How to Measure Your Dog's Neck for the Right Collar Size
Share
In short: Measure your dog's neck at the widest point just below the head — with 2 fingers of room between band and neck. You enter this number directly on the collar: at RudisRudel we craft every collar made to measure for your dog. The measuring assistant below shows you how.
Made to measure, not off the rack
What makes RudisRudel special: we craft every collar to the exact millimetre for your dog. Enter your measured value — we'll show you what to fill in.
Not measured yet? The step-by-step guide and the size orientation are further down.
Why the Right Collar Size Matters
A collar that doesn't fit is more than just uncomfortable. Too tight presses on the windpipe and cervical spine, chafes the fur and can restrict breathing. Too loose slips over the head — and in the worst case your dog suddenly stands free next to a busy road.
The good news: measuring correctly takes less than two minutes. All you need is a tape measure (or a string and a ruler). And because at RudisRudel we craft every collar made to measure from your cm value, correct measuring directly determines how perfectly the finished collar fits — measured right means: no wrong purchase, no return, and your dog wears its collar comfortably from day one.
How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Correctly
You'll need a flexible tape measure (like for sewing) or alternatively a string + a ruler. Here's how:
- Have your dog stand up. Standing, the neck is in its natural position — don't measure lying down.
- Wrap the tape around the neck at the widest point where the collar will sit: just below the head, above the shoulders.
- Slide two fingers between tape and neck. This automatically builds in the right tolerance — the collar should sit snug but never constrict.
- Read the value in centimetres. That's your dog's neck circumference — enter it in the calculator above.
Collar Size Chart: XXS to XXL
For rough orientation, our sizes are split into 7 ranges — but the collar is then crafted made to measure from your cm value. Here's how to find which range your dog roughly falls into:
| Neck circumference | Size | Typical breeds (guide) |
|---|---|---|
| up to 25 cm | XXS | Chihuahua, very small Yorkies |
| 26–30 cm | XS | smaller Yorkies, Pomeranians |
| 31–35 cm | S | Dachshund, smaller Beagles |
| 36–40 cm | M | Border Collie, Australian Shepherd |
| 41–45 cm | L | Labrador, Golden Retriever |
| 46–50 cm | XL | German Shepherd |
| 51–59 cm | XXL | Bernese Mountain Dog, very large breeds |
The 2-Finger Test: Does It Really Fit?
Once the collar is on, do the quick double-check:
- Two fingers should fit comfortably between collar and neck.
- Only one finger fits → too tight. Go one size up or adjust looser.
- Three or more fingers fit → too loose. The collar may slip over the head.
- The head test: the collar must not slip off over the ears when your dog backs away.
The 4 Most Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring lying down: the neck is compressed then — always measure standing.
- Pulling too tight: the tape should sit loose, not constrict. Otherwise you buy too small.
- Measuring the fur: with dense coat, press it down or the size comes out too big.
- Wrong spot: not at the thinnest point right behind the ears, but where the collar actually sits — a bit lower, at the widest point.
Collar Size for Puppies & Growing Dogs
Puppies grow fast — sometimes several centimetres a month. Two recommendations:
- Adjustability counts: choose a collar with a generous adjustment range so it grows along for a few weeks.
- Re-measure regularly: do the 2-finger test every 2–3 weeks. During the growth phase, a cheaper interim collar makes sense; the final favourite comes once your dog is fully grown.
For very small puppies and miniature breeds we also offer mini collars in 10 mm width — slim and light for delicate necks.
Which Collar for Which Size?
You now know your size — all that's missing is the favourite material. At RudisRudel, all collars are handmade and available in every size from XXS to XXL. Choose your material, then set size and width on the product:
Unsure about the material? Our leather collar guide and the biothane guide help with the choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collar Size
How do I measure neck size without a tape measure?
Take a string or piece of cord, wrap it around the neck at the widest point (with 2 fingers of room), mark the spot and measure the length with a ruler. Enter the result in the calculator above.
Should I add tolerance?
No — just measure the actual neck circumference. The size ranges in our chart already include the necessary tolerance. The only thing that matters is that 2 fingers fit between band and neck while measuring.
My dog is right between two sizes — which one?
When in doubt, the larger size, especially with adjustable collars. That gives you room upward and fits even with thicker winter fur.
How snug should a dog collar sit?
Just so that 2 fingers fit comfortably between collar and neck. Snug enough not to slip over the head, loose enough that nothing presses or chafes.
What size does a puppy need?
It depends on the current neck circumference — measure and use the calculator. Since puppies grow fast, we recommend a well-adjustable collar and re-measuring every 2–3 weeks. For mini breeds there are slim 10 mm mini collars.
Does the size also apply to the bandana?
Yes! Our dog bandanas use the same size logic (neck circumference XXS–XXL). If you know the collar size, you know the bandana size.
Written with ♡ by Julia & quality-checked by CEO Rudi