Wheelchair Measurement Guide

5 Measurements in 5 Minutes

You need five measurements for a properly fitting dog wheelchair. You'll need a soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing — not a rigid ruler), your dog standing on a flat surface, and about 5 minutes. The five measurements are: height to shoulder, height to hip, body length, hip width, and weight. If your dog can't stand, see the lying-down measurement section below.

Critical tip: Body length (shoulder blade to base of tail) is the measurement that matters most. Get this one right above all else.

HowTo: Measure Your Dog in 5 Steps

What You'll Need

  • A soft, flexible measuring tape (tailor's tape) — not a metal tape measure
  • A helper — one person to hold the dog steady, one to measure
  • A flat, non-slippery floor
  • Your dog's current weight (from a recent vet visit or home scale)
  • Pen and paper to write down measurements immediately

Step 1: Height to Shoulder (A)

What you're measuring: The distance from the ground to the top of the shoulder blade (the withers — the highest point of the shoulder, where the neck meets the back).

How: Have your dog stand squarely on all four legs. Place the end of the tape at the ground next to the front paw. Run the tape straight up to the highest point of the shoulder blade. Read the measurement at the shoulder level — not above it. Write it down.

Why it matters: This measurement helps determine the overall frame height and wheel size. It also serves as a reference point for setting the front harness position.

Step 2: Height to Hip (B)

What you're measuring: The distance from the ground to the top of the hip bone (the bony point on the side of your dog's rump — the greater trochanter).

How: With the dog still standing squarely, measure from the ground straight up to the highest point of the hip bone. This is usually slightly lower than or equal to the shoulder height. If your dog's hind end dips or sags, measure to where the hip WOULD be if they were standing level — this is important for setting the support height correctly.

Why it matters: This measurement determines where the rear support harness sits. If set too high, the dog's back end will hang uncomfortably. If set too low, the cart won't provide enough support.

Step 3: Body Length (C) ⭐ Most Important

What you're measuring: The distance from the shoulder blade (withers) to the base of the tail, following the spine.

How: Place one end of the tape at the shoulder blade (same point as Step 1). Run the tape along the spine to the base of the tail — where the tail meets the body. Keep the tape following the curve of the spine (not a straight line through the air). Read the measurement exactly. For dogs with thick coats, measure against the body, not over the fluff.

Why it matters: This is the single most important measurement. The frame length must match your dog's body length. Too short = the rear harness pulls the dog's back end forward uncomfortably. Too long = the frame extends past the tail, the dog can't eliminate properly, and the cart won't balance. If you're between sizes on this measurement, go slightly longer — wheelchairs adjust shorter more easily than longer.

Add 2-3 cm if your dog has a very thick coat (Husky, Samoyed, Chow) or carries extra weight that will compress under the harness.

Step 4: Width at Hips (D)

What you're measuring: The distance between the outer edges of the hips — the widest part of your dog's back end.

How: Measure horizontally across the widest point of the hips/bum. This is typically at the level of the hip bones you measured in Step 2. The measurement should go from outer edge to outer edge — not just across the spine. If your dog has a lot of muscle or padding, include that.

Why it matters: The frame rails sit on either side of your dog. They need to be wider than your dog's hips so the dog fits between them without rubbing. Add 2-4 cm to this measurement for clearance — the cart should not pinch the hips.

Step 5: Weight + Chest Girth (E & F)

Weight: Use your dog's most recent accurate weight. A bathroom scale works — weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your dog, and subtract. Your vet's scale is the most accurate source.

Chest girth: Measure around the chest just behind the front legs — the widest part of the rib cage. This determines the front harness size. Measure snugly but not tightly; you should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and your dog.

Why weight matters: The frame and wheels are rated for specific weight ranges. An undersized frame for your dog's weight class will be unstable and could break.

How to Measure a Dog That Can't Stand

If your dog cannot stand — even with support — follow these modified instructions. Measurements taken lying down are estimates, so expect to fine-tune the wheelchair settings once it arrives.

Step 1: Side-Lying Body Length

Position your dog on their side on a flat surface. Gently extend the legs so the spine is as straight as possible. Measure from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail along the spine — same points as the standing measurement but taken on the side. This is your best-available body length.

Step 2: Estimate Standing Height

Measure from the spine (the center of the back) down to the floor while the dog is lying on their side. Double this number to approximate standing height at the shoulder and hip. This is an estimate — standing height varies by breed and body shape, so add 2-4 cm to be safe.

Step 3: Hip Width

This can be measured while the dog is lying down. Measure across the widest part of the hips as described in the standing instructions.

