How to Measure a Dog's Neck Size

Wearing a collar is critical for dogs. Owners control their animals with collars. A collar also serves as the dog's wallet, holding such important data as emergency contact information and proof of vaccinations. Owners do not just need to buy a collar; they also need to know how to fit it properly. A poorly fitted collar can cause difficulty breathing if it is too tight, or the dog can easily slip out of it while on the leash if it is too loose.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible tape measure
  • Adjustable dog collar
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Instructions

  1. Fitting a Dog Collar

    • 1

      Have your dog sit or stand in a comfortable position. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the middle of its neck, half-way between the bottom of the dog's ears and the base of the neck. Tighten the tape measure enough that it sets against the fur but is not constricting the neck. Read the measurement.

    • 2

      Purchase an adjustable collar made of either nylon or leather that is the length of the measurement you took of your dog's neck. For dogs smaller than 50 pounds, use a collar that is 1 inch wide or less. For dogs larger than 50 pounds, use a collar that is 2 inches wide.

    • 3

      Buckle the collar around the dog's neck, snugly enough that you can fit two fingers under it. This is the general rule for how tight a dog collar should be.

    • 4

      After the dog has worn the collar for several hours, check to see that it has not loosened too much if it is made of flexible material like nylon. Readjust its tightness as necessary so you can slip two fingers under it.