A dog collar might seem like just another cute accessory, but it’s actually a must-have for your dog’s safety and in many places, it’s even required by law – as said by PDSA veterinary nurse, Shauna Walsh.
But picking the right collar isn’t always as simple as it sounds. With so many sizes, types, and materials out there, it’s easy to feel lost. I know because I’ve been there too, standing in the pet store aisle wondering how to tell if a dog collar size in inches or dog collar sizes in cm would even fit my dog properly.
Too tight, and it’s uncomfortable, too loose, and it might slip off when you least expect it. That’s why understanding things like the average dog collar size with the help of a chart and how to measure your dog the right way can make a big difference.
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How to Measure Dog Collar Size
Measuring the collar size is no rocket science, it’s pretty simple. All you need is a measuring tape and dog collar size chart (like one below) to compare the size to.
Wrap the tape around the thickest part of your dog’s neck, usually right above the shoulders. Make sure it’s not too tight, just enough that you can slip two fingers between the tape and your dog’s skin easily. That’s your ideal fit.
Now, check the measurement. If you’re shopping using dog collar size in inches, just note the number directly. If you’re looking at dog collar sizes in cm, multiply the inches by 2.54 to convert. (For example, 14 inches would be about 35.5 cm.)
To get a better understanding of the average dog collar size, take a look at this chart.
Dog Collar Size Chart
| Collar Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| XXS (Toy) | 5″ – 9″ | 13 – 23 cm | ⅜” |
| XS (Extra Small) | 6″ – 10″ | 15 – 25 cm | ⅜” – ½” |
| S (Small) | 10″ – 14″ | 25 – 35 cm | ½” – ¾” |
| S/M (Small-Medium) | 12″ – 16″ | 30 – 40 cm | ¾” |
| M (Medium) | 14″ – 18″ | 35 – 45 cm | ¾” – 1″ |
| M/L (Medium-Large) | 16″ – 20″ | 40 – 50 cm | 1″ |
| L (Large) | 18″ – 22″ | 45 – 56 cm | 1″ – 1¼” |
| L/XL (Large-Extra Large) | 20″ – 24″ | 50 – 61 cm | 1¼” |
| XL (Extra Large) | 22″ – 26″ | 56 – 66 cm | 1¼” – 1½” |
| XXL (Giant) | 26″ – 30″ | 66 – 76 cm | 1½” – 2″ |
Dog Collar Sizes by Breed
When it comes to picking the right collar, your dog’s breed can give you a good starting point. Different breeds tend to fall into general size categories, but every dog is a little different depending on their build, neck thickness, and coat type.
| Breed | Neck Size (inches) | Neck Size (cm) | Recommended Collar Size |
| Chihuahua | 6″ – 10″ | 15 – 25 cm | XS |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 6″ – 9″ | 15 – 23 cm | XS |
| Pomeranian | 7″ – 12″ | 18 – 30 cm | XS |
| Shih Tzu | 10″ – 14″ | 25 – 36 cm | S |
| Dachshund (Mini) | 8″ – 12″ | 20 – 30 cm | S |
| French Bulldog | 12″ – 16″ | 30 – 40 cm | S/M |
| Beagle | 12″ – 18″ | 30 – 46 cm | M |
| Cocker Spaniel | 14″ – 20″ | 36 – 51 cm | M |
| Border Collie | 14″ – 20″ | 36 – 51 cm | M/L |
| Bulldog (English) | 18″ – 24″ | 46 – 61 cm | L |
| Golden Retriever | 18″ – 24″ | 46 – 61 cm | L |
| Labrador Retriever | 18″ – 24″ | 46 – 61 cm | L |
| Boxer | 16″ – 22″ | 41 – 56 cm | L |
| German Shepherd | 18″ – 26″ | 46 – 66 cm | L/XL |
| Doberman | 18″ – 24″ | 46 – 61 cm | L |
| Great Dane | 20″ – 30″ | 51 – 76 cm | XL/XXL |
| Mastiff | 26″ – 30″ | 66 – 76 cm | XXL |
| Saint Bernard | 26″ – 30″ | 66 – 76 cm | XXL |
Dog Collar Size Chart by Age
Age plays a bigger role in collar sizing than you might think. Puppies grow pretty fast so a collar that fits perfectly today might be too tight a few months down the line. For young puppies, you’ll usually start with a small dog collar size often adjustable.
