What is the average neck size for your breed of dog?

average neck size for your dog breed - Petiquette Collars

What is the Average Neck Size for Your Breed of Dog?

Choosing the right size collar for your dog can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time buying one. The good news is that with one quick measurement, you’ll know exactly what size your dog needs — and our handy breed chart can help you double-check.

Before you pick a collar, measure your dog’s neck so you can be confident it will fit comfortably. You don’t need fancy tools — a soft measuring tape is ideal, but a piece of string and a ruler works just as well. Wrap it around the part of the neck where the collar will sit, making sure it’s touching the coat but not so tight that it restricts movement.

If you’d like a more detailed guide, see our measuring guides for Classic CollarsItalian Greyhound CollarsWhippet Collars and Greyhound & Lurcher Collars. These show exactly where to measure so your collar fits perfectly.

Once you’ve measured, you can use the average neck size chart below to see where your dog falls — and whether a standard size will work or if a made-to-order collar would be better.


Jump to Breed Group

Gun Dog | Hound | Pastoral | Terrier | Toy | Utility | Working | Popular Crossbreeds


Gun Dog Group

Active, outdoor breeds that usually benefit from a balanced collar width and durable, soft leather.

An Irish Setter lying on the grass in a sunny field

Browse our Leather Dog Collars for colours and styles to suit active dogs.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
English Setter35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Flat Coated Retriever40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
German Shorthair Pointer40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
Golden Retriever40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
Irish Setter35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Labrador40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
Weimaraner40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
Springer Spaniel35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Cocker Spaniel30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″

Hound Group

Sighthounds and scent hounds often have slender necks — a wider, tapered walking collar offers better comfort and fit.

A Saluki standing gracefully next to a lake

See our full Sighthound Collars collection, handmade to your dog’s exact neck size.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Afghan Hound35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Basenji25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Basset Hound40.6 – 55.9cm16″ – 22″
Beagle30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Greyhound30.5 – 45.7cm12″ – 18″
Irish Wolfhound45.7 – 61cm18″ – 24″
Pharaoh Hound35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Saluki30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Whippet25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″

Pastoral Group

Herding breeds often have thicker coats — soft flat leather or rolled collars can help reduce matting.

A border collie staring directly into the camera lens

Explore our Designer Dog Collars for leather, Swarovski, and made-to-order options.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Australian Shepherd35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Border Collie35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Collie40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
Old English Sheepdog40.6 – 55.9cm16″ – 22″
Shetland Sheep Dog30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Welsh Corgi30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″

Terrier Group

Proportionate collar widths prevent bulk on smaller necks while giving comfort for active movement.

A West Highland Terrier sits on a rock at the beach

See our range of Designer Dog Collars — from classic leather to Swarovski designs.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Airedale Terrier40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
Bedlington Terrier25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Border Terrier25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Bull Terrier35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Cairn Terrier25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Fox Terrier25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Irish Terrier30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Jack Russell Terrier25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Scottish Terrier30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Staffordshire Terrier40.6 – 50.8cm16″ – 20″
West Highland Terrier28 – 35.5cm11″ – 14″
Wheaten Terrier35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Yorkshire Terrier22.9 – 40.6cm9″ – 12″

Toy Group

Lightweight collars or rolled leather designs suit small necks best.

A Shih Tzu running through in the park in Autumn

Browse our Designer Dog Collars for lightweight leather and Swarovski options in every size.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Chihuahua15.2 – 25.4cm6″ – 10″
Chinese Crested20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Havanese20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Italian Greyhound20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Lhasa Apso25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Maltese20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Miniature Dachshund20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Miniature Pinscher20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Papillon20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Pekingese25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Pomeranian20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″
Pug30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Shih Tzu25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Silky Terrier22.9 – 40.6cm9″ – 12″
Toy Poodle20.3 – 30.5cm8″ – 12″

Utility Group

Fit considerations depend on coat type and head shape.

A miniature poodle wearing a coat and sitting in a snowy field

Explore our Designer Dog Collars for everything from leather classics to Swarovski styles.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Boston Terrier30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
French Bulldog30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″
Miniature Poodle25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Standard Poodle35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Schnauzer – Giant45.7 – 61cm18″ – 24″
Schnauzer – Standard35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Schnauzer – Miniature25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Shar Pei35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Shiba Inu30.5 – 40.6cm12″ – 16″

Working Group

Large, strong breeds often need wider collars for comfort and durability.

