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:
- → Wrap the tape around the neck snugly
- → Do not pull it tight
- → 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 Malamute | 46–56cm | 18–22" |
| Australian Shepherd | 41–56cm | 16–22" |
| Beagle | 41–46cm | 16–18" |
| Border Collie | 41–46cm | 16–18" |
| Bullmastiff | 66–71cm | 26–28" |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 25–36cm | 10–14" |
| Chihuahua | 20–32cm | 8–13" |
| Chinese Crested | 20–28cm | 8–11" |
| Cocker Spaniel | 30–46cm | 12–18" |
| Corgi | 36–41cm | 14–16" |
| Doberman | 46–61cm | 18–24" |
| French Bulldog | 30–41cm | 12–16" |
| German Shepherd | 46–60cm | 18–24" |
| Golden Retriever | 45–53cm | 18–21" |
| Great Dane | 51–66cm | 20–26" |
| Havanese | 20–30cm | 8–12" |
| Italian Greyhound | 20–28cm | 8–11" |
| Labrador | 46–60cm | 18–24" |
| Maltese | 25–36cm | 10–14" |
| Mini Dachshund | 20–34cm | 8–13" |
| Miniature Pinscher | 20–28cm | 8–11" |
| Newfoundland | 66–81cm | 26–32" |
| Pomeranian | 35–41cm | 14–16" |
| Pug | 30–41cm | 12–16" |
| Rottweiler | 61–76cm | 24–30" |
| Saint Bernard | 66–81cm | 26–32" |
| Shih Tzu | 35–42cm | 14–16.5" |
| Springer Spaniel | 36–46cm | 14–18" |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 45–60cm | 18–24" |
| Toy Poodle | 20–36cm | 8–14" |
| Whippet | 33–38cm | 13–15" |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 25–30cm | 10–12" |
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
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
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
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
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.
💡 Final Tips
- → Re-check fit regularly, especially with growing dogs.
- → Adjust after grooming or weight changes.
- → 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.
