taking the measurements
When taking measurements, please use a flexible dressmakers tape and make sure that the measurements you give me are exact - I will make the necessary allowances needed for a good look and a comfortable fit.
If possible, get someone to help you take the measurements so that you can ensure that your hound is standing in a natural position. If the head is positioned too far down, the back length will be elongated, and if the head is too far up or twisted to one side, the back length could be too short. The head needs to be in a position like the diagram above.
Please take your measurements two or three times to be sure that you are coming up with the same results.
what to measure first and tips to get the correct measurements
CHEST: As most of my coats have a fitted chest panel, the first measurement you should take is the one around the deepest part of the chest. tip - make sure that you do not measure tight behind the front legs as this is not the deepest part. You need to measure about 2 inches back and allow for your hound to breathe out before committing to a final result.
BACK: Once you have measured the deepest part of the chest, lay the tape down the back of your hound. On a greyhound, the measurement should start approx 2 inches up the neck. On a medium sized whippet, this measurement should start 1.5 inches up the neck. Allow the tape to follow the curve of the spine and take the end measurement right over the hump where the tail joins the body (see diagram above). tip - this measurement is the hardest one to get right, so take your time and remember the points above about the head position. On a well proprtioned greyhound, the back length will come out the same as, or within an inch of, the deepest part of the chest. On a whippet, the back length will come out either the same as or shorter than the chest measurement, but rarely longer (whippets often have a deeper chest than greyhounds in proprtion).
WAIST: The waist measurement should be taken with a fairly slack tape measure to ensure that the fitted chest panel is not too tight at that end. The only coat I make with a tummy strap is the lightweight waterproof and this strap is adjustable.
if you need to measure for the position of a harness hole
To give me the measurements I need to put in a harness hole, please measure from the start of your back length measurement (approx 2 inches up the neck on a greyhound and 1.5 inches up the neck on a whippet) down to where the CENTRE of the harness hole should be. Then, please tell me whether you need the harness hole to go ACROSS the coat or run DOWN THE LENGTH of the coat. Lastly, I will need to know how big this opening is to be.
Please remember that my products are made to measure and to your specific colour choices. I am unable to accept returns unless there is a fault that lies with AK Creations. |
