Size Guide for Small & Petite Dogs

Every AesPaw piece is designed for petite dogs, but our styles are cut differently, so every product page has its own size chart. Use this guide to measure your dog accurately, understand our charts, and choose the size that lets your little one move, breathe and play comfortably.

Quick rule: measure your dog, compare with the chart on the product page you're buying from, and if your dog is fluffy or between sizes, size up. Not sure? Email support@aespaw.com before you order and we'll help.

What you'll need

  • A soft fabric measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler)
  • A few treats and a calm moment, ideally with your dog standing on a table or your lap
  • A second pair of hands if your dog is wriggly

How to measure a small dog (2–10 lb)

Tiny dogs are easy to over- or under-measure by an inch, which can mean a whole size. Measure while your dog is standing up straight, not sitting or curled up, and keep the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers under the tape.

1. Neck

Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit. For collars, scarves and bibs, this is the most important measurement.

2. Chest (bust)

Measure around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. For sweaters, dresses and capes, chest is usually the deciding measurement. If chest and back length point to different sizes, go with the chest.

3. Back length

Measure along the spine from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) to where you want the garment to end, typically just before the base of the tail. Longer-bodied dogs may find a piece sits shorter than on a compact dog of the same chest size.

Tips for accurate measurements

  • Measure twice and use the larger number.
  • Write measurements down in inches. Our charts are in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
  • For puppies, re-measure before each purchase because they grow quickly.

Between sizes or very fluffy? Size up

If your dog falls between two sizes, choose the larger one. The same goes for dogs with a thick or fluffy coat (for example, a full-coated Pomeranian), because fur adds bulk that a tape pressed against the body won't capture. A slightly roomy fit is safer and more comfortable than a tight one.

Our size charts

AesPaw styles do not share one universal chart. Sizes can differ between collections, and even between two sweaters. Always check the size chart on the product page you're buying from. The charts below are the ones used most often in our store and show how our sizing typically runs. All measurements are in inches.

Knit & fleece sweaters (most common sweater chart)

Used on, for example, the Retro Apple Core Fleece Sweater, Yellow Apple Core Fleece Sweater, Scarlet Bow Red Sweater and Black & Pink Sweater with Pink Bow.

Size Neck (in) Chest (in) Back length (in)
XS 5.9–6.7 9.1–10.2 9.1
S 7.1–8.3 10.6–13.8 10.6
M 8.7–9.8 14.2–16.5 12.6
L 10.2–11.4 16.9–18.9 14.6
XL 11.8–13.0 19.3–21.3 16.5

Holiday knits such as the Christmas Fair Isle, Snowflake and Classic Navy Blue sweaters use the same neck and chest ranges and add an XXL (neck 13.4–15.0, chest 21.3–23.6). Their back lengths are different, though: L 13.4, XL 14.6, XXL 15.7. Check the product page.

Summer dresses (most common dress chart)

Used on, for example, the Floral Summer Bow Dress and Pink Pearl Shimmer Pet Dress.

Size Neck (in) Chest (in) Back length (in)
XS 5.9–7.1 8.7–10.6 7.9
S 7.5–8.3 11.0–13.4 9.4
M 8.7–10.2 13.8–15.7 10.6
L 10.6–12.2 16.1–18.1 11.8
XL 12.6–13.8 18.5–20.9 13.0
XXL 14.2–15.0 21.3–23.6 13.8

Capes

Used on, for example, the Red & White Plaid Pet Cape and Preppy Blue & White Plaid Dog Cape.

Size Neck (in) Chest (in) Back length (in)
XS 9.1 10.2–11.8 7.9
S 9.8 12.2–14.2 9.8
M 12.6 14.6–16.1 11.8
L 13.8 16.5–18.5 12.6
XL 15.0 18.9–20.5 13.8
XXL 15.7 20.9–22.8 15.7

Pet scarves & scarf collars

Used on, for example, The Paris Atelier Pet Scarf Collection, Sweet Ribbon Pet Scarf Collection and The Royal Highland Collection. Weight is a rough guide only. Neck measurement matters most.

