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Choosing the right dog collar size starts with an accurate measurement of your dog’s neck or an existing well-fitting collar - secure enough that it can’t slip over the head, but comfortable enough to wear every day.
Why getting the size right on a dog collar matters
A correctly sized collar helps keep your dog safe, supports good lead control and prevents rubbing or pressure on the neck. Collars that are too loose can slip off, while collars that are too tight can cause discomfort or even injury over time.
It's easy to measure for a dog collar to get the perfect fit
There are two methods for measuring for a dog collar:
- Measure an existing well-fitting dog collar - this is usually the most accurate method
- Measure your dog's neck
What you need before you start
If measuring an existing collar:
- A ruler or tape measure
- The existing well-fitting collar
If measuring your dog's neck:
- A flexible tape measure OR a no-stretch piece of string / ribbon and ruler
- Your dog in a relaxed and cooperative mood
A well made and well-fitted collar is comfortable for your dog, as well as safe and secure when out and about.
Shown here, Bertie the Dachshund wearing a Classic Leather Dog Collar in Orange Peel. Georgia the Galgo is wearing a sighthund cut Leather Greyhound Collar in Ruby. Whatever the size or breed of dog, we can create a bespoke dog collar and lead for the perfect fit.
Method 1: Measure an existing dog collar
If you have an existing dog collar that is comfortable and fits well, measuring that collar is often the most reliable way to find the right size for a new one.
- Unfasten the collar and lay the collar flat on a table, making sure it is completely flat and now twisted.
- For dog collars with standard buckle fastenings, measure from the centre of the buckle (A) to the hole used to fasten that collar on your dog as shown in the image at point B.
- For dog collars with clip fastenings, make sure the collar is adjusted to the correct size, lay it out flat, and measure from point A to B as shown on the clip collar in the image - note that the prongs of the clip are not included in the measurement.
This measurement gives you their “true” collar size at a comfortable fit, which you can then compare with the size ranges listed for any new collar.
In the examples shown here, the measurements are:
- Buckle Fastening Collar (top): 14" so the collar size required is to fit neck 13"-15"
- Clip Fastening Collar (bottom): 16" so the collar size required is to fit neck 15"-17"
The image shows how to measure for a dog collar using an existing buckle fastening collar, and a clip fastening collar. Measure from point A (the start of the collar) to point B on the respective collars.
Method 2: Measure your dog’s neck
This is best done when your dog is in a relaxed mood.
- Ask your dog to stand naturally so their neck isn’t stretched or tucked.
- Wrap the tape measure around the neck where the collar will sit.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight, then slide two flat fingers between the tape and your dog’s neck – this allows space for comfort and movement.
- Make a note of the measurement - this is your dog's neck circumference.
Now that you have your dog's neck circumference, yo ucan choose the right size collar. If your dog's neck measruement is 16", you will need a collar that fits a 15 - 17" neck so that the collar fastens on your dog in the middle of the fastening holes.
Adult dogs - what size dog collar does your dog need?
Now that you have either the measurement from an existing well fitting collar, or the neck circumference from measuring your dog you can choose the right size collar.
For both Petiquette and Holly&Lil collars available on our website, the sizes given on the collar pages are sizes "to fit neck" e.g. a 12" - 14" size collar fits necks measuring from 12" to 14".
If your dog is in between the sizes we have listed on our website e.g. if they are a half inch measurement, please contact us and we will make a collar to exactly the right half size.
We always recommend allowing 1" either side of your dog's actual measurement so that there is wiggle room if they drop or gain a little bit of weight.
For puppy collar sizing and House Collar sizing, see below.
We recommend ordering a collar that fastens exactly in the middle of the fastening holes to allow for your dog gaining or losing a little bit of weight.
The Collar shown here is a Greyhound Collar in Bottle Green.
Measuring for a puppy collar - what size dog collar does your puppy need?
Puppies still have some growing to do so we recommend for puppies first collar that you allow space for your puppy to grow into.
Once you have measured your puppy's neck (see above), we recommend you size the collar so that you puppy's neck measurement is the minimum size for the collar. e.g. if your puppy's neck measures 8", you will need a size 8"-10" collar. This gives up to 2" of growing space before your puppy will need a new collar.
Both Petiquette and Holly&Lil collars are available in tiny puppy sizes in both classic and sighthound styles. If you are not able to find a listing for an appropriate size, plase contact us and we will make to a custom size for your puppy.
We can make tiny puppy collars in a classic straight cut as shown, and tiny sighthound cut collars suitable for puppies.
The Collars shown here are Classic Puppy Collars by Petiquette.
What size House Collars / ID Tag Collars
House Collars are fine leather collars designed to hold an ID Tag and should be fitted to be looser than a regular collar.