Two German Shepherds running through the woods

See our Leather Dog Collars — made to order for strength and comfort.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Alaskan Malamute45.7 – 61cm18″ – 24″
Bernese Mountain Dog50.8 – 66cm20″ – 26″
Boxer40.6 – 55.9cm16″ – 22″
Doberman45.7 – 55.9cm18″ – 22″
German Shepherd45.7 – 61cm18″ – 24″
Great Dane50.8 – 66cm20″ – 26″
Rhodesian Ridgeback45.7 – 61cm18″ – 24″
Rottweiller45.7 – 61cm18″ – 24″
St. Bernard55.9 – 71.1cm22″ – 28″
Siberian Husky45.7 – 55.9cm18″ – 22″

Sizes can vary more than purebreds — always measure for accuracy.

A labradoodle standing in the water

Browse our Designer Dog Collars for a custom fit in your choice of colour.

DOG BREEDAVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM)AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES)
Cavachon25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Cavapoo25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Cockapoo25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Goldendoodle35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Labradoodle35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Lurcher35.5 – 45.7cm14″ – 18″
Miniature Goldendoodle25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″
Shichon25.4 – 35.5cm10″ – 14″

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Collar Size

Measuring your dog’s neck is the first step, but choosing the perfect collar also depends on:

  • Collar style – Sighthounds benefit from wider, tapered designs; toy breeds often suit narrower widths; long-coated breeds may need rolled leather to prevent matting.
  • Growing puppies – Choose for their current size and upsize as they grow.
  • Made-to-order sizing – Ideal for in-between sizes or unique proportions.
  • Everyday vs special occasions – Many owners use a simple collar for daily wear and a more decorative design for outings.

Found your dog’s size? Browse collars made exactly to that measurement, handmade in the UK in your choice of colour and style.

Shop Leather Dog Collars | Shop Sighthound Collars | Shop Swarovski Dog Collars


FAQs: Neck Size, Fit and Collar Types

How tight should a dog collar be?

A dog collar should fit so it’s touching your dog’s coat all the way round without being tight enough to cause discomfort or restrict breathing. The aim is a snug fit that won’t slip over the head, but still allows natural movement. Measuring exactly where the collar will sit and ordering to that size gives the best result. All of our collars are made to your dog’s neck size for a safe, comfortable fit.

Do I use the breed chart or my own measurement?

The breed chart is a useful cross-check, but your own measurement should always come first. Every dog is different, even within the same breed, so neck sizes can vary. Use the chart to confirm your measurement looks reasonable, then choose a collar made to your exact size.

Where do I measure a sighthound’s neck?

For sighthounds such as Whippets, Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds, measure at the narrowest part of the neck — just behind the ears and under the chin. This helps reduce the chance of the collar slipping over the head. Our Sighthound Collars are designed to fit comfortably at this point while supporting their slender necks.

What’s the difference between a walking collar and a house collar?

A walking collar is designed for walks and outings, with hardware for attaching a lead. A house collar is a lightweight collar for holding an ID tag at home under supervision, and isn’t intended for use with a lead. Many sighthound owners use a house collar indoors and swap to a walking collar before going out.

Which collar shape suits slender necks?

Dogs with slender necks, such as sighthounds, benefit from collars with a wider, tapered shape. This spreads pressure evenly and provides a secure fit without digging in. Our tapered Sighthound Collars are shaped to give extra comfort and style for these breeds.

My dog has a long coat — will a flat collar rub?

Flat collars can cause matting on long or curly coats if worn for long periods. Rolled leather collars reduce friction and help keep the fur around the neck in good condition. For dogs with thick coats, a soft flat leather collar sized correctly can also work well for walks.

Do puppies need a different collar?

Yes. Puppies grow quickly, so measure their neck as it is now and choose a lightweight, comfortable collar that suits that size. As they grow, you can move them into a collar style suited to their adult coat and build. Our made-to-order collars can be crafted for both puppy and adult sizes.

How wide should a dog collar be?

The ideal collar width depends on the size of your dog’s neck. Small dogs are most comfortable in narrower widths, while larger dogs often need a bit more width for support and comfort. When you order from us, we size the collar’s width in proportion to the neck size you choose.

My dog’s winter coat is thicker — should I size up?

If your dog’s coat changes significantly between seasons, it’s worth re-measuring before ordering. For most dogs, a correctly fitted leather collar will work year-round without needing to size up, as the leather naturally shapes to their coat.

Can I order if my breed isn’t on the chart?

Absolutely. The chart covers the most common breeds, but every dog’s neck size can be measured for a custom fit. Simply measure where the collar will sit and choose your preferred style from our Designer Dog Collars or Sighthound Collars collections.