Dog Collar Sizing Guide | Find the Perfect Fit Every Time
Australia: FREE SHIPPING for orders over AUD120.00! New Zealand: FREE SHIPPING for orders over AUD149.00! USA: FREE SHIPPING for orders over AUD 250! Free Shipping on Orders AUD 500+ to Select Asian Countries

Dog Collar Size Guide: The Only Guide You Need to Get the Perfect Fit

By Chris Loverseed
Owner, PK9 Gear & Positive K9 Training
Cert III in Dog Training and Behaviour

Finding the right collar size for your dog is more than just comfort. It directly affects safety, control, and your dog’s overall wellbeing. A properly fitted collar ensures your dog stays secure without causing irritation or restriction.
Too loose, and your dog can slip out. Too tight, and it may cause discomfort or injury.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to measure your dog’s neck, understand sizing, and choose the right collar for your dog’s lifestyle.

How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck

Use a soft measuring tape to measure around the base of your dog’s neck. This is where the collar will naturally sit.

Follow these steps:

  1. → Wrap the tape around the neck snugly
  2. → Do not pull it tight
  3. → Ensure you can fit two fingers between the tape and your dog’s neck

👉 Pro tip: Always measure instead of guessing. Even within the same breed, neck sizes can vary significantly.

For growing puppies, re-measure every few weeks to ensure the collar still fits properly.

Dog Collar Size Chart

Use this as a guide. Always measure your dog for the most accurate fit and check the product's specific size guide before purchasing.

Breed Neck Size (cm) Neck Size (inches)
Alaskan Malamute46–56cm18–22"
Australian Shepherd41–56cm16–22"
Beagle41–46cm16–18"
Border Collie41–46cm16–18"
Bullmastiff66–71cm26–28"
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel25–36cm10–14"
Chihuahua20–32cm8–13"
Chinese Crested20–28cm8–11"
Cocker Spaniel30–46cm12–18"
Corgi36–41cm14–16"
Doberman46–61cm18–24"
French Bulldog30–41cm12–16"
German Shepherd46–60cm18–24"
Golden Retriever45–53cm18–21"
Great Dane51–66cm20–26"
Havanese20–30cm8–12"
Italian Greyhound20–28cm8–11"
Labrador46–60cm18–24"
Maltese25–36cm10–14"
Mini Dachshund20–34cm8–13"
Miniature Pinscher20–28cm8–11"
Newfoundland66–81cm26–32"
Pomeranian35–41cm14–16"
Pug30–41cm12–16"
Rottweiler61–76cm24–30"
Saint Bernard66–81cm26–32"
Shih Tzu35–42cm14–16.5"
Springer Spaniel36–46cm14–18"
Staffordshire Bull Terrier45–60cm18–24"
Toy Poodle20–36cm8–14"
Whippet33–38cm13–15"
Yorkshire Terrier25–30cm10–12"
BreedChihuahua
Neck Size (cm)20–32cm
Neck Size (inches)8–13"
BreedPomeranian
Neck Size (cm)35–41cm
Neck Size (inches)14–16"
BreedYorkshire Terrier
Neck Size (cm)25–30cm
Neck Size (inches)10–12"
BreedMaltese
Neck Size (cm)25–36cm
Neck Size (inches)10–14"
BreedMiniature Pinscher
Neck Size (cm)20–28cm
Neck Size (inches)8–11"
BreedToy Poodle
Neck Size (cm)20–36cm
Neck Size (inches)8–14"
BreedItalian Greyhound
Neck Size (cm)20–28cm
Neck Size (inches)8–11"
BreedChinese Crested
Neck Size (cm)20–28cm
Neck Size (inches)8–11"
BreedHavanese
Neck Size (cm)20–30cm
Neck Size (inches)8–12"
BreedMini Dachshund
Neck Size (cm)20–34cm
Neck Size (inches)8–13"
BreedCavalier King Charles Spaniel
Neck Size (cm)25–36cm
Neck Size (inches)10–14"
BreedShih Tzu
Neck Size (cm)35–42cm
Neck Size (inches)14–16.5"
BreedBeagle
Neck Size (cm)41–46cm
Neck Size (inches)16–18"
BreedCocker Spaniel
Neck Size (cm)30–46cm
Neck Size (inches)12–18"
BreedBorder Collie
Neck Size (cm)41–46cm
Neck Size (inches)16–18"
BreedStaffordshire Bull Terrier
Neck Size (cm)45–60cm
Neck Size (inches)18–24"
BreedAustralian Shepherd
Neck Size (cm)41–56cm
Neck Size (inches)16–22"
BreedCorgi
Neck Size (cm)36–41cm
Neck Size (inches)14–16"
BreedSpringer Spaniel
Neck Size (cm)36–46cm
Neck Size (inches)14–18"
BreedWhippet
Neck Size (cm)33–38cm
Neck Size (inches)13–15"
BreedFrench Bulldog
Neck Size (cm)30–41cm
Neck Size (inches)12–16"
BreedPug
Neck Size (cm)30–41cm
Neck Size (inches)12–16"
BreedLabrador
Neck Size (cm)46–60cm
Neck Size (inches)18–24"
BreedGolden Retriever
Neck Size (cm)45–53cm
Neck Size (inches)18–21"
BreedGerman Shepherd
Neck Size (cm)46–60cm
Neck Size (inches)18–24"
BreedDoberman
Neck Size (cm)46–61cm
Neck Size (inches)18–24"
BreedRottweiler
Neck Size (cm)61–76cm
Neck Size (inches)24–30"
BreedGreat Dane
Neck Size (cm)51–66cm
Neck Size (inches)20–26"
BreedBullmastiff
Neck Size (cm)66–71cm
Neck Size (inches)26–28"
BreedSaint Bernard
Neck Size (cm)66–81cm
Neck Size (inches)26–32"
BreedNewfoundland
Neck Size (cm)66–81cm
Neck Size (inches)26–32"
BreedAlaskan Malamute
Neck Size (cm)46–56cm
Neck Size (inches)18–22"