For a House Collar size, we advise adding from 1" to 3" to the neck / collar measurement depending on the size of the dog.
- For neck size up to 10" - add 1" for a House Collar
- For neck sizes from 10" to 16" add 2" for a House Collar
- For neck size from 16" plus, add up to 3" for a House Collar.
House Collars can be worn both at home and out and about. They sit lower than a regular collar. Size a House Collar by adding from 1" to 3" to your dog's existing collar size. Add 1" for small breeds, 2" for medium size breed sand 3" for large size breeds.
Checking the fit of a dog collar
Once you have the new collar, always check the fit on your dog.
You should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck all the way round.
The collar should not ride up towards the ears or drop down over the shoulders.
When gently pulled, the collar shouldn’t slip over your dog’s head, but it should be loose so it doesn't pinch or dig in when they move.
Measuring carefully and double-checking the fit means your dog’s collar will feel comfortable, look neat and stay secure.
Always check the fit of a new collar - secure so it won't slip over a dog's ears when tugged gently, but loose enough to move on their neck so it's not digging in or pinching.
Browse Collars & Leads
Classic Leather Dog Collars by Petiquette
£40.00
Minimum price
£40.00
Maximum price
£55.00
Leather Puppy Collars by Petiquette
£36.00
Minimum price
£36.00
Maximum price
£40.00
Brightside Classic Slim Dog Collar by Holly&Lil
£58.00
Minimum price
£58.00
Maximum price
£154.00
Brightside Classic Wide Dog Collar by Holly&Lil
£68.00
Minimum price
£68.00
Maximum price
£87.00
Harris Tweed Classic Slim Dog Collar by Holly&Lil
£59.00
Minimum price
£59.00
Maximum price
£164.00
Harris Tweed Classic Wide Dog Collar by Holly&Lil
£58.00
Minimum price
£58.00
Maximum price
£174.00
ID Tag Collars / House Collars by Petiquette
£20.00
Regular price
£20.00
Bow Tie Collar by Holly&Lil
£97.00
Minimum price
£97.00
Maximum price
£204.00
Leather Italian Greyhound Dog Collars by Petiquette
£36.00
Minimum price
£36.00
Maximum price
£44.00
Leather Whippet Collars by Petiquette
£38.00
Minimum price
£38.00
Maximum price
£46.00
Leather Greyhound & Lurcher Collars by Petiquette
£44.00
Minimum price
£44.00
Maximum price
£52.00
Brightside Sighthound Collar by Holly&Lil
£75.00
Minimum price
£75.00
Maximum price
£97.00
Harris Tweed Sighthound Collar by Holly&Lil
£72.00
Minimum price
£72.00
Maximum price
£186.00
Leather Dog Leads by Petiquette
£50.00
Regular price
£50.00
Brightside Dog Leads by Holly&Lil
£79.00
Regular price
£79.00
Harris Tweed Dog Leads by Holly&Lil
£84.00
Regular price
£84.00
Frequently asked questions on measuring for a dog collar
The right collar size is based on your dog’s neck measurement plus a little extra for comfort. Measure around the neck where the collar will sit, keeping the tape snug but not tight, and then add enough room for one–two fingers between neck and collar. Use this final figure to choose the collar size that best matches your dog’s neck from the size range given.
A dog collar should be secure but never dig into your dog’s neck or pinch it. You should be able to slide one–two fingers (up to three for very large breeds) between the collar and your dog’s neck all the way around. If you can’t fit your fingers, it’s too tight; if the collar easily slips over the head, it’s too loose.
Yes. Unfasten your dog’s current collar and lay it flat. Measure from the buckle to the hole that is used to fasten the collar securely and comfortably. This measurement gives you a reliable guide for choosing the size of a new collar and checking that your dog’s neck measurement sits comfortably within the stated “to fit neck” range.
If your dog does not have an existing collar, simply use a soft tape measure to measure around the neck where the collar will sit. Keep the tape snug but not tight and make sure you can comfortably fit one–two fingers between the tape and your dog’s neck. This neck measurement, with that finger‑space allowed, gives you the figure you need to select the most suitable collar size from any “to fit neck” range.
The Collars and Leads by Petiquette and Holly &Lil on our website use the same basic neck measurement, with sizes of collars given on a "to fit neck" basis e.g. a 12"-14" size collar fits necks from 12" to 14" but ideally it is designed for a 13" neck - the size right in the middle of the fit range for this size collar.
The exception is House Collars which are fine leather collars for holding an ID Tag which are fitted to be looser than a regular collar.
Further help on measuring for a dog collar
Please don't heistate to contact us if you need any assistane on measuring or choosing the right size collar for your dog.
e: hello@charleychau.com
t: +44 (0)161 848 8702