Answer
Dog collar size chart: what size collar does my dog need?
Measure around your dog’s neck where the collar sits and add 2 inches (room for two fingers): a 14-inch neck needs a collar that adjusts to about 16 inches, ideally in the middle of its range.
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Collar size by neck measurement
| Neck | Collar should fit at | In cm |
|---|---|---|
| 8 in | 10 in | 25 cm |
| 10 in | 12 in | 30 cm |
| 12 in | 14 in | 36 cm |
| 14 in | 16 in | 41 cm |
| 16 in | 18 in | 46 cm |
| 18 in | 20 in | 51 cm |
| 20 in | 22 in | 56 cm |
| 22 in | 24 in | 61 cm |
| 24 in | 26 in | 66 cm |
| 26 in | 28 in | 71 cm |
Checking the fit
- Two fingers slide flat under the collar.
- It can’t slip over the ears when you pull forward gently.
- Recheck puppies every couple of weeks.
More questions
What is the two-finger rule?
You should be able to slide two flat fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck: snug enough not to slip off, loose enough not to rub.
Collar size letters (S, M, L) don’t match?
They’re brand-specific: use the inch range on the label, not the letter.
What size collar does a puppy need?
Measure its neck every couple of weeks and add 2 inches; most owners buy a cheap adjustable collar until it is grown.
What collar size for a Labrador?
Measure your own dog’s neck and add 2 inches; Labradors vary, so a breed-based size can be off.
Are collar sizes the same across brands?
No: S, M and L differ by brand, so match your measurement to the inch range on the label.
Should I measure over the fur?
Yes, measure where the collar sits, over the fur, snug but not tight.
How do I know a collar is too tight?
If two fingers don’t slide flat under it, it is too tight.
Collar or harness for walks?
Dogs that pull often do better on a harness; a collar still holds ID tags.
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Sources
- Two-finger fit rule used across collar makers’ size guides.