What you need
- A sheet of paper on a firm floor
- A pen or pencil held vertically
- A ruler with millimeters or inches
- A treat or helper if your dog moves
Five steps
1. Have your dog stand naturally
Do not measure a paw held in the air. A paw spreads when it bears weight.
2. Mark the widest points
Mark the left and right edges of the paw without adding extra space for fur.
3. Mark heel to longest nail
Length matters for brands that do not size primarily by width.
4. Repeat the measurement
Measure twice and use the larger reliable result rather than a rushed first mark.
5. Measure front and rear separately
Do not assume all four paws are identical. Record the larger front measurement and the larger rear measurement.
Accuracy tip: millimeters make brand boundaries easier to compare. Keep the ruler straight and do not round down.
Use your four measurements now →Ruffwear’s official fit guide also specifies measuring the widest part while the paw bears weight and measuring all paws.