruler.
PupFloat™ size chart
| Size | Chest circumference | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 33–43 cm / 13–17 in | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Maltese, small puppies |
| S | 43–56 cm / 17–22 in | Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Mini Schnauzer, Jack Russell, Boston Terrier |
| M | 56–69 cm / 22–27 in | French Bulldog, Pug, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Mini Poodle |
| L | 69–81 cm / 27–32 in | Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, English Bulldog, Springer Spaniel |
| XL | 81–91 cm / 32–36 in | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Husky, Doberman |
| XXL | 91–107 cm / 36–42 in | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland |
Between two sizes? Go up. The belly straps take up slack on a jacket that's slightly large. Nothing fixes one that's too small.
Breed notes
- Deep-chested breeds (Boxers, Greyhounds, Dobermans) often need a size up from what their weight suggests. Trust the chest measurement.
- Barrel-chested breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Staffies) frequently measure a full size larger than expected. Measure, don't guess.
- Growing puppies — size for the chest today, not the chest you expect in six months. A jacket that's too big now is a safety risk now.
- Thick double coats (Huskies, Samoyeds, Chow Chows) — measure over the coat, not against the skin.
Checking the fit at home
- Fasten all buckles and pull the straps snug.
- You should be able to slide two flat fingers between the strap and your dog's body — no more, no less.
- The chin panel should sit under the throat without pressing on it.
- Walk your dog around the house for ten minutes. If it rotates or rides up, tighten. If your dog's gait changes, loosen.
- First swim goes in shallow water where your dog can stand.
Wrong size?
Contact us within 30 days of delivery and we'll exchange it for the right size or refund you in full. Items must be unused and in original condition. Details on our FAQ page.