Size Neck (in) Approx. weight (lb)
XS 5.9–7.1 1–3
S 7.5–8.7 2–6
M 9.1–10.2 4–11
L 10.6–11.4 10–13
XL 11.8–13.0 11–15
XXL 13.8–14.6 18–22

Birthday bibs & headwear

Used on, for example, the Pink Birthday Organza Bib. Bibs: S neck 7.9–9.8 in, M 9.8–11.8 in, L 11.8–13.8 in. One-size headwear fits a face girth (around the face, in front of the ears) under 15.7 in.

Handmade crochet collars in our Heritage Crochet Series are listed by their length in inches on each product page. Measure your dog's neck and leave comfortable room for movement.

Breed examples (rough guidance only)

We design with toy and small breeds in mind, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles. Breed and weight are not reliable ways to pick a size. Two dogs of the same breed and weight can measure very differently. Some general patterns to watch for:

  • Deep-chested or slim-waisted dogs (e.g. Italian Greyhounds): choose by chest. The neck may feel roomy.
  • Long-bodied dogs (e.g. Miniature Dachshunds): check back length carefully. A piece that fits the chest may sit short.
  • Heavily coated dogs (e.g. Pomeranians, some Shih Tzus and Maltese in full coat): size up for fur.
  • Stocky, broad-chested dogs (e.g. French Bulldogs): often need a larger size for chest than their back length suggests.

These are general observations, not size recommendations. Always measure your own dog.

Fit & safety

  • Movement: your dog should be able to walk, sit, lie down and go to the toilet without the garment pulling, twisting or rubbing under the front legs.
  • Breathing: you should fit two fingers under the neck and chest. Never choose a size that feels tight around the throat.
  • Overheating: knits and fleece are for cool weather. Watch for panting, restlessness or seeking cool floors, and remove warm layers indoors and in warm weather. Tiny dogs can overheat quickly.
  • Supervision: don't leave your dog unattended in clothing or accessories, and never leave clothes on in a crate. Remove decorative pieces such as bows, pearls, pom-poms or headwear if your dog chews them.
  • Getting used to it: start with short sessions and plenty of praise. If your dog seems stressed, take the garment off.
  • Check fit regularly, especially for puppies and after grooming, when coat length changes.

Care

Unless the product page says otherwise: hand wash gently in cool water or spot clean, air dry flat, and avoid bleach and high heat. Handmade crochet and knit pieces may vary slightly in texture, which is a natural part of the craft. Reshape gently while damp.

Sizing FAQ

My dog is between two sizes. Which should I choose?

Choose the larger size. This is especially important for fluffy dogs, because fur adds bulk that a tape measure can miss.

Do all AesPaw products use the same size chart?

No. Charts vary between styles and collections, so please check the size chart on the product page you're ordering from.

Which measurement matters most?

For sweaters, dresses and capes, chest is usually the deciding measurement, followed by back length. For collars, scarves and bibs, neck is what counts.

Can I choose a size by my dog's weight or breed?

We don't recommend it. Dogs of the same weight or breed can have very different body shapes. A soft tape and two minutes of measuring is the most reliable way to choose.

What if the size I ordered doesn't fit?

Unused, unworn items with tags attached can be returned within 30 days of delivery, and you can request a different size if stock is available. For sizing returns and exchanges, the customer pays return shipping. We cover it if we sent the wrong size or the item is defective. Custom and made-to-order items are final sale. See our Refund Policy for full details.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Orders are fulfilled from our partner facilities in China and processed in 1–2 business days. Estimated delivery to the US, Canada, UK, EU and Australia is 7–14 business days after shipping, and standard shipping is free on orders of $69 USD or more. See our Shipping Policy.

Can you help me choose a size?

Yes. Email support@aespaw.com with your dog's neck, chest and back length (and breed if you like), plus the product you're considering, and we'll recommend a size before you order.

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