Welcome to the Selyès Buying Guide!
Do you have doubts or hesitations about choosing the right buckles, carabiners or how to take your measurements? You've come to the right place!
Measuring methods :
Here you'll find a short guide to help you take the measurements you need to make your own bespoke products. These are made to order and exclusively for you in our workshop!
Dog Collars
To measure your dog's neck size, take a tape measure and adjust it to your liking, neither too tight so as not to strangle him, nor too loose so that it stays in place!
Ideally, adjust the tape measure with two fingers between the dog's neck and the tape.
Harness
To measure your dog for a harness, take a tape measure and follow the recommendations shown on the drawing.
For a better fit, and so that the harness doesn't turn, don't take any margins. Remember that leather is a material that will adapt to your dog's life and morphology, so it won't stay stiff. It's best, therefore, to make sure the harness fits snugly.
Thanks to its shape, the harness will never strangle or compress your dog.
What's more, the harness's adjustments give you room to maneuver if it ever feels a little tight in the early days (up to +2 inches and - 2 inches for the ribcage, and -0,8 inch to +0,8 inch for the height on each shoulder, in centimeters its up to +5cm and - 5cm for the ribcage, and -2cm to +2cm for the height on each shoulder).
Landmarks :
1. The tip of the solar plexus: on your dog's chest, in the center, you'll feel a tip sticking out: this is your number 1 landmark.
2. The withers (garrot): the withers determine your dog's size category, as it is his highest still point. To find the withers, run your hands up the spine, feeling the shoulder blades on either side. When you reach the intersection of the neck, shoulder blades and spine, you've reached the withers.
3. The circumference of the ribcage should be taken at the end of the back length you want: in general, it's best to position yourself two or three fingers from the dog's elbows. Depending on the dog's morphology and your preferences, it can be longer. Avoid choosing one that's too long, so that the strap rests on the dog's skeleton and not on its belly and internal organs. It shouldn't be too short either, so that it doesn't touch your dog's forelegs during movement.
4. This line also determines the size of the underbelly, from the tip of the plexus to this imaginary line. Keep your hands on your dog to keep the same reference points.
If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to ask for help by e-mail, phone or on Instagram, Selyès will be delighted to guide you in your choices and with regard to your measurement, in a free teleconsultation.
Good to know :
The length of the back is measured from the withers to the belly line.
The withers point will be at the center of the D buckle that holds the uprights on the shoulders, and the end of the measurement corresponds to the middle of the band that goes around the belly.
Example: for a back measured at 3,15in (medium/small dog), the leather back piece will be 5,3 inches in all, it will be +1,4in long after your measurement to attach the lanyard.
Same example in centimeters : for a back measured at 8cm (medium/small dog), the leather back piece will be 13,5 inches in all, it will be +3,5cm long after your measurement to attach the lanyard.
The ribcage circumference will be exactly the same as your measurement.
Belts
To measure your waistline, start by defining the height at which your trousers/skirt/dress/etc. usually fit.
Then take a tape measure and measure your waist at the height you've defined (high waist, hips or low waist).
How do I measure my waist from another belt?
Simply measure from the most used hole to the middle of the buckle - this precision is important! It's at this point that the belt closes and the full circumference is reached.
This measurement should then be given to us without any margins, and if properly adjusted, Maison Selyès will make a belt that corresponds exactly to the measurement you give, with adjustment holes spaced 1 inch apart around your ideal waist circumference.
Bracelets
To measure your wrist, take a tape measure and measure around your wrist. Enter this measurement directly in the field provided when you place your order.
Selyès will calculate the margin, which you will find on each bracelet sheet.
Leathers
All leathers used at Selyès are vegetable-tanned. They are not only respectful of your body and your dog's skin, but also of the environment, because the tanning process is natural, based on bark and sap.
This gives the leather its distinctive scent, grain, look and feel, as well as its visual appeal.
