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PawScales

Dog Collar Size Chart

Measure your dog's neck where the collar sits and add about 2 inches, so two fingers fit under the collar. A 14-inch neck needs a 16-inch collar. Enter the neck measurement for the collar length and the generic size band.

By Sikander Malik · Updated October 10, 2026 · Sources

in

Where the collar sits, with two fingers under the tape.

Collar length

16in

That's the neck plus 2 inches (the two-finger rule).

Generic sizeS
Also equals41 cm

Sizes vary by brand. Check the brand's own chart before buying.

Estimates only, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your pet’s health.

How to use it

  1. Measure around the neck where the collar normally sits, not up at the ears.
  2. Keep the tape snug but slip two fingers underneath.
  3. Enter the measurement in inches or centimeters.
  4. Read the collar length (neck + 2 in) and the size band it falls in.
A black Labrador wearing a blue collar, shown in profile

Photo: Michael Morse / Pexels

The formula, with two examples

The rule is simple: collar length = neck + 2 inches, the two-finger rule. The extra room keeps the collar comfortable without slipping over the head. Sizes labelled XS to XXL vary between brands, so use the inches, not just the letter.

Example 1. A 14-inch neck needs a 16-inch collar.

Example 2. A 30 cm neck needs 30 + 5.08 = about a 35 cm collar.

What this calculator doesn’t cover

  • Puppies, whose necks grow fast; re-measure every 2 weeks.
  • Martingale and prong collars, which are fitted differently.
  • Harness fit, which uses chest girth instead of neck.
Generic collar sizes by neck
SizeNeck
XS8–12 in
S10–14 in
M14–20 in
L18–26 in
XL24–30 in
Generic bands; sizes vary by brand, so check the brand’s own chart.
Typical neck size by breed
BreedNeck (in)
Chihuahua8–12
Yorkshire Terrier8–12
Pomeranian9–12
Dachshund10–14
French Bulldog12–16
Pug12–16
Beagle12–16
Cocker Spaniel12–16
Border Collie14–18
Australian Shepherd16–20
Boxer16–20
Labrador Retriever18–22
Golden Retriever18–22
German Shepherd18–24
Rottweiler20–26
Doberman18–24
Great Dane22–28
Bernese Mountain Dog20–26
Siberian Husky16–20
Shih Tzu10–14
Typical adult neck ranges; always measure your own dog.

Tips

  • Measure a bare neck, not over thick fur fluffed up, or the collar will end up loose.
  • You should slide two fingers under a fitted collar. More than that and it can slip off.
  • Re-check a puppy’s collar every couple of weeks; they outgrow them fast.
  • For sighthounds and dogs whose head is narrower than their neck, consider a martingale.

Questions owners ask

How do I measure my dog’s neck?
Wrap a soft tape around the neck where the collar sits, usually a little above the shoulders, and keep it snug while slipping two fingers underneath. Add 2 inches to that number for the collar length. A 14-inch neck means a 16-inch collar.
How tight should a collar be?
Snug enough that it will not slip over the head, loose enough to fit two fingers flat between the collar and the neck. Too tight rubs and restricts; too loose can catch or slide off. Re-check fit after grooming or weight changes.
What size collar for a puppy?
Measure the current neck and add 2 inches, but expect to resize often. Puppies outgrow collars every few weeks, so buy an adjustable one and check the fit regularly so it never gets tight as they grow.
Collar or harness?
A flat collar is fine for ID tags and relaxed walks. A harness takes pressure off the neck and suits dogs that pull, have breathing issues, or a narrow head. Many owners use a collar for tags and a harness for walks.
What size collar does a Lab need?
Most Labrador Retrievers have an 18 to 22-inch neck, so a collar around 20 to 24 inches fits, usually a Large. Always measure, since necks vary with build and coat. Add 2 inches to the measured neck for the collar length.
How do I know if a collar is too small?
If you cannot slip two fingers under it, or it leaves a mark, parts the fur in a line, or makes your dog cough, it is too tight. Loosen or size up. On puppies, check weekly because necks thicken quickly.

Related tools

A small terrier wearing a black harness, sitting outdoors
Dog harness size chart
A beagle looking out from inside a wire crate
Dog crate size chart

Sources

Estimates only, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your pet’s health.