A short name fits easily on a patch. With “Mademoiselle”, “Jean-Baptiste” or a double name, the result deserves more attention.
The number of characters allowed does not, on its own, tell you whether the result will be easy to read. The space available, the shape of the letters and the contrast also play a part.
Look at the result, not just the character limit
Depending on the personalisation process, a long name may need smaller letters or a different layout.
Before ordering, look for a photo of a patch with a name of similar length. A picture showing only “MAX” tells you little about how twelve characters will look.
An on-screen preview can help, but it is only a guide: texture, light and manufacturing affect the real result.
Check spaces, accents and hyphens
A double name raises several practical questions:
- Does the space count towards the limit?
- Is the hyphen accepted?
- Will accents be reproduced?
- Will the text be in capitals?
- Is a second line possible?
The answers depend on the manufacturer. It is better to know them before confirming than to discover a simplified name on delivery.
Should you use a nickname?
If the full name does not give the result you want, a nickname can be a solution, as long as it is your choice.
Compare both versions at actual size on a surface of similar dimensions, without treating this home test as an exact copy of the finished product. It mainly helps you check your preference and the space taken up.
Don’t confuse a decorative name with contact details
A patch with a name personalises the harness, but does not necessarily say how to reach the owner.
If you also want to make contact easier if your dog gets lost, think separately about the information to include and the right medium for it. Avoid overloading a small patch with several messages if that makes it hard to read.
Finally, before ordering a personalised harness, check every character. A small typo becomes much more visible once it is worn every day.
Read next
- The patch’s hook-and-loop grips less: how to remove the hair?: to look after the patch’s fastening.
- The MyDogGrip harness: hook-and-loop patch embroidered with your dog’s name, up to 12 characters.