Unsure about sizing?
Check out our Size Guide
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 Collars, Italian Greyhound Collars, Whippet 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.
Gun Dog | Hound | Pastoral | Terrier | Toy | Utility | Working | Popular Crossbreeds
Active, outdoor breeds that usually benefit from a balanced collar width and durable, soft leather.
Browse our Leather Dog Collars for colours and styles to suit active dogs.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
English Setter | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Flat Coated Retriever | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
German Shorthair Pointer | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
Golden Retriever | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
Irish Setter | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Labrador | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
Weimaraner | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
Springer Spaniel | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Cocker Spaniel | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Sighthounds and scent hounds often have slender necks — a wider, tapered walking collar offers better comfort and fit.
See our full Sighthound Collars collection, handmade to your dog’s exact neck size.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Afghan Hound | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Basenji | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Basset Hound | 40.6 – 55.9cm | 16″ – 22″ |
Beagle | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Greyhound | 30.5 – 45.7cm | 12″ – 18″ |
Irish Wolfhound | 45.7 – 61cm | 18″ – 24″ |
Pharaoh Hound | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Saluki | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Whippet | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Herding breeds often have thicker coats — soft flat leather or rolled collars can help reduce matting.
Explore our Designer Dog Collars for leather, Swarovski, and made-to-order options.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Australian Shepherd | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Border Collie | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Collie | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
Old English Sheepdog | 40.6 – 55.9cm | 16″ – 22″ |
Shetland Sheep Dog | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Welsh Corgi | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Proportionate collar widths prevent bulk on smaller necks while giving comfort for active movement.
See our range of Designer Dog Collars — from classic leather to Swarovski designs.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Airedale Terrier | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
Bedlington Terrier | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Border Terrier | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Bull Terrier | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Cairn Terrier | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Fox Terrier | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Irish Terrier | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Jack Russell Terrier | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Scottish Terrier | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Staffordshire Terrier | 40.6 – 50.8cm | 16″ – 20″ |
West Highland Terrier | 28 – 35.5cm | 11″ – 14″ |
Wheaten Terrier | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Yorkshire Terrier | 22.9 – 40.6cm | 9″ – 12″ |
Lightweight collars or rolled leather designs suit small necks best.
Browse our Designer Dog Collars for lightweight leather and Swarovski options in every size.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Chihuahua | 15.2 – 25.4cm | 6″ – 10″ |
Chinese Crested | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Havanese | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Italian Greyhound | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Lhasa Apso | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Maltese | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Miniature Dachshund | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Miniature Pinscher | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Papillon | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Pekingese | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Pomeranian | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Pug | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Shih Tzu | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Silky Terrier | 22.9 – 40.6cm | 9″ – 12″ |
Toy Poodle | 20.3 – 30.5cm | 8″ – 12″ |
Fit considerations depend on coat type and head shape.
Explore our Designer Dog Collars for everything from leather classics to Swarovski styles.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Boston Terrier | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
French Bulldog | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Miniature Poodle | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Standard Poodle | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Schnauzer – Giant | 45.7 – 61cm | 18″ – 24″ |
Schnauzer – Standard | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Schnauzer – Miniature | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Shar Pei | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Shiba Inu | 30.5 – 40.6cm | 12″ – 16″ |
Large, strong breeds often need wider collars for comfort and durability.
See our Leather Dog Collars — made to order for strength and comfort.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Alaskan Malamute | 45.7 – 61cm | 18″ – 24″ |
Bernese Mountain Dog | 50.8 – 66cm | 20″ – 26″ |
Boxer | 40.6 – 55.9cm | 16″ – 22″ |
Doberman | 45.7 – 55.9cm | 18″ – 22″ |
German Shepherd | 45.7 – 61cm | 18″ – 24″ |
Great Dane | 50.8 – 66cm | 20″ – 26″ |
Rhodesian Ridgeback | 45.7 – 61cm | 18″ – 24″ |
Rottweiller | 45.7 – 61cm | 18″ – 24″ |
St. Bernard | 55.9 – 71.1cm | 22″ – 28″ |
Siberian Husky | 45.7 – 55.9cm | 18″ – 22″ |
Sizes can vary more than purebreds — always measure for accuracy.
Browse our Designer Dog Collars for a custom fit in your choice of colour.
DOG BREED | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (CM) | AVERAGE NECK SIZE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
Cavachon | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Cavapoo | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Cockapoo | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Goldendoodle | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Labradoodle | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Lurcher | 35.5 – 45.7cm | 14″ – 18″ |
Miniature Goldendoodle | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Shichon | 25.4 – 35.5cm | 10″ – 14″ |
Measuring your dog’s neck is the first step, but choosing the perfect collar also depends on:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.