Types of Dog Collars

Leather Collars

Timeless, elegant, and built to last — genuine leather collars are a favourite for everyday wear. They’re durable, comfortable against your dog’s skin, and develop a beautiful patina over time. Perfect for dog owners who value both function and refined style
👉 Perfect for: Daily wear, style, long-term durability

Leather Dog Collar - Premium latigo Leather - Handmade - PK9 Gear
Latigo Leather Dog Collar – Oily Series (Limited Edition)
AUD 50.00
Leather Dog Collar - Made With Premium Herman Oak Leather - PK9 Gear
Leather Dog Collar - Made With Premium Hermann Oak Leather
AUD 120.00
The Inferno Leather Dog Collar - PK9 Gear
The Inferno Leather Dog Collar – Premium Padded Leather Collar
AUD 60.00 AUD 120.00
View All

Biothane Collars

Biothane collars are a waterproof, low-maintenance alternative to leather. They offer the same sleek look but are more resistant to water, mud, and odors — making them ideal for outdoor adventures. Strong, flexible, and easy to clean.
👉 Perfect for: Outdoor adventures, beach, mud, working dogs

Set of blue and red dog collars with 'PK9' branding on a light gray background
Just A Collar - For When All You Need Is A Simple Dog Collar
AUD 35.00
Dog Slip Collar - Crafted from 6mm Biothane - PK9 Gear
6mm Biothane Slip Collar – Lightweight Control
AUD 47.99
Biothane Tactical Dog Collar
Biothane Tactical Dog Collar
AUD 160.00
View All

Martingale Collars

Designed for dogs with narrow heads or those who often slip out of traditional collars, martingale collars gently tighten when your dog pulls but stop before becoming too tight. A trusted choice for sight hounds and escape artists.
Get Your Custom Leather Martingale Collar
👉 Perfect for: Sighthounds, escape artists, training

Red Heidy - Leather Martingale Dog Collar
Red Heidy - Leather Martingale Dog Collar
AUD 105.00
Red Red Wine - Leather Martingale Dog Collar
Red Red Wine - Leather Martingale Dog Collar
AUD 125.00
View All

Tactical Dog Collars

Ideal for strong, active dogs, including working breeds, K9s, or dogs who pull heavily on walks. Featuring reinforced stitching, solid metal hardware, and integrated handles, these collars are built for serious training or rugged environments.
👉 Perfect for: Training, large breeds, high-drive dogs

Biothane Tactical Dog Collar
Biothane Tactical Dog Collar
AUD 160.00
Tab Slip Collar- Ultimate Control - PK9 Gear
Tab Slip Collar- Ultimate Control
AUD 32.95
View All

What Is a Slip Collar?

A slip collar, sometimes called a training collar or slip lead, is a loop-style collar that tightens when your dog pulls and loosens when they stop. Unlike flat or martingale collars, a slip collar doesn’t have a fixed size—it tightens with tension and should only be used under supervision or for training purposes.

❗Important: When choosing a slip collar, you don’t measure your dog’s neck—you measure the widest part of their head, typically just in front of the ears. This ensures the collar can slide on and off comfortably while still tightening safely when needed.

Slip collars are popular with professional trainers and working dog handlers who want quick control without clips or buckles.

Dog Slip Collar For Training and Obedience | Australian Hand - Made - PK9 Gear
Dog Training Obedience Slip Collar – Precision Control Collar
AUD 34.99 AUD 37.50
Tab Slip Collar- Ultimate Control - PK9 Gear
Tab Slip Collar- Ultimate Control
AUD 32.95
Dog Slip Collar - Crafted from 6mm Biothane - PK9 Gear
6mm Biothane Slip Collar – Lightweight Control
AUD 47.99
View All

💡 Final Tips

  1. → Re-check fit regularly, especially with growing dogs.
  2. → Adjust after grooming or weight changes.
  3. → When in doubt, size up and use adjustability to fine-tune.

If you're ready to place your order, we're here to help with any questions about sizing or the ordering process.

Need help choosing the right collar?

Explore all PK9 dog collars for durable, purpose-built options that keep your dog safe and stylish.

Measure once. Check often. Choose quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I size up or down if my dog is between sizes?

    Size up. It’s better to adjust a slightly larger collar than risk one that’s too tight.

  • Do different collar types fit differently?

    Yes. Martingales, for example, should be looser when relaxed. Always follow product-specific guides.

  • How often should I replace a collar?

    Check monthly. Replace immediately if there are signs of damage.

  • Is breed-specific sizing important?

    Very. Different breeds have different neck shapes and sizes. Our breed chart can help you start in the right range.

  • Can I use the same collar throughout my dog’s life?

    Only if it still fits well and remains in good condition. Puppies, especially, will outgrow theirs quickly.

Chris Loverseed
About the author

Chris Loverseed

Chris Loverseed is the Head Trainer and founder of Positive K9 Training and PK9 Gear. With years of extensive experience working with high-drive dogs, including his own two beloved German Shepherds, Chris possesses a deep understanding of effective canine training and the critical role of quality equipment. His unwavering passion for canine performance and dedication to empowering dog owners to forge stronger bonds with their companions inspired him to create PK9 Gear—a brand trusted by serious trainers and dog sport competitors across Australia and beyond. Chris firmly believes in providing gear that not only endures the toughest conditions but actively supports real training goals, ensuring every interaction with your dog is a rewarding and successful experience.

PK9 Gear

PK9 Gear