Dog Collar Size Guide

Choosing the right size collar is important for your dog's comfort and safety. Follow this guide to find the perfect fit!

How to Measure Your Dog's Neck

What You'll Need

Step-by-Step

  1. Position the tape around your dog's neck where their collar normally sits

    • This is typically the widest part of the neck
    • Just above the shoulders
    • Not too high (throat area) or too low (chest)
  2. Check the fit

    • Tape should be snug but comfortable
    • You should fit two fingers between tape and neck
    • Not tight (dog can breathe easily)
    • Not loose (collar won't slip off)
  3. Note the measurement

    • Record in centimeters or inches
    • Round up if between sizes

Using String Instead?

If you don't have a measuring tape:

  1. Wrap string around dog's neck (two-finger rule)
  2. Mark where string meets
  3. Lay flat and measure with a ruler

Our Size Chart

Size Neck Circumference (cm) Neck Circumference (inches) Typical Breeds
XS 20-25cm 8-10" Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillon
S 25-35cm 10-14" Jack Russell, Miniature Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pug, Dachshund
M 35-45cm 14-18" Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, Springer Spaniel

Important: Breed suggestions are guidelines only. Always measure your individual dog!

The Two-Finger Rule

✅ Perfect fit: You can comfortably fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck

❌ Too tight: Can't fit two fingers, dog coughs, difficulty swallowing

❌ Too loose: More than two fingers, collar spins around, could slip over head

Puppies & Growing Dogs

Adjustable Range

Our collars are adjustable within each size range:

For Puppies

When to Size Up

Replace collar when:

Special Considerations

Fluffy Breeds

Dogs with thick fur (Huskies, Samoyeds, Pomeranians):

Greyhounds & Sighthounds

Narrow heads, wide necks:

Brachycephalic Breeds

Flat-faced dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs):

Waterproof Collar Notes

Our waterproof collars:

This means your size stays accurate long-term!

Still Unsure?

Between Two Sizes?

Always size up. It's safer for your dog and you can adjust tighter, but can't make a too-small collar bigger.

Unusual Neck Size?

Some dogs don't fit standard sizing:

Need Help Measuring?

Check the Fit After Purchase

When your collar arrives:

  1. Fit it on your dog

  2. Check the two-finger rule

  3. Watch your dog move around

    • Collar shouldn't slide over ears
    • Shouldn't choke or restrict breathing
    • Should sit comfortably at base of neck
  4. Not quite right?

    • See our Returns Policy
    • 14-day return window
    • Exchange for different size

Safety Reminder

⚠️ Never leave a collar on unsupervised for extended periods (especially during sleep or play with other dogs)

⚠️ Check fit weekly - dogs' necks can change with weight, fur, or growth

⚠️ Replace damaged collars immediately - wear and tear affects safety

Questions?

Still not sure about sizing? We're here to help!

Email: [your.email@puplets.co.uk]
Include:

We usually respond within a few hours!