Erm, I think I got that wrong. I was including the hind legs which would be irrelevant if measuring nose to tail.They're on a bit of a slant so if you imagine them bolt upright I reckon their noses would be roughly 4/5 inches above the 28 or whatever you think is a good estimate. So if you can measure the tails and add that you'd get a rough idea. If they're proper tape measure phobic, just measure with your hands and get someone to measure the gap between your hands whilst you keep them steady for a moment. Then have a cup of tea after that performance.
Ok plan B. Balance them on the tips of their tails and spin them very fast. They would remain upright for a while like a spinning top and then measure them.
I'll see myself out.