This process also means that leather and Selyès products will develop a patina over time, darkening and changing color more or less rapidly depending on use, contact with air, water, exposure to sunlight and care. Whatever the case, your product will gain life and become more precious and unique every day. This patina will not exist on any other product in the same way; only you and your dog will know what each "imperfection" tells as a story: yours.
Leather colors and combinations
Do you love life in color, but aren't sure how your combination will look?
Here are two photographs to give you a better idea of the colors and how they relate to each other!
Whisky lining (background color) with respective leathers: Papaya / Mogano / Navy / Sapin / Safran
Chocolate lining (background color) with respective leathers : Papaya / Mogano / Navy / Sapin / Safran
Buckle systems
House Selyès has decided to offer a choice of two buckle materials: Brass and Stainless Steel.
Brass
Selyès products with gold buckles are made of brass.
Brass is a material that stands out for its extreme resistance to frost, wind and salt, as it does not rust.
If subjected to high tensile forces, brass will not break, but will deform.
Stainless steel
Selyès products with silver buckles are made of Stainless Steel.
Stainless steel doesn't corrode, and is highly resistant, even to salt water.
Stainless steel deforms but does not necessarily break immediately under heavy loads.
Carabiners
There are 2 types of Selyès snap hooks: pull and Mexican.
Both types are snap hooks with pivoting eyelets to prevent the leash from twisting, leaving the animal free to move.
Carabiner pullers
Certainly the most classic of carabiners, its reputation is well established. Easy to use, this carabiner has a slimmer profile than the Mexican, but still guarantees great strength.
Breaking load :
Brass snap hook: 268 lbs (122kg)
Stainless steel snap hook: 485 lbs (220kg)
Mexican Carabiners
The original mechanical carabiner, this buckle is ultra-resistant and offers a quick release in the event of a problem, providing an additional safety option.
Breaking load :
Mexican brass carabiner: 286 lbs (130kg)
Mexican stainless steel carabiner: 1102 lbs (500kg)
Chains
Chains are available on the Valkyrie leash.
These chains are made of stainless steel and available in two sizes: thin and thick.
The Small Chain
This chain measures a total of 35 inches (90cm) and features 0,098 inches (2,5mm) thick links.
The carabiner is a classic pull-type with a 0,23inch (6mm) opening.
Its breaking load is 418 lbs (190kg) tensile strength.
The Thick Chain
This chain measures a total of 35 inches (90cm) and features 0,12 inches (3mm) thick links.
The carabiner is a classic pull-type with an 0,31 inches (8mm) opening.
Its breaking load is 617 lbs (280kg) tensile strength.
Buckles
The Lyre Buckles
This classic buckle, most often used in saddlery, is always followed by a leather loop.
Breaking load :
Brass lyre buckle : 418 lbs (190kg)
Stainless steel lyre buckle : 1102 lbs (500kg)
Products with lyre buckles : l'Indispensable and le Ceangal
Double Buckles
An ornamental buckle, it has its own loop, making it stronger but also heavier.
Breaking load :
Brass double buckle: 573 lbs (260kg)
Stainless steel double buckle: 992 lbs (450kg)
Products with double buckles : l'Essentiel and le Lupin
Quick-release buckles
Also known as clip buckles, this type of buckle is appreciated for its speed of execution and great sturdiness, as well as for its light-reflecting shine in gold or silver.
Breaking load :
Quick-release buckles in nickel-silver-plated aluminum: 430 lbs (196kg)
Quick-release buckles in zinc alloy with gold electroplated coating: 400 lbs (181kg)
Products with quick-release buckle : Le Pimpant
Other Information
The width of your collar should be chosen according to your dog's size: the thinner it is, the more severe it will be. Be careful not to choose a collar that's too wide either, so that it doesn't encumber him or hinder his movements.
House Selyès recommends 2.5 cm widths (1 inch ) from 38/45 cm ( 15/18 inches ) upwards, or according to your taste. Below this size, go for the 2cm ( 0,78 inch ) without hesitation, and above that, go for the wider models like the Lupin or the Intrépide.
We hope this short guide has been helpful.
If you have any further questions or doubts, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to answer your questions as soon as possible.