The coat size is the back measurement of the coat. These are genuine Foggy Mountain Dog Coats with the even number size tag inside the neck opening. I have added 1/2" to my sizes on the ordering pages to reflect the coat's actual back measurement. Ex: Size 12 measures 12.5"-same for all the sizes.
I would like to help you by giving you some tips to help you find the right size. Most coats that need exchanged are exchanged for a smaller size.
Your dog MUST be standing straight. Sitting, laying down or holding the dog will result in an incorrect back measurement/size.
The hardest part is finding the "base of neck" and keeping his fanny up while you measure. If his fanny drops down while you are measuring this will extend the length and the coat will be too big.
Finding the base of neck-The base of the neck is where the shoulder blades start. You want to have your dog standing straight and run your fingers down the back of his neck untill you feel where the shoulder blades start-this is the base of the neck.
With your dog still standing straight with his head up you want to measure from his base of neck (cover the shoulder blades but not further up the neck) to the base of his tail without letting his fanny drop down while you measure. Sometimes it will take a third hand to "prop" under the belly to be sure that fanny doesn't drop down.
Check Breed Chart below-if your dog is not in the "average" sizes for his breed you may want to ask yourself if he is smaller or larger than the typical dog of his breed. Dogs like people come in all sizes and shapes. The breed chart is taken from the standard for their breeds.
Short legged dogs-if your dog has short legs (height challenged!) and has a rectangular body type instead of a square body type you may want to look at the Dachshund cut coats. They are designed with shorter sides (from the floor up) and smaller necks.
If you find your dog's size is much larger or smaller than the recommended sizes below you may want to double-check his back measurement.