Measuring the height of a dog can be an important aspect of
dog ownership, whether you're trying to determine if your dog meets breed
standards, track your dog's growth and development, or select the right size
crate or harness. However, measuring a dog's height can be tricky, especially
if your dog is wiggly or uncooperative. In this article, we will discuss
several methods for measuring the height of a dog, from the most accurate to
the most practical.
Method 1: Use a Measuring Stick
The most accurate method for measuring a dog's height is to
use a measuring stick designed specifically for dogs. These sticks typically
measure up to 60 inches in height and have a level bubble to ensure that the
stick is perpendicular to the ground. To use a measuring stick, follow these
steps:
1. Have someone hold the dog in place. Ask a friend or
family member to hold your dog's collar or leash to prevent them from moving
while you measure their height.
2. Position the measuring stick. Place the measuring stick
next to your dog, with the base of the stick on the ground and the top of the
stick level with the highest point of your dog's shoulder blades.
3. Take the measurement. Read the measurement on the measuring
stick at the point where it meets your dog's shoulder blades. This measurement
is your dog's height.
Method 2: Use a Tape Measure
If you don't have a measuring stick, you can use a tape
measure to measure your dog's height. While this method is less accurate than
using a measuring stick, it can still give you a good estimate of your dog's
height. To measure your dog's height using a tape measure, follow these steps:
1. Have someone hold the dog in place. As with the measuring
stick method, ask a friend or family member to hold your dog's collar or leash
to prevent them from moving while you measure their height.
2. Position the tape measure. Place the tape measure next to
your dog, with the base of the tape measure on the ground and the end of the
tape measure level with the highest point of your dog's shoulder blades.
3. Take the measurement. Read the measurement on the tape
measure at the point where it meets your dog's shoulder blades. This
measurement is your dog's height.
Method 3: Use a Yardstick or Ruler
If you don't have a measuring stick or tape measure, you can
use a yardstick or ruler to measure your dog's height. This method is the least
accurate, but it can still give you a rough estimate of your dog's height. To
measure your dog's height using a yardstick or ruler, follow these steps:
1. Have someone hold the dog in place. Once again, ask a
friend or family member to hold your dog's collar or leash to prevent them from
moving while you measure their height.
2. Position the yardstick or ruler. Place the yardstick or
ruler next to your dog, with the base of the yardstick or ruler on the ground
and the end of the yardstick or ruler level with the highest point of your
dog's shoulder blades.
3. Take the measurement. Read the measurement on the
yardstick or ruler at the point where it meets your dog's shoulder blades. This
measurement is your dog's height.
Tips for Measuring a Dog's Height
No matter which method you use to measure your dog's height,
there are a few tips that can help make the process easier:
1. Use a flat surface. When measuring your dog's height,
make sure they are standing on a flat surface. If they are standing on uneven
ground, it can affect the accuracy of your measurement.
2. Measure from the shoulder blades. To get an accurate
measurement of your dog's height, measure from the highest point of their
shoulder blades. This is the point where the dog's back meets their neck and is
typically the highest point on their body.
3. Measure multiple times. To ensure accuracy, measure your
dog's height multiple times and take the average of the measurements.
4. Use treats or toys. If your dog is wiggly or
uncooperative, try using treats or toys to keep them still while you measure
their height.
5. Keep records. If you're tracking your dog's growth and
development, make sure to keep records of their height measurements. This can
help you identify any growth spurts or abnormalities in your dog's growth.
6. Consider breed standards. If you're measuring your dog's
height to determine if they meet breed standards, make sure to consult the
breed standard for your dog's breed. Breed standards typically specify a range
of heights that are considered acceptable for the breed.
In conclusion, measuring the height of a dog can be an
important aspect of dog ownership. While using a measuring stick is the most
accurate method, using a tape measure or yardstick can also give you a good
estimate of your dog's height. By following these tips and methods, you can measure
your dog's height with ease and accuracy, whether you're tracking their growth,
selecting the right size crate or harness, or ensuring that they meet breed
standards.