As they grow, you’ll need to check their fit regularly. It’s a good idea to size up to a medium dog collar size as your puppy reaches their teenage months. Adult dogs generally settle into one size, whether that’s small, medium, or large, depending on their breed and build.
| Age Range | Neck Size (inches) | Neck Size (cm) | Collar Size |
| 8–12 weeks | 6″ – 9″ | 15 – 23 cm | XXS – XS |
| 3–6 months | 8″ – 12″ | 20 – 30 cm | XS – S |
| 6–12 months | 10″ – 16″ | 25 – 40 cm | S – M |
| 1–2 years | 14″ – 20″ | 36 – 51 cm | M – L |
| 2+ years (adult) | 18″ – 26″ | 46 – 66 cm | L – XL |
| Senior dogs (varies by breed) | 18″ – 30″ | 46 – 76 cm | L – XXL |
Dog Collar Size Chart by Weight
While breed and age give you clues, weight is often one of the easiest ways to guess your dog’s collar size especially if you can’t measure right away.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Dogs under 10 pounds usually wear a small dog collar size (around 8–14 inches).
- Dogs between 10–50 pounds fit into the medium dog collar size range (14–20 inches).
- Dogs over 50 pounds typically need a large dog collar size (18 inches and up).
| Dog Weight | Neck Size (inches) | Neck Size (cm) | Collar Size |
| Under 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 6″ – 10″ | 15 – 25 cm | XXS – XS |
| 10 – 20 lbs (4.5 – 9 kg) | 10″ – 14″ | 25 – 36 cm | XS – S |
| 20 – 40 lbs (9 – 18 kg) | 12″ – 18″ | 30 – 46 cm | S – M |
| 40 – 60 lbs (18 – 27 kg) | 16″ – 22″ | 41 – 56 cm | M – L |
| 60 – 90 lbs (27 – 41 kg) | 18″ – 26″ | 46 – 66 cm | L – XL |
| Over 90 lbs (41+ kg) | 22″ – 30″ | 56 – 76 cm | XL – XXL |
Popular Dog Collar Brands and Their Sizing
Different brands offer slightly different fits, materials, and sizing options. Lets see some popular dog collar brands, what makes them special, and how to find the right size.
Rogz Dog Collar Size Chart
Rogz is a popular brand known for its colorful, tough, and stylish collars. They’re made with different materials like nylon webbing and padded options for extra comfort. You’ll find options in both dog collar size in inches and dog collar sizes in cm.
| Collar Size | Neck Size (cm) | Neck Size (inches) | Collar Width |
| X-Small (Firefly) | 16 – 22 cm | 6.3 – 8.7 in | 11 mm (0.43 in) |
| Small (Nitelife) | 20 – 31 cm | 7.9 – 12.2 in | 11 mm (0.43 in) |
| Medium (Snake) | 26 – 40 cm | 10.2 – 15.7 in | 16 mm (0.63 in) |
| Large (Fanbelt) | 34 – 56 cm | 13.4 – 22 in | 20 mm (0.79 in) |
| X-Large (Lumberjack) | 43 – 70 cm | 16.9 – 27.6 in | 25 mm (0.98 in) |
| XX-Large (Landing Strip) | 50 – 80 cm | 19.7 – 31.5 in | 40 mm (1.57 in) |
BB Simon Dog Collar Size Chart
BB Simon collars are more about luxury and style, they’re often decorated with crystals and fancy designs. They tend to run true to size but can be a bit heavier because of their design elements.
| Size | Neck Size (inches) | Neck Size (cm) | Collar Width |
| Small | 13.5″ | 34.3 cm | Not specified |
| Medium | 16.5″ | 41.9 cm | Not specified |
| Large | 19.5″ | 49.5 cm | Not specified |
Note: BB Simon’s sizing is based on belt measurements; it’s recommended to go up one size from your dog’s actual neck size for a comfortable fit.
Kong Dog Collar Size Chart
Kong, a trusted name in durable dog toys, also makes sturdy collars. They’re built with strong hardware and thick materials meant to handle tough pullers. You can find small dog collar sizes starting at around 10 inches, and large dog collar sizes going up past 26 inches.
KONG collars are typically available in standard sizes:
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| Small | 10″ – 14″ | 25.4 – 35.6 cm | 5/8″ (1.6 cm) |
| Medium | 14″ – 20″ | 35.6 – 50.8 cm | 3/4″ (1.9 cm) |
| Large | 18″ – 26″ | 45.7 – 66 cm | 1″ (2.5 cm) |
Note: Specific sizing may vary by product; always refer to the product’s sizing chart.
Orvis Dog Collar Size Chart
Orvis is well-known for outdoor gear, and their dog collars are no different — tough, weather-resistant, and designed for dogs that love to explore. They’re especially good for medium to large active breeds.
