Finding the perfect coat or fleece for your dog isn't always as simple as choosing Small, Medium or Large — especially when you're dressing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or another compact, muscular breed.
Staffords are famous for their broad chests, strong shoulders and relatively short backs. That gorgeous stocky build can make standard dog clothing sizes a little hit-and-miss.
At Spoilt Pup NZ, we always recommend measuring your dog before ordering rather than relying on breed, weight or their usual size.
Here's how to get it right.
What You'll Need
Grab a soft measuring tape and have your dog standing naturally on all four feet.
If you don't have a soft tape measure, use a piece of string and then measure the string against a ruler or standard tape measure.
For the most accurate result, don't measure while your dog is sitting, lying down or curled up — tempting as that may be!
1. Measure the Back Length
Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Start around where your dog's collar naturally sits and run the tape along the back to where the tail begins.
Don't measure all the way up the neck or down the tail.
This measurement helps determine whether the coat will provide enough coverage without hanging too far over the rear.
2. Measure the Chest
This is an especially important measurement for Staffords and other muscular breeds.
Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your dog's chest, usually just behind the front legs.
The tape should sit comfortably against the body without being pulled tight.
You should be looking for a snug measurement — not squeezing that Stafford barrel chest into submission!
Why chest measurement matters for Staffords
Two dogs can have the same back length and be completely different through the chest.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically have a broad, deep chest and powerful shoulders, which means a coat that technically fits their back length may still be too restrictive around the front of the body.
That's why we don't recommend choosing a coat based on back length alone.
3. Measure the Neck
Measure around the area where your dog's collar would normally sit.
Again, keep the measuring tape comfortably fitted rather than pulling it tight.
The neck opening needs enough room for comfortable movement without being so loose that the coat slips backwards.
Which Measurement Is Most Important?
All three matter.
When comparing your measurements with a product size chart, check:
- Back length
- Chest circumference
- Neck circumference
If your dog falls into different sizes across the measurements, don't automatically choose based on weight or breed.
Pay particular attention to the chest measurement with Staffords, Bull breeds and other stocky dogs.
And if you're stuck between two sizes, message us before ordering — we're happy to help.
Don't Assume Every Brand Fits the Same
This is a big one.
A Medium in one brand may be completely different from a Medium in another.
Different manufacturers use different patterns, measurements and fits, so always check the individual sizing information on the product you're purchasing.
Even if your dog already owns a Medium fleece, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll need a Medium in another coat.
Measure the dog, then check the size chart.
Measuring a Growing Puppy
Buying for a puppy can be a little trickier because they're changing so quickly.
If you're measuring a Stafford puppy, take their measurements as close to ordering as possible.
If you're hoping for some growing room, don't simply jump several sizes larger. An oversized coat can move around, interfere with walking and generally be uncomfortable.
If you're unsure, send us your pup's measurements and we can help you work through the available sizing.
What About Other Breeds?
While Staffords are very much part of life here at Spoilt Pup NZ, these measuring principles apply to dogs of all breeds.
They're particularly helpful for dogs with proportions that don't always match standard sizing, including dogs that are:
- Broad or deep through the chest
- Short-backed
- Heavily muscled
- Between conventional sizes
- Growing puppies
The tape measure is always more reliable than the size printed on the label.
Quick Measuring Checklist
Before ordering your dog's new coat or fleece, make sure you have:
Back: Base of neck → base of tail
Chest: Around the widest part behind the front legs
Neck: Around the natural collar position
Write the measurements down — you'll be surprised how handy they are when shopping for other dog gear too.
Need Help Choosing a Size?
We know sizing can be confusing, particularly with our chunky little Staffords!
If you're looking at a coat or fleece from Spoilt Pup NZ and aren't sure which size to order, send us a message with your dog's measurements.
We'll happily help you work through the sizing before you order.
Because the goal isn't just finding a coat that looks great.
It's finding one your pup can actually run, play, snooze and strut around in comfortably. 🐾