Dog Collar Sizes: How to Know Which Is Best for Your Dog

When you’re searching for a new or replacement collar for your dog, it’s important you get the right size for a comfortable and secure fit. Read on for a short guide to help you select the right dog collar size and width for your pooch based on breed type and neck size.

How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck and Head

To determine which dog collar size is appropriate for your dog, it is best to measure both your dog’s neck and head. Measure the neck with a flexible measuring tape or string and wrap it around the dog’s neck where the collar will sit. You may want to add an inch or two depending on you and your pups prferences to get to the final measurement. If you can slip two fingers between the collar and your dogs neck, you are at the right length. Ideally you want to collar to be snug but not rescrictive.

If you are choosing a martingale collar; you’ll also need to make sure the collar can fit over your dog’s head when putting it on, which is why you should measure the head at its widest point, including the ears. To learn a bit more about martingale collars and their uses please see the following: Martingale Collars

Dog Collar Sizes for Smaller Dogs and Puppies

A dog collar for an extra small dog such as a Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Toy Poodle or puppy most often measures 8 to 11 inches long to accommodate for their necks. These collars are best in the 5/8 inch width to avoid the extra weight associated with a wider collar. Medium small breeds like the Beagle, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and Pug may need longer collars ranging from 11 to 15 inches. These collars can be either the 5/8 or 1 inch width depending on you and your dogs needs.

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Medium-Sized Dog Collars

If you’re looking for dog collars for German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels, English Bulldogs, and Dalmations, these breeds’ neck sizes fall in the range of around 15 to 22 inches and are almost always a 1 inch width, though at times a 1.5 inch width can be used.

Collars for Large and Extra Dogs

Larger breeds such as Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Great Pyrenees generally have neck sizes of about 19 to 30 inches.

Wide Collars for Extra Large Dogs

Wide dog collars, including 1.5” wide dog collars and 2” designs, are also great for large breeds such as Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Rottweilers. They are also good dog collars for Greyhounds.

Choose the Right Type of Dog Collar

Once you have determined the ideal dog collar size for your pet, you need to determine what type. Standard dog collars are great for popular dogs that aren’t aggressive or don’t pull when walking, but collars such as martingales may be better if you need more control.

You can also personalize your dog collar with custom colors, patterns, and ID tags to make your dog instantly recognizable when lost.

With the right dog collar, you can make sure your pet is always both secure and comfortable.

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