Dog Care & Advice
How to Measure Your Whippet for a Leather Collar
To order the right collar for your Whippet, you’ll need to measure their neck accurately — especially as Whippets have slim heads and long, delicate necks that need proper support.
This simple guide will show you:
- How to measure your Whippet’s neck for a perfect fit
- How to check the size of an existing collar
- What to do if your dog is between sizes
Once you’ve measured your Whippet, you can explore our full collection of handmade Whippet collars — all crafted to order in Northumberland.
Measuring Your Whippet’s Neck
Whippets need collars that sit high on the neck — just behind the ears and under the chin. This is the narrowest part of the head and helps prevent the collar slipping off if your dog pulls backwards.
Follow these simple steps:
- Use a soft tape measure and gently wrap it around the top of the neck, just behind the ears and under the jaw.
- Make sure it’s snug but not tight — it should rest against the fur without pinching.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimetres.
Tip: Choose a collar size where your dog’s neck measurement is closest to the smallest hole in the size range. This allows room for adjustment as needed.
Need help deciding which collar style is best? Read our Complete Guide to Choosing a Whippet Collar.
Measuring an Existing Collar
Already have a collar that fits well? You can use it to check sizing:
- Lay the collar flat on a surface.
- Measure from the tip of the leather at the buckle (where the metal prong sticks out) to the hole you normally fasten.
Don’t measure the full length of the collar — this won’t give you an accurate fit.
For example:
If your current collar measures 12 inches using this method, choose a size where 12 inches falls in the middle of the adjustment range — such as 11–13 inches.
Custom Sizes Are Available
If your Whippet’s measurement falls between sizes, don’t worry — all of our leather collars are made to order. We can create a custom size to ensure the perfect fit.
You can also add notes at checkout or contact us directly if you’re unsure.
Next Steps for Finding the Perfect Fit:
- Best Collars for Whippet Puppies
- Choosing the Right Whippet Collar: A Complete Guide
- Are Martingale Collars Good for Whippets?
FAQs About Measuring a Whippet for a Collar
Where should I measure a Whippet’s neck?
Just behind the ears and under the chin — the narrowest part of the neck.
How tight should the collar be?
It should sit snug against the fur without being tight. Avoid using fingers as measurement though (we all have different sized fingers!)
Can I just use the total length of an old collar?
No — always measure from where the buckle prong sticks out of the leather to the hole you use, not the total collar length.
What if my Whippet is between sizes?
We offer custom sizing for all our collars. Just add a note at checkout or get in touch.