Step 4: Weight & Chest

Weight is unaffected by standing ability. Chest girth can be measured while the dog is lying down — wrap the tape around the chest at the widest point behind the front legs.

Note: If you measured your dog lying down, please mention this when ordering or contacting us. We can help double-check the fit before shipping.

Approximate Size Reference by Breed

This table gives rough starting points. Your individual dog's measurements always take priority over breed averages. Dogs within the same breed can vary significantly — always measure.

Size Category: Typical Breeds — Approx. Weight

XS / Toy: Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Maltese — 2-5 kg (4-11 lbs)

Small: Shih Tzu, Mini Poodle, Cavalier King Charles, Boston Terrier, Dachshund — 5-10 kg (11-22 lbs)

Small-Medium: French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Corgi, Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs)

Medium: Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Springer Spaniel, Bulldog, Standard Schnauzer — 15-25 kg (33-55 lbs)

Medium-Large: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Husky, Doberman — 25-35 kg (55-77 lbs)

Large: German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane (young), Mastiff (young) — 35-50 kg (77-110 lbs)

XL: Great Dane, Saint Bernard, English Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound — 50+ kg (110+ lbs)

Remember: These are breed averages only. A Corgi and a Beagle weigh similar amounts but have VERY different body shapes — a Corgi is long and low, a Beagle is more compact. Always measure your individual dog.

Common Measuring Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake: Result — How to Avoid

Measuring body length as a straight line through the air instead of following the spine curve: Measurement is too short → frame is too short → dog sits awkwardly in the cart — Keep the tape in contact with the dog's body along the entire spine

Measuring over thick coat instead of against the body: Measurements are too large → loose fit → harness slips and frame wobbles — Part the fur and measure against the skin or use firm tension to compress the coat

Guessing weight (especially if the dog has lost or gained recently): Wrong weight → frame rated for the wrong load → unstable or may break — Use a scale. A vet visit weigh-in is free if you don't have a home scale that works

Measuring hip width only across the spine (not outer-to-outer): Width too narrow → dog doesn't fit between frame rails → frame rubs hips — Measure across the widest point including muscle and flesh on both sides

Not adding clearance to hip width: Frame fits exactly to hip width → no clearance → rubbing and pinching during movement — Add at least 2 cm (more for fluffy or muscular dogs) to the hip width for the frame width

Measuring alone without a helper: Dog shifts position mid-measurement → inaccurate numbers → poor fit — Get a second person to hold the dog steady and keep them standing square

Pre-Order Checklist

Before you order, confirm:

  • All 5 measurements taken (height to shoulder, height to hip, body length, hip width, weight)
  • Each measurement taken twice — numbers match within 1 cm
  • Body length is measured along the spine curve, not a straight line
  • Hip width includes clearance (2+ cm added)
  • Weight is current (within the past 2 weeks)
  • Measurements are written down in centimeters (preferred precision)
  • You've noted any special factors: thick coat, recent weight change, one-sided weakness, or if the dog was measured lying down

Sizing FAQ

What if my dog is between two sizes?

Choose the larger size. Adjustable wheelchairs can be made smaller, but a frame that's too small cannot be stretched. Prioritize getting the body length right above all other measurements. If the length fits but the height or width is slightly off, those are easier to adjust.

How do I measure a very fluffy dog?

Part the fur and measure against the body, or use firm tension on the tape to compress the coat. For the body length measurement, press the tape through the coat until it touches the skin or the dog's natural body contour. Add 2-3 cm to the body length for very thick coats, as the fluff will still add some bulk under the harness.

Should I measure in centimeters or inches?

Centimeters are preferred — they give more precision. 1 cm is smaller than half an inch, so centimeter measurements are more accurate. Most wheelchair manufacturers use centimeter-based sizing. If your tape measure only has inches, multiply by 2.54 to convert (e.g., 22 inches × 2.54 = 55.9 cm, round to 56 cm).

My dog has lost a lot of weight since their injury — should I measure at the current weight?

Yes — measure at the current weight and size. But also note the pre-injury weight so we can advise on an adjustable frame that will accommodate weight gain as your dog rebuilds muscle. An adjustable frame can be expanded as your dog fills back out. Also check the weight capacity rating — an XL dog that drops to Medium weight still needs an XL frame if they're expected to regain the weight.

What if my dog won't stay still?

Try measuring during calm moments — after a meal, during a relaxed standing moment, or while another person distracts with treats. If all else fails, measure while the dog is lying on their side (see the lying-down measurement section). Take each measurement quickly and repeat it twice to confirm. A second measurement session a few hours later can verify your numbers.

Ready to Order?

You've got your measurements. Next: