How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar

By Beast & Buckle | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn to measure your dog's neck accurately for a comfortable collar fit. Follow these simple steps to avoid choking or slipping.

Quick answer

Measure your dog's neck circumference with a flexible tape, add two finger widths for comfort, then choose a collar size that matches that measurement.

Why accurate measurement matters

A collar that's too tight can choke your dog or cause skin irritation; one that's too loose can slip off during walks. Getting the right fit keeps your dog safe and comfortable whether you're using a collar for everyday wear or attaching a leash.

When to remeasure

Puppies grow fast, and even adult dogs can gain or lose weight. Check the fit every few months, especially if your dog is still under two years old or has recently changed body condition. A collar that fit last season may not fit now.

Step-by-step measuring guide

Gather your tools: Use a flexible cloth measuring tape. If you don't have one, use a string or shoelace and a ruler. A stiff metal tape or ruler alone won't curve around the neck accurately.
Find the right spot: Place the tape around the middle of your dog's neck, where a collar normally sits—between the ears and the shoulders. Avoid measuring too close to the head (too tight) or too low on the chest (too loose).
Get the snug measurement: Pull the tape just snug—enough to touch the fur without pressing into the skin. Read the measurement to the nearest quarter inch. If using a string, mark it with your finger or a pen, then lay it flat against a ruler.
Add comfort room: Add two finger widths (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm) to the snug measurement. This extra space prevents choking while keeping the collar secure. For very small dogs, use one finger width; for large breeds, two fingers is still safe.
Choose your collar size: Compare the final number to the collar size chart. For Beast & Buckle collars, the adjustable fit allows you to fine-tune within a size range. When between sizes, choose the larger one for comfort and adjust down.

Product facts

Blue Dog Collar: The Beast & Buckle dog collar is built to be comfortable on your neck and easy to wash. This collar features our Blue color. Adjustable fit - all collars can be adjusted to fit your neck perfectly. The adjustable fit means you can fine-tune the collar after measuring, so you don't need a perfect measurement—just a close one.
Blue Dog Collar