Getting the right fit for your dog’s leather collar is crucial — too tight and it’s uncomfortable, too loose and it can slip off. The good news is measuring only takes 30 seconds and a soft tape measure. Here’s exactly how to do it.

What You’ll Need

  • A soft fabric tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler)
  • Your dog’s neck relaxed and in a natural position

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck for a Collar

  1. Find the right position. Ask your dog to sit or stand calmly. You want their neck relaxed — not stretching upward or lowering their head.
  2. Wrap the tape measure around the base of the neck. This is where the collar will sit — roughly where the neck meets the shoulders, not up near the ears.
  3. Note the measurement. Keep the tape snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath comfortably.
  4. That measurement is your collar size. Because our leather dog collars are handmade to order, we build the overlap and adjustment into every collar to fit your dog’s exact neck measurement — you don’t need to add anything. If your dog falls between two sizes, order the next size up.
Quick formula: Neck circumference = your collar size = we do the rest

The Two-Finger Rule

Once your collar arrives, always check the fit with the two-finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers flat between the collar and your dog’s neck with a little resistance. If you can fit three fingers easily, size down. If you struggle to get two fingers in, size up.

Sizing Guide for Our Leather Dog Collars

Use the table below to find your size. All our leather collars are handmade to order in a UK saddlery and are available in the following sizes:

Size Neck Circumference Finished Length (reference only) Typical Breeds
XS 20–25 cm (8–10″) 25–30 cm (10–12″) Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle
S 25–33 cm (10–13″) 30–38 cm (12–15″) Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier
M 33–41 cm (13–16″) 38–46 cm (15–18″) Spaniel, Border Collie, Whippet, Labrador puppy
L 41–51 cm (16–20″) 46–56 cm (18–22″) Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer
XL 51–61 cm (20–24″) 56–66 cm (22–26″) Great Dane, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, St Bernard

Note: these are general guidelines. Always measure your individual dog as the same breed can vary significantly.

Between Sizes? Go Larger

If your dog’s measurement falls between two sizes, always order the larger size. Our leather collars have multiple adjustment holes so you’ll have plenty of room to find the right fit. A collar that’s slightly too large can be adjusted; one that’s too small can’t be made bigger.

Tips for Puppies

Puppies grow fast, but you don’t need to guess ahead. Just measure their neck as it is today — every collar is made with adjustment room built in, so it’ll grow with them. When they’ve outgrown the adjustment range, that’s the point to remeasure and order the next size up. Most dogs go through at least two collar sizes in their first year, so keep a note of their neck measurement as they grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do leather collars stretch?
Quality vegetable-tanned leather does soften slightly with wear and will conform to your dog’s neck over time — but it won’t stretch significantly. This is why the initial fit matters. Our collars are made from thick shoulder hide, which holds its shape well.
My dog measures exactly on a size boundary — what should I do?
Always go up a size. Our collars have multiple holes (typically 5–7) giving you at least 5cm of adjustment range, so the larger size will still fit snugly when buckled on the correct hole.
Can I get a custom size?
Because our leather collars are handmade to order in a UK saddlery, we can often accommodate custom sizing requests. Get in touch before ordering and we’ll do our best to help.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of handmade leather dog collars — available in three styles and a full range of sizes.

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