How to properly measure your dog's neck

January 3, 2026

Hvordan måle hundens hals riktig - Snøglimt

Why Correct Measurement is Important

For a dog collar to fit well, it's important to measure your dog's neck correctly.

A collar that is too tight can be uncomfortable for the dog. A collar that is too loose can easily slip off. Correct measurement makes it easier to choose a collar that is both comfortable and safe.

Therefore, it's always a good idea to start by measuring the neck before choosing a size.

What You Need

To measure your dog's neck, you will need:

a soft tape measure
optionally, a string or thread
a ruler or tape measure to measure the string afterwards

A regular tape measure used for clothes often works best.

How to Measure Your Dog's Neck

Follow these simple steps:

Have the dog stand or sit calmly.
Place the tape measure around the dog's neck where the collar usually sits.
The tape measure should be snug around the neck without being tight.
Read the measurement.

This provides a good starting point for choosing the correct size.

Remember a Little Extra Space

When measuring your dog's neck, you should also consider comfort.

A common rule of thumb is that there should be room for approximately two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. This ensures that the collar is not too tight, while still being secure.

Measuring for Adjustable Collars

If the collar is adjustable, there may be a bit more flexibility in the sizing.

The most important thing is that the measurement you've taken falls within the collar's adjustment range.

This way, the collar can be adapted to the dog's neck without being too tight or too loose.

Measuring for Custom-Made Collars

Some collars are made to exact measurements.

In such cases, it is extra important to measure correctly. The measurement you provide is used directly to make the collar, and therefore the measurement should be as accurate as possible.