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| Small | 10″ – 14″ | 25.4 – 35.6 cm | 5/8″ (1.6 cm) |
| Medium | 14″ – 18″ | 35.6 – 45.7 cm | 3/4″ (1.9 cm) |
| Large | 18″ – 22″ | 45.7 – 55.9 cm | 1″ (2.5 cm) |
| X-Large | 22″ – 26″ | 55.9 – 66 cm | 1″ (2.5 cm) |
Note: Sizes may vary slightly depending on the collar style.
WeatherBeeta Dog Collar Size Chart
WeatherBeeta mainly specializes in protective gear for horses, but their dog products are just as tough. Their collars are waterproof and lightweight.
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| Small | 10″ – 14″ | 25.4 – 35.6 cm | Not specified |
| Medium | 14″ – 18″ | 35.6 – 45.7 cm | Not specified |
| Large | 18″ – 22″ | 45.7 – 55.9 cm | Not specified |
Note: It’s recommended to measure your dog’s neck and refer to the specific product’s sizing chart.
Top Paw Dog Collar Size Chart
Top Paw is a brand you’ll often see at PetSmart, affordable, dependable, and great for everyday use. You can also find lots of fun colors and patterns for your pup. Top Paw collars start at small dog collar sizes (8–12 inches) and go up to large dog collar sizes (over 24 inches), covering almost every breed.
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| X-Small | 8″ – 11″ | 20.3 – 27.9 cm | Not specified |
| Small | 10″ – 14″ | 25.4 – 35.6 cm | Not specified |
| Medium | 12″ – 16″ | 30.5 – 40.6 cm | Not specified |
| Large | 14″ – 20″ | 35.6 – 50.8 cm | Not specified |
| X-Large | 18″ – 26″ | 45.7 – 66 cm | Not specified |
Note: Collar widths may vary by style.
Paracord Dog Collar Size Chart
Paracord dog collars are handwoven using durable paracord rope. They’re ideal for adventurous dogs that need a reliable collar for hiking, swimming, or rough play. Paracord collars are often custom-made. A general sizing guide:
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| Small | Up to 13″ | Up to 33 cm | Varies |
| Medium | 14″ – 17″ | 35.6 – 43.2 cm | Varies |
| Large | 18″ – 21″ | 45.7 – 53.3 cm | Varies |
| X-Large | 22″ and above | 55.9 cm and above | Varies |
Note: It’s essential to provide exact neck measurements when ordering custom paracord collars.
Carhartt Dog Collar Size Chart
Carhartt is famous for its rugged workwear, and their dog collars are no exception. Made from heavy-duty materials like nylon webbing with sturdy hardware, Carhartt collars are built for durability.
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) | Collar Width |
| Small/Medium | 12″ – 18″ | 30.5 – 45.7 cm | 1″ (2.5 cm) |
| Large | 18″ – 26″ | 45.7 – 66 cm | 1″ (2.5 cm) |
Inflatable Dog Collar Size Chart
Inflatable dog collars aren’t your typical daily collar, they’re used as a more comfortable alternative to the traditional plastic “cone” after surgeries or injuries.
Inflatable collars are typically sized based on neck circumference:
| Size | Neck Size Range (inches) | Neck Size Range (cm) |
| Small | 6″ – 12″ | 15.2 – 30.5 cm |
| Medium | 10″ – 14″ | 25.4 – 35.6 cm |
| Large | 14″ – 18″ | 35.6 – 45.7 cm |
| X-Large | 18″ – 22″ | 45.7 – 55.9 cm |
FAQs
How do I know what size collar my dog needs?
The best way to find your dog’s correct collar size is by measuring their neck with a soft tape measure. Compare your measurement to the brand’s size chart whether you’re looking at dog collar size in inches or dog collar sizes in cm.
What is the average dog collar size?
The average dog collar size for most adult dogs usually falls between 14 to 22 inches. Small breeds need less, while bigger breeds can go much larger. Always measure your dog rather than guessing, since even dogs of the same breed can vary.
Is there a standard size for small, medium, and large dog collars?
In general:
- Small dog collar size: 8–14 inches
- Medium dog collar size: 14–20 inches
- Large dog collar size: 18–28+ inches
However, every brand might have slight differences.
Can I use the same collar as my dog grows?
If your dog is a puppy, it’s unlikely the same collar will fit forever. You’ll probably start with a small dog collar size, move to a medium dog collar size, and possibly end up at a large dog collar size as they reach adulthood. Look for adjustable collars that can grow a little with them.
Should I pick a collar by breed or by weight?
Breed gives you a good hint, but weight and actual neck measurement are more reliable. Two dogs of the same breed can have very different builds, so it’s always better to measure and check the brand’s sizing guide.