It's easy to assume that all dog collars fit pretty much the same.
Until you get a collar that slips around, mats the fur, or suddenly seems much larger than expected.

At Snøglimt, we see this all the time.
Many customers measure an old collar instead of the dog's actual neck. The problem is that different collars fit entirely differently, even if the measurements on paper seem similar.

A wide, handmade paracord collar, for example, will never behave quite like a thin nylon collar from a store.
It's a bit like the difference between soft sweatpants and stiff jeans. Both might fit around the waist, but the feel is completely different.

Therefore, the right size isn't just about centimeters.
It's about comfort, safety, and how the collar actually feels on the dog throughout a typical day.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• how to measure your dog's neck correctly
• how to find the right size
• how a collar should actually fit
• what mistakes most people make
• and why different collars can feel completely different even in the same size

How to measure your dog's neck correctly?

You should measure the area where the collar will actually sit.
Use a soft tape measure and measure snugly against the fur without pulling tight.

This is the most important part of the entire process.

Many people measure too far down towards the shoulders because the neck seems wider there. The problem is that the collar usually shouldn't sit there. This often makes the collar too large when the dog actually wears it.

On Gaia, we always measure exactly where the collar naturally rests during normal wear.
Not right up by the ears. Not down by the shoulders. But in the middle of the neck where the collar actually sits when she's walking or moving around outdoors.

If you don't have a tape measure, a piece of string or a charging cable also works fine.
Just measure it afterwards with a ruler.

It sounds simple, but this is exactly where many small mistakes begin.

Should you measure tight or loose?

You should measure snugly against the neck without pulling.
The tape measure should follow the natural shape of the neck.

Think of it like a winter hat. It should fit well without pressing.

Many make the mistake of adding extra centimeters "just in case."
It seems logical at the time, but the result is often a collar that constantly slips around.

If your dog's neck actually measures 41 cm, that's usually the measurement you should provide.
Not 44 cm because it "feels safer."

We see this especially often with large dogs whose owners are afraid the collar will be too tight. But a collar that's too big rarely becomes more comfortable. It often just becomes more unstable.

Where on the neck should you measure?

You should measure in the middle of the neck where the collar is actually worn.
Not right up by the head and not far down by the shoulders.

This is especially important for dogs with a lot of fur or a powerful neck.

Some dogs have a large difference between the upper and lower parts of their neck. If you measure in the wrong place, the collar can either be too tight or too loose when the dog moves.

On Gaia, we see this very clearly in winter when her fur gets thicker.
Therefore, we always try to measure the same area each time.

It provides much more precise measurements than using old collars as a reference.

How tight should a dog collar be?

A dog collar should fit comfortably without pinching.
You should usually be able to fit about two fingers between the collar and the neck.

This is the most common rule of thumb because it works well for most dogs.

But different dogs need a slightly different fit.

A small dog with short fur will often feel a collar differently than a large dog with thick winter fur. Therefore, there isn't one perfect solution that suits absolutely everyone.

A collar should fit a bit like a good hoodie.
You should notice it's there, but it shouldn't feel tight or irritating.

If the collar slips around like a loose bike helmet, it's too big.
If it leaves marks on the fur or the dog seems irritated when it's removed, it's often too tight.

How do you know if the collar fits?

A good collar sits stably without rotating much around the neck.
It should feel secure without being stiff or uncomfortable.

Many dog owners actually expect collars to move a lot. Therefore, some believe a new collar is too tight simply because it sits more calmly than the old one.

But handmade collars often behave differently.

A wide paracord collar distributes pressure over a larger area. Therefore, it often feels firmer and more stable even if the size is actually correct.

On Gaia, we notice this especially on long walks.
Thin collars often start to move more when she runs, while wide handmade collars lie more calmly around her neck.

If you want to learn more about why different collars feel so different, you can read:
https://snoglimt.no/blogs/produkter-bruk/paracord-hundehalsband-fordeler-ulemper

How do you know if the collar is too big?

A collar that's too big is often easier to spot than one that's too small.

Common signs are:

• the collar slips around a lot
• the D-ring constantly ends up under the neck
• the collar bounces when the dog runs
• or the dog can back out of it

Some dogs are surprisingly adept at just this.

Especially young or insecure dogs can pull back if they get scared. If the collar is too big, they can suddenly get free much more easily than one might think.

That's why comfort and safety must always take precedence over the idea that "a little bigger is probably better."

How do you know if the collar is too tight?

A collar that's too tight often shows small signs before it becomes a big problem.

Some dogs start to:

• scratch their neck more
• shake their head
• or seem irritated when the collar is removed

Others get flattened fur or small marks on their fur.

It's a bit like wearing jeans that are too tight all day.
You survive it, but it's not particularly comfortable.

Especially dogs with a lot of fur can react if the collar constantly presses their fur together.

What is the most common mistake people make when measuring a dog's neck?

The most common mistake is measuring an old collar instead of the actual neck.

This happens incredibly often.

The problem is that old collars:

• can be stretched
• might fit incorrectly
• or perhaps never fit properly

Many also measure very loosely because they are afraid the collar will be too tight. The result is often a collar that slips around or feels unstable.

Another common mistake is choosing a size based solely on breed or weight.
Two dogs of the same breed can have completely different neck measurements.

We see this especially in dogs with a lot of fur.
A husky and a German Shepherd might look similar in size but require completely different fits.

If you want to learn more about common mistakes people make when choosing dog equipment, you can read:
https://snoglimt.no/blogs/guider-tips/vanlige-feil-nar-man-velger-hundeutstyr

How to measure for adjustable collars?

You still need to measure the neck correctly even if the collar is adjustable.
The adjustability is for small adjustments, not large margins of error.

Many believe that "adjustable" means almost any size will fit.
However, most adjustable collars still work best within a specific range.

At Snøglimt, we always recommend that the dog's measurement falls approximately in the middle of the size range. This gives you the most flexibility if:

• the dog gets thicker winter fur
• you want a slightly looser fit
• or the dog is still growing

This is especially practical for young dogs who are still changing physically.

How to measure for wide collars?

Wide collars often fit differently than narrow collars.
They usually feel firmer around the neck even if the measurement is the same.

That doesn't mean they're too small.

A wide collar distributes pressure over a larger area. It's a bit like the difference between a thin shoelace and a wide belt. Many dogs actually seem more comfortable with wide collars once they get used to them.

This applies especially to handmade paracord or braided collars.

If you want to learn more about how different types of dog collars affect the fit, you can read:
https://snoglimt.no/blogs/guider-tips/hvordan-velge-riktig-hundehalsband

How to measure for EM collars?

EM collars are used a bit differently than regular collars because they are not meant for leashes.
They should sit lightly and comfortably around the neck.

At Snøglimt, we always recommend that EM collars rest naturally without being tight. At the same time, it shouldn't be so loose that it hangs far down on the chest.

Many also want a little extra room because EM collars are often worn for much of the day.

You can read more about EM collars here:
https://snoglimt.no/en/collections/em-halsband-hund

What if the dog is between two sizes?

Choose the size that provides the safest and most stable fit.
Not automatically the largest.

When we help customers at Snøglimt, we also consider:

• fur thickness
• type of collar
• width
• the dog's body shape
• and how the collar will be used

A whippet and a husky might have the same neck measurement on paper, but require completely different fits in practice.

This is why handmade collars often feel more personal than mass-produced standard collars. They take more into account how the dog is actually built.

Why do handmade collars fit differently than standard collars?

Handmade collars often have more structure than mass-produced standard collars.
This applies especially to wide and braided collars.

Many who switch from thin nylon collars to handmade collars initially think the new collar is smaller. But often, it just sits more calmly around the neck.

A handmade collar:

• twists less
• distributes pressure better
• and often holds its shape better over time

At Snøglimt, we make collars by hand one by one. Therefore, we also try to help customers find a fit that suits their specific dog — not just a random number in a size chart.

What about dog collars with names?

Personalized collars also need to be measured correctly.
Embroidery and width can affect how the collar sits around the neck.

Many choose dog collars with names because:

• it's practical
• looks tidier
• and reduces the need for loose ID tags

At Snøglimt, we also find that many like the feeling that the collar genuinely feels custom-made for their dog.

You can read more here:
https://snoglimt.no/blogs/personalisering/personlig-hundehalsband-med-navn

And here:
https://snoglimt.no/blogs/personalisering/brodering-pa-hundehalsband

Frequently asked questions about how to measure your dog's neck

Can you use a measuring tape for dog collars?

Yes, a soft measuring tape is the easiest and most precise solution.
If you don't have a measuring tape, a piece of string and a ruler also work well.

How much does a puppy's neck grow?

It varies greatly between breeds.
Some puppies need a new size after a few months, while others can use the same collar for a long time.

Is an adjustable collar better?

For many dogs, yes.
Especially dogs with a lot of fur or dogs that are still growing.

How do I know if the collar is too big?

If the collar slips around a lot or the dog can back out of it, it is probably too big.