Written by The Stylish Dog Company.
Last updated 26 September 2026. Measuring method from the saddler who makes our leather collars, with fitting guidance from the Royal Kennel Club and Battersea. About a 6 minute read.
A leather collar made to your dog’s neck size fits in a way an off-the-peg small, medium or large never quite does. But it only works if you order the right collar for your dog’s age and build, and give the saddler the right measurement. Here is how to choose between a first puppy collar, a soft padded collar and an adult padded collar, and how to measure so it arrives fitting properly.
- Young puppies and toy breeds need a light, narrow collar. The Royal Kennel Club says to buy one that fits now, not one they will grow into.
- Bigger puppies and small adult dogs suit a soft padded collar: still light and flexible, but a little stronger.
- Adult dogs with necks over 13 inches, especially strong ones, suