How to Measure Your Dog for the Perfect Collar
A beautiful collar should look wonderful, feel comfortable and fit your dog securely. With so many different shapes,
sizes and styles to choose from, taking one simple measurement before shopping makes finding the perfect collar much easier.
Here is Daisy’s straightforward guide to measuring your dog at home.
What you will need
A soft dressmaker’s measuring tape is easiest to use. If you do not have one, use a piece of ribbon or string and measure it against a ruler afterwards.
Have a few treats nearby and measure your dog while they are standing comfortably. A little distraction can make the whole process much easier.
Measuring your dog’s neck
Gently wrap the measuring tape around the part of your dog’s neck where their collar would normally sit. The tape should lie flat without pulling tightly. You should be able to fit approximately two fingers comfortably between the tape and your dog’s neck.
Make a note of the measurement in centimetres and inches, as different collar brands may use different sizing guides.
Measure twice to make sure you have an accurate result—especially if your dog has a thick or fluffy coat.
Measuring an existing collar
If your dog already has a collar that fits beautifully, you can use it as a helpful guide.
Lay the collar flat and measure from the point where the buckle meets the material to the hole your dog normally wears it on. Do not measure the collar from end to end, as this will give you a much larger measurement than the actual fit.
For adjustable clip collars, fasten the collar and measure around the inside rather than measuring its total length.
Check each collar’s size guide
A small collar in one brand may be a different size in another, so always check the measurements shown on the individual product page.
If your dog’s measurement falls between two sizes, consider:
- How much adjustment each size offers
- The width and weight of the collar
- The thickness of your dog’s coat
- Whether your dog is still growing
- Where the collar naturally sits on their neck
If you are unsure, contact the Daisy’s team and we will help you compare the options.
Choosing the perfect style
Once you know the correct size, you can enjoy choosing a collar that suits your dog’s personality.
Think about their colouring, coat, lifestyle and the occasions when they will wear it. You might choose an elegant everyday collar, a sparkling birthday design or a complete matching collar-and-lead set.
The best collar is one that combines a comfortable fit with a design that feels completely like your dog.
Visit Daisy’s for a fitting
Dogs are welcome inside Daisy’s Dog Empawrium at Bluewater for collar, harness and clothing fittings.
Bring your dog along and our team can help measure them, compare sizes and find a collar that looks beautiful and feels comfortable. They can then help choose a matching lead, bow tie or accessory to complete the look.
Dogs can be carried or walked to Daisy’s from The Village entrance only.
Please call us on 01322 837676 before travelling if you would like to check the current arrangements.