How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar or Bandana (Size Chart by Breed)
To measure your dog for a collar, wrap a soft tape measure around the neck where the collar naturally sits, which is a few centimetres below the ears and above the shoulders. Read the number, then add 2 to 3 cm for comfort. Check the fit with the two finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers flat between the collar and the neck, no more and no less. If your dog falls between two sizes, size up. Below is the full method, a dog collar size chart by breed, a separate chart for bandana collars, and the four mistakes that cause most returns.
In this article
- What you need
- How do I measure my dog's neck in 3 steps?
- What size collar does my dog need?
- Do bandana collars use the same sizes?
- What size collar does a puppy need?
- 4 mistakes that cause a bad fit
- FAQ
What you need
- A soft tape measure, the kind used for sewing.
- No tape measure? Use a piece of string or a phone charging cable, mark the overlap point with your thumb, then hold it against a ruler.
- A calm dog. Measure after a walk, not before one.
How do I measure my dog's neck in 3 steps?
Step 1: Find where the collar actually sits
Not at the very top of the neck under the jaw, and not down at the shoulders. The right spot is the middle of the neck, roughly two to three finger widths below the ears. On a dog with a thick ruff, part the coat with your fingers first so you are measuring the neck and not the fur.
Step 2: Wrap and read
Bring the tape around and let it sit flat against the coat without compressing it. Snug, not tight. Write the number down in centimetres or inches, whichever the shop you are buying from uses, and do not convert in your head at checkout.
Step 3: Add the comfort allowance, then check with two fingers
Add 2 to 3 cm, or about 1 inch, to your measurement. That allowance is what makes the difference between a collar that fits and a collar that chafes. Once the collar is on, slide two fingers flat between the collar and the neck. Two fingers with slight resistance is correct. One finger is too tight. Four fingers means your dog can back out of it, which is the exact scenario a collar exists to prevent. The American Kennel Club uses the same two finger check.
What size collar does my dog need? Dog collar size chart by breed
Use this dog collar size chart as a starting point, not as a substitute for measuring. Neck size varies enormously inside a breed, and a well muscled Labrador and a slim one can be two sizes apart. The sizes below match our Evergreen walk sets.
| Size | Neck circumference | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, small Dachshund |
| S | 28 to 38 cm (11 to 15 in) | Standard Dachshund, Pug, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu |
| M | 35 to 45 cm (14 to 18 in) | French Bulldog, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie |
| L | 42 to 52 cm (17 to 20 in) | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Australian Shepherd |
| XL | 48 to 60 cm (19 to 24 in) | Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Great Dane |
Two breed notes worth knowing. Dachshunds have long, comparatively slim necks, so if yours measures between XS and S, start with XS. French Bulldogs and Pugs have necks that are close to the width of their heads, so a collar that fits the neck can still slip off over the head. For those breeds a harness or a well adjusted bandana collar is often the better everyday choice.
Velvet lined collar, rope leash and matching poop bag holder, in five colours. Fits necks from 20 cm to 60 cm across the size range.
Do bandana collars use the same sizes as regular collars?
No, and this is where most people get it wrong. A bandana collar has two dimensions that matter: the adjustable collar strap, which has to fit the neck, and the fabric triangle, which has to look right against the dog's chest. A Border Collie in a size S bandana does not look badly fitted so much as underdressed.
| Size | Collar circumference | Bandana width x height | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 25.4 to 43.2 cm (10 to 17 in) | 17.8 x 8.3 cm | Cats, Chihuahuas, puppies |
| M | 30.5 to 51.4 cm (12 to 20.25 in) | 23.5 x 13.3 cm | Dachshunds, Pugs, Frenchies |
| L | 36.2 to 58.4 cm (14.25 to 23 in) | 30.5 x 15.2 cm | Beagles, Collies, Labradors |
| XL | 39.4 to 59.7 cm (15.5 to 23.5 in) | 36.8 x 18.4 cm | Bernese, German Shepherds, Great Danes |
Measurements are taken with the bandana laid flat. Because the strap is adjustable, the ranges overlap. When two sizes both fit the neck, pick the one whose fabric suits the dog's chest, which usually means the larger of the two. If you are still deciding between a collar, a bandana and a full set, we broke down the differences in 7 dog set trends for 2026.
Adjustable strap with a secure buckle, the dog's name in script on the lower corner. Machine washable, cold and gentle, air dry.
What size collar does a puppy need?
Puppies outgrow collars fast, and a growing dog is the one situation where buying to last is a mistake. Buy an inexpensive adjustable collar now, remeasure every four to six weeks until roughly 12 months, and only then buy the collar you actually want. If you are gifting a walk set to a puppy household, an adjustable bandana collar is the safer choice, because the strap covers a wide range while the puppy grows into it.
4 mistakes that cause a bad fit
- Measuring over thick fur. On a double coated breed the measurement can come out 3 to 4 cm too large. Part the coat first.
- Measuring in the wrong place. High up under the jaw gives a number that is far too small. Measure where the collar will actually sit.
- Buying tight so it "does not slip". A tight collar rubs and can restrict breathing. A collar that stays on is one that fits with two fingers of room, not one that is cinched down.
- Never checking again. Weight changes, seasonal coat changes and a puppy's growth all change the fit. Recheck the two finger test every few months, and after a grooming appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my dog's neck for a collar?
Wrap a soft tape measure around the middle of the neck where the collar sits, keep it flat and snug without compressing the coat, then add 2 to 3 cm. Confirm with the two finger rule once the collar is on.
How tight should a dog collar be?
Tight enough that it will not slip over the head, loose enough that two fingers slide flat underneath with slight resistance. If you can only fit one finger, go a size up.
What size collar does my dog need if it is between two sizes?
Size up in almost every case, since most collars adjust downward but not upward. The exception is a slim necked breed such as a Dachshund, where starting at the smaller size often fits better.
Can I measure my dog without a tape measure?
Yes. Wrap a piece of string or a charging cable around the neck, mark where it overlaps, then measure the marked length against a ruler.
Do bandana collars use the same sizes as regular collars?
No. Bandana collar sizes are driven by the size of the fabric as well as the adjustable strap, and the strap ranges overlap between sizes. Check the bandana size chart above rather than assuming your collar size carries over.
How often should I recheck the fit?
Every four to six weeks for a puppy under 12 months, and every few months for an adult dog, plus any time the dog's weight or coat changes noticeably.
Got your measurement? Now the fun part
Walk sets in five colours, and bandana collars you can personalize with the dog's name.
Shop collars and walk sets →Free shipping over $60. Not sure on size? Email support@mvmshop.co and we will help.
MVM SitHappens is a dog lifestyle brand founded in Switzerland, making breed-specific apparel and accessories for dogs and the people who love them.