Choose the Right Size Collar for your Dog

Buying a perfect-fit designer dog collar or a fancy cat collar can be overwhelming. With so many options, colors, accessories, and materials, there are so many small decisions to be made! Whether you’re deciding between a pink leather dog collar or a purple suede collar with crystals, the most important decision to be made when buying a new collar is the size.

Ill-fitting dog-collars, no matter how trendy or cute, can be dangerous. A collar that is too loose will allow your dog to squirm his way out and get off leash. Collars that are too tight can be uncomfortable or even cut off the airway in extreme cases. If your dog’s collar is too tight, it may cause skin irritations, infections, hair loss or gagging. Be sure to check your puppy’s dog collar often.

How to Measure for a Perfect Fit

The perfectly fit collar should let you use the hole in the middle. If you use the last hole on the collar, this may indicate your collar is too small. If you use the first hole, this may indicate the collar is too large and it will interfere with the hanging “tail” which often cannot be cut off.

MEASURING:

To measure your pet’s neck, you will need a soft and flexible tape measure. You can also use thread, yarn, or our paper ruler here: Printable Ruler. If you are purchasing an item for someone else and do not have access to the pet, consider our Gift Cards! They make a great gift!

STEP 1:
Sit your dog in front of you.

STEP 2:
Measure the pet’s neck where the collar would normally sit, sliding one or two fingers between the dog's neck and measuring tape. One finger for toy and small dogs, two fingers for larger breeds.

STEP 3:
Place your order! If you have any additional questions, you can email us at [email protected].

Dog Collar Sizing and Measuring Tips

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when getting your pet’s collar size.

You should be able to fit one finger in between your dog’s neck and the collar for small dogs and two fingers for medium and larger dogs. This will ensure your dog’s collar is not too tight and uncomfortable.

Measure at the lower part of your dog’s neck, well below the ears. Most collars rest right above the collar bone because of gravity. Measuring at the point where the collar is most likely to rest will make sure you order the correct size.

If you are using an old collar as reference, measure the collar from the fold to the center hole or fold to buckle (if your old collar uses a buckle system), to get the proper length.

Consider the width. The width of the collar can be just as important as the length in terms of how it fits your dog. We recommend ½” for small dogs, ¾” for medium dogs, and 1” for large dogs.