How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar
Ordering a collar online means you cannot try it on first. That is fine as long as you measure correctly. A collar that is too tight is uncomfortable and restricts breathing. A collar that is too loose can slip over the head and end up lost in a park. Here is how to measure properly, what the numbers mean, and how different breeds fit differently.
What you need
A soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing) is ideal. If you do not have one, use a piece of string or a shoelace, wrap it around the neck, mark the overlap point, then measure the string against a ruler.
Do not use a rigid tape measure. It will not follow the curve of the neck properly, and your measurement will be inaccurate.
How to measure
Step 1: Have your dog standing or sitting in a relaxed position. If they are excited and pulling, the neck muscles will be tensed and the measurement will come out too large.
Step 2: Wrap the measuring tape around the middle of the neck, roughly where the collar will sit. This is usually about two inches below the ears and two inches above the shoulders. Not at the very top of the neck (too narrow) and not at the base near the chest (too wide).
Step 3: Pull the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and the neck. This is the two-finger rule and it is the standard for comfortable collar fit.
Step 4: Read the measurement in inches. This is your dog's neck size. When ordering a Thwap collar, choose the size range that includes your measurement in the middle of the range, not at the top or bottom edge. That gives room for adjustment in both directions.
Size chart
Thwap collars come in four sizes. Each collar is fully adjustable within its range using the plastic buckle.
XS (8-12 inches): Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, Papillons, and other toy breeds. Also fits puppies of medium breeds during their first few months.
S (11-15 inches): Pugs, French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Corgis. The most popular size for small-to-medium dogs.
M (14-19 inches): Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Bulldogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Covers most medium breeds.
L (18-24 inches): Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Standard Poodles, Huskies. For large breeds and thick-necked dogs.
Fit tips by breed type
Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds): These breeds have narrow heads relative to their necks. A collar that fits the neck may slip over the head. For sighthounds, measure the neck and also measure the widest part of the head. The collar needs to be tighter than normal or you need a martingale-style collar. Our standard buckle collars work for sighthounds but should be fitted at the tighter end of the two-finger rule.
Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers): These dogs often have necks nearly as wide as their heads. A standard collar works well. Measure in the normal position. Because their necks are short, make sure the collar does not ride up against the jaw or down onto the shoulders.
Thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Samoyeds, Chow Chows): The coat adds bulk. Measure through the coat, not under it. The collar sits on top of the fur, so the measurement needs to include the fur thickness. If your dog is measured at 18 inches in winter coat and you order based on that, the collar may be loose after a summer trim.
Growing puppies: Puppies grow fast. Measure every two weeks during the first year. A collar that fits at 10 weeks may be too tight by 14 weeks. Choose a size with plenty of room at the loose end of the adjustment range.
Common mistakes
Measuring too high on the neck: Right behind the ears is the narrowest part. The collar does not sit there. Measure in the middle, where the collar naturally rests.
Measuring too tight: If you pull the tape snug against the skin, the collar will be uncomfortably tight. Remember the two-finger rule.
Ordering at the edge of a size range: If your dog measures 15 inches and the S goes up to 15, order the M instead. You want room for the buckle to sit comfortably in the middle of its adjustment range, not maxed out at one end.
Forgetting seasonal changes: Dogs with double coats are measurably different sizes in winter versus summer. If you measure in winter, the collar may be loose in summer after shedding.
Ready to find the right collar? Browse this week's available collars or check out the vintage tie gallery for upcoming designs.
Not sure about sizing?
Email us your dog's neck measurement and breed. We will recommend the right size.
[email protected]