Ever had a dog coat that should have fit perfectly—only to find it rides up under the dog's front legs or hangs way past the tail? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked details in dog wear design: chest shape.
I’ll walk you through the three most common chest types (Barrel, Deep, and Round), share personal stories from real-life fitting fails (and fixes!), and explain why chest width, front height, and neck-to-withers measurements are just as important as chest circumference.
Whether you're sewing for your own dog or designing patterns to sell, this episode will help you understand how to get a better fit—and avoid common mistakes.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why chest circumference isn’t enough to ensure a proper fit
How posture and chest shape affect coat length
The 3 main dog chest types and how to spot them
The measurements you really need to take
How to adjust your patterns for a better fit
A visual tip using rectangles, ovals, and circles to identify chest shapes
🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:
📖 Blog Post – Pawsome Fit Guide: Dog Chest Shapes
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/dog-chest-shape
📝 Download the Free Measuring Workbook
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook
🎥 Watch the Step-by-Step Measuring Video (featuring Scout!)
https://scouterwearclub.newzenler.com/courses/11-steps-to-measure-your-dog
Let’s Connect:
Have questions or your own story to share about dog coat fit? I’d love to hear it!
Add a comment below, DM me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit, or send a message through my website.
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Talk soon,
Jill
