Sizing & Fit

Designed for the dog. Never the other way around.

A Different Approach to Sizing

At Paws & Pearls, every creation is one of a kind, designed with careful consideration for the proportions, movement and comfort of a very small dog.

We do not rely on a conventional sizing system in which a dog is expected to fit a standardised garment.

Instead, each creation has its own proportions and construction. Before a purchase, we consider the individual dog who may wear it, taking into account their measurements, weight and physical characteristics.

As a general guideline, most Paws & Pearls creations are designed to fit dogs weighing approximately 1.2–2.8 kg.This is not a fixed sizing range or a guarantee of fit. Suitability depends on the individual creation and the dog's measurements, proportions and build.

A beautiful garment should complement its wearer, not ask the wearer to adapt to it.

Understanding Sizing and Fit

At Paws & Pearls, we assess the suitability of each creation individually rather than relying on standardised sizes or a simple comparison of measurements.

We do not publish individual garment measurements on our product pages. Garment measurements and body measurements are not directly interchangeable, and comparing them without considering the garment's construction and intended fit can lead to misleading conclusions.

For this reason, we ask prospective buyers to provide their dog's measurements and weight so that we can consider these in relation to the particular creation.

We provide the exact weight of each garment on its individual product page, recognising that even small differences in weight and construction can matter considerably for a very small dog.

The shape of the garment, the volume of the dog's coat and the relationship between the garment and the body all influence suitability.

Measuring Your Dog

Before enquiring about a creation, you will need to take a few measurements of your dog and provide their current weight.

Our illustrated measurement guide will help you identify the measurements required and where to take them.

Measurements should be taken carefully, using a flexible measuring tape, while your dog is standing comfortably and naturally.

The aim is to provide an accurate picture of your dog's proportions without unnecessarily compressing the coat.

If you are uncertain about a measurement, please mention this when submitting your information.

Before Purchasing a Creation

Because our creations are individual pieces, we ask prospective buyers to provide some information about their dog before proceeding with a purchase.

This includes:

Your dog's current weight.
The measurements requested in our measurement guide.
Two photographs of your dog: one from the front and one from the side.
Any health concerns or physical limitations that may affect your dog's suitability for wearing the garment.
The name or Creation number of the piece you are interested in.

We also request your contact details and city so that we can respond to your enquiry.

This information allows us to undertake a preliminary assessment of whether there are any obvious concerns about the fit or suitability of the creation. Your dog's weight is an important part of this assessment, considered alongside their measurements, photographs and individual physical characteristics.

More Than Measurements

Very small dogs have particular considerations when it comes to clothing.

A full double coat, for example, can significantly influence the way a garment sits on the body. The same measurements may produce quite different results on dogs with different coat types, body shapes, weights or proportions.

A dog's weight can provide valuable additional context when considering their overall size and build, although weight alone cannot determine whether a garment will fit.

The garment's own weight, construction, opening, closures and intended function must also be considered.

At Paws & Pearls, these considerations are part of the design process itself.

Our preliminary assessment therefore considers more than a simple comparison of measurements.

An Important Note About Fit

Our preliminary suitability assessment is intended to identify obvious concerns before a purchase is completed.

It does not replace an in-person fitting and cannot guarantee that every aspect of a garment will fit perfectly or that a dog will find it comfortable.

Each dog is an individual, and photographs, measurements and weight cannot communicate every aspect of anatomy, movement or personal tolerance for clothing.

Paws & Pearls does not offer an alterations or made-to-measure commission service.

For this reason, we encourage prospective buyers to provide accurate information about their dog and to consider the description and intended function of the creation carefully.

Comfort Comes First

The comfort and wellbeing of the dog will always take precedence over the appearance of a garment.

A creation should allow its wearer to move naturally and comfortably, without unnecessary restriction or pressure.

Where a garment incorporates a leash attachment, this will be indicated in its individual description. Not all creations are intended for walking, and loungewear does not include leash attachments.

A garment should never be worn if it causes discomfort, restricts normal movement or otherwise appears unsuitable for the dog.