Dog Collar Size Guide :
How to Measure Your
Dog Neck for the Right Fit
Buying a dog collar should be simple, but sizing is where people often get stuck. A Labrador does not automatically need a Large, and two dogs of the same breed can have very different neck sizes.
The most reliable starting point is your dog’s actual neck measurement.
This guide explains how to measure a dog’s neck, use a dog collar size chart, and check the fit once the collar is on. It also covers what to do if your dog sits between two sizes, has a thick coat, or is still growing.
How to Measure a Dog’s Neck
You do not need any special equipment. A soft measuring tape works best.
Ask your dog to stand or sit naturally, then wrap the tape around the part of the neck where the collar normally rests. For most dogs, that is around the middle of the neck rather than directly under the jaw or close to the shoulders.
Keep the tape flat against the coat. It should touch the fur without pulling tightly into the neck.
If your dog has a thick coat, resist the temptation to compress all the fur while measuring. Measure the neck as it normally feels when the collar is worn.
Write down the measurement in inches or centimeters. That number is what you should compare with the collar’s sizing range.
Do You Need to Add Extra Inches?
Not usually.
Measure the neck as it is, then use the collar’s adjustment range to choose the right size. Adding several inches yourself can leave you with a collar that is looser than expected.
Once the collar arrives, adjust it on your dog and check the fit rather than relying on the measurement alone.
Dog Collar Size Chart
The leather collar in this guide is available in three sizes:
Notice that the sizes overlap. That is useful because dogs do not fall neatly into fixed size categories.
A dog with an 18-inch neck, for example, could fall within both Medium and Large. In that case, collar width, body build, and how much adjustment room you want become part of the decision.
#Medium Dog Collar: 14–19 Inches
The Medium size fits necks measuring 14–19 inches (35–48 cm) and is 1 inch wide.
Some Beagles, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Indian Spitz, Border Collies, and medium-build Indie dogs may fit this range.
Those breed names are only a reference point. A stocky dog and a lean dog of the same breed may need different sizes, so measure before ordering.
#Large Dog Collar: 17.5–22.5 Inches
The Large size fits necks measuring 17.5-22.5 inches (44-57 cm). The collar is 1.25 inches wide.
This range may work for some Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Doberman Pinschers.
If you are shopping for a dog collar for large dogs, do not use body weight alone as your guide. Neck shape and build matter just as much.
#Extra Large Dog Collar: 20–25 Inches
The XL collar fits necks measuring 20-25 inches (51-64 cm) and is also 1.25 inches wide.
Larger dogs such as some Rottweilers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Bullmastiffs, and Cane Corsos may fall into this range.
Again, the breed is not the deciding factor. The tape measure is.
What If Your Dog Is Between Two Sizes?
This is one of the most useful parts of dog collar sizing, because many dogs fall into the overlap.
Medium and Large overlap between 17.5 and 19 inches. Large and XL overlap between 20 and 22.5 inches.
If your dog falls into one of those ranges, look at where the measurement sits within each size.
A dog measuring 18 inches, for example, has more room to adjust in a Large than a dog already sitting near the top of the Medium range. At the same time, the Large collar is wider, so it may feel bulkier on a slimmer neck.
There is no need to size up automatically. Choose the option that gives your dog a secure fit and suits the neck and body proportions.
How Should a Dog Collar Fit?
A collar should sit securely without squeezing the neck.
A simple check is the two-finger rule. After fastening the collar, slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. They should fit comfortably.
Then look at the collar while your dog moves around.
It should not dig into the neck, rub against the skin, hang loosely, or move so freely that it can slip over the head.
This is especially worth checking with dogs that have thick fur. A collar may look loose from the outside while actually sitting quite close to the neck underneath the coat.
Recheck the fit after grooming as well. A major trim can make a noticeable difference.
Should You Measure an Existing Collar Instead?
You can, but measuring your dog directly is usually more dependable.
An older collar may have stretched, and measuring it from one end to the other does not tell you the size your dog actually wears.
If you want to use the old collar as a comparison, measure from the buckle or fastening point to the hole your dog normally uses.
Still, the neck measurement should be your main reference when comparing sizes.
Choosing a Puppy Collar
A puppy collar needs more attention because puppies grow quickly.
Check the fit often rather than waiting until the collar starts looking obviously tight. A collar that fit well a few weeks ago may already need adjusting.
Do not buy a much larger size simply because your puppy will eventually grow into it. If the collar can slide easily over the head now, it is too loose.
This particular leather dog collar starts at 14 inches (35 cm). If your puppy’s neck is smaller, use a properly sized puppy collar until the dog grows into this range.
Does Collar Width Matter?
Yes, especially when you are choosing between two possible sizes.
The Medium collar is 1 inch wide, while the Large and XL sizes are 1.25 inches wide.
A wider collar may sit more naturally on a broad neck. On a smaller or slimmer dog, the narrower option may feel less bulky.
Width should not replace neck measurement, but it can help you make the final choice when two sizes both fit on paper.
Before You Order
Take one final look at the measurement before choosing a size.
Make sure you measured the part of the neck where the collar will sit, kept the tape snug rather than tight, and compared the number with the full adjustment range.
Do not let breed alone make the decision for you.
Once the collar arrives, check the fit again on your dog. The chart gets you close; the final adjustment makes the collar comfortable and secure.
Find the Right Size for Your Dog
Our full-grain leather dog collar is available in Medium, Large, and XL, covering neck measurements from 14 to 25 inches (35 to 64 cm).
It combines a leather exterior with a soft padded interior and brass hardware for everyday walks, training, play, and outdoor use.
Measure your dog’s neck first, choose the closest size range, and make the final adjustment once the collar is on.