How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar (Two-Finger Rule + Size Chart)
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Getting the size right matters more with a personalised collar than with any other kind. Once your pet's name is engraved, the collar is made to order for them — and personalised items can only be changed within one hour of ordering. A tape measure and two minutes now will save you a collar that is too tight, too loose, or unwearable.
What you need
A soft fabric measuring tape is best. If you do not have one, use a piece of string or ribbon and measure it against a ruler afterwards. Have your dog standing, calm, and wearing no collar. Measure where the collar will actually sit: at the base of the neck, just above the shoulders, not up by the ears and not down on the chest.
Step by step
1. Wrap the tape snugly around the neck. It should sit flat against the fur with no gaps, but do not pull it tight. Press gently through a thick coat so you are measuring the neck, not the fluff. 2. Read the number in centimetres and inches. Write it down. 3. Add room with the two-finger rule. You should be able to slide two fingers flat between the collar and your dog's neck. That is roughly 2 cm (about three-quarters of an inch) of extra room. 4. Compare with the size chart on the product page. Every collar on our store lists its own size range, and ranges differ from one style to another, so always check the chart for the exact collar you are buying — never guess from another collar's sizes.
Real size charts from our collars
These are the actual ranges on the product pages, so you can see how sizing works in practice:
| Collar | Size | Neck range |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Leather Dog Collar with a Custom Engraved Bone Metal Tag | S / M / L | S 10.2–16.5 in (26–42 cm), M 12.6–18.9 in (32–48 cm), L 15–21.7 in (38–55 cm) |
| Luna Luxe Personalized Pet Collar | XS / S / M | XS 18.5–24 cm, S 25.5–31 cm, M 27.5–36 cm |
| Sparkle & Shine Personalized Collar | S / M / L | S 10.5–13 in, M 11.5–15 in, L 14–18 in |
Notice the overlap: a 30 cm neck could be a Small in one collar and a Medium in another. That is why the chart on the product page is the only one that counts.
A rough breed guide
Breeds vary, so treat this as a starting point and always measure. Extra-small and small sizes usually suit Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians and similar toy breeds. Small to medium covers Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs and most terriers. Large suits Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and German Shepherds, while extra-large is for the biggest breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs. If your dog is between sizes, go up a size: our collars adjust down, and a collar that is slightly loose is safer than one that pinches.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not measure an old collar — collars stretch, and the size printed on it may no longer match your dog. Do not measure over a thick winter coat without pressing the tape in. Do not forget that puppies grow: measure a puppy again every couple of weeks, and expect to size up. And do not order a personalised collar as a surprise gift without measuring the dog first; a wrong size on an engraved collar cannot be fixed after the one-hour change window.
Frequently asked questions
How tight should a dog collar be? Two fingers flat between collar and neck. If you can fit three fingers, it is too loose and could slip off. If you cannot fit one, it is too tight.
Should I measure in centimetres or inches? Either — our product pages list both where the supplier gives them. Just be consistent, and double-check the unit before you order.
What if my dog is between sizes? Choose the larger size. The collar adjusts down, and the extra room keeps the two-finger gap comfortable.
Once you have your measurement, browse our personalised dog collars, or start with the Personalized Leather Dog Collar with a Custom Engraved Bone Metal Tag and the Luna Luxe Personalized Pet Collar — both list their full size charts on the product page.