Don’t Know How to Measure a Dog’s Height? Learn a simple, step-by-step guide on what tools you need and how to measure your dog correctly.
Dog Height Is Measured at the Withers
The withers are the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades, located at the top of the first five thoracic vertebrae. It’s the spot where the strongest muscles of the front part of the body attach, and it stands out as a slight ridge above the back. This point is the official reference used to measure a dog’s height.
How to Measure Your Dog at the Withers
Professional dog handlers usually use a measuring wicket. This tool is placed on the floor and positioned over the dog’s withers, then the sliding arm is lowered until it touches the withers.
No Measuring Wicket? No Problem!
You can still measure your dog’s height quite accurately in 4 simple steps. You’ll just need a measuring tape, a spirit level, and a pencil.
Step 1: Position Your Dog
Have your dog stand straight next to a wall, looking forward. All four paws should be flat on the ground and positioned naturally.
Step 2: Locate the Withers
Feel along your dog’s back and find the withers — this is the point where the neck ends, and the back begins, right between the shoulder blades.
Step 3: Mark the Spot
Place the spirit level across the dog’s withers so that it touches the wall (or use a straight piece of wood, making sure it’s level). Mark the spot on the wall where the bottom edge of the spirit level touches.
Step 4: Measure!
Use your measuring tape to measure from the floor up to the mark on the wall — that’s your dog’s official height at the withers.
