How tight should a dog collar be?

Updated 07/11/2023

Dog collar sizes can be a head scratcher. What is the perfect dog collar fit and collar size for your furry friend? 

As well as being a safe and (sometimes) snazzy accessory, dog collars are essential for all outdoor activities. Not only do they keep your pooch safe on walks (by securely connecting to their lead), they also carry an identification tag in case your drool baby decides to go on a solo adventure. Collars are important and finding the right dog collar fit is just as crucial.

Well, we’ve done some digging to fetch back the answers for all you pet parents. Here’s our guide to finding the right collar size for your pup pal to ensure your dog is a comfortable canine.

Should my fur baby wear a collar?

The question of whether my pup should sport a dog harness or wear a collar, is a topical debate. However, if you decide not to go with a dog harness, you must choose for your furry friend to wear a collar. As mentioned above, collars keep your favorite friend safe and in check with the law. No pooch wants the police on their tail!

Ultimately, it’s all down to the personal preference of the pet parent and their pooch. Every furry friend is different and some will have a higher tolerance for collars and harnesses than others.

How should a dog collar fit?

There are a few different ways to work out dog collar sizing. Firstly, there is the two finger rule. Put your pupper’s collar on and see if you can fit both an index and middle finger under the collar. If you struggle to fit your fingers between the collar and your pooch, the collar is too tight. On the flip side, if you can easily put your fingers under there with a lot of room to spare, the collar is too loose. Basically, it should be snug but not too tight to constrict your dog’s throat

Secondly, you can measure your dog with a tape measure. Use a soft tape measure and circle it around your dog’s neck once - not too tight, make sure your furry friend can still easily breathe. Round the measurement to the nearest inch, then add an inch or two to that number to match the finger rule. 

Finally, for the pup parents of dogs with triangular-shaped heads - Greyhounds, Huskies, Bull Terriers, to name a few - will need to do a slip test. This includes Houdini hounds, those sneaky sniffers who have learned to remove their own collars. Once you’ve measured and finger tested your dog, gently move the collar up their necks to see if it can easily slide over their heads. Please, don’t try and force the collar over. If it can’t go over their heads with a soft push, you should be good to go!

Finding the right collar size for your pup pal

Fret not, there is a collar size chart for dogs! Yes, just like with human clothes, collar size can be determined on a scale. These range from XXS (Chihuahua, Teacup Terriers) to XL (Great Danes, Newfoundlands, etc). The size of your dog will, of course, impact their collar fit. PetSmart has a detailed guide on finding the paw-fect fit and compares dog breeds for each size.

For new playful puppies, you can purchase special puppy collars which can be easily adjusted as they grow. Remember, even with full-grown dogs, pet parents must regularly check their dog collar sizes at least every month. 

Are collars uncomfortable for dogs?

A dog’s collar should always be comfortable. This can be done by making sure you have the right measurements for their collar, your dog isn’t allergic to the material, and to regularly check the skin around their necks.

Skin irritation and sores can easily occur if the dog collar is too tight. It can also restrict a dog’s airways making it hard for them to breathe. Similarly, if a collar is too loose this could cause it to easily catch on a branch or low fence post which can also harm your pup.

Many pet stores will often let you try before you buy so you can try different types of dog collar, compare them to the size of your dog, and hopefully go home with their tail wagging.

Different types of dog collar

There are many different types of collars out there, you just need to find the right one for your snuffling silly. Here is our list of the top types of dog collar recommended by most vets and dog behaviorists:

1. Everyday collars

Also called the flat collar, these are your standard, day-to-day dog collar. Either clipped together with a plastic tag or strapped on with a traditional buckle, these come in a range of styles and materials. If the dog collar fits, it’s down to personal preference from then onwards!

2. Smart collars

Smart collars, or GPS collars, are the most modern of apex accessories. They have the same dog collar fit as an everyday collar, except they have a built-in tracking system. If your precious pooch is an adventurer at heart, these are ideal for keeping an eye on them.

3. Martingale collars

Paw-fect for those sneaky snuffles or those with triangular heads, these are sometimes called the Greyhound or anti-slip collar. Any excessive tugging or force will cause the collar to tighten slightly. However, if fitted correctly, these will never exceed a certain size to prevent your fur baby from choking.

4. Vibrating collars

Ideal for deaf doggos, they emit a soft vibration to help train pups who are hard of hearing - working much like a clicker. Do note, though, that vibration collars aren't suitable for all pups, such as dogs with anxiety or those with particularly long-haired locks.

Meet our veterinary expert, Aisling

This article has been checked by veterinarian Aisling O’Keeffe MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB. Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland. 

If you’re ever worried about your dog’s collar size or anything related to your dog’s neck, all TrustedHousesitters members have access to our 24/7 Vet Advice line for any pet concerns whilst on a sit. For those looking for their next cat carer, have a look to see the latest cat sitter available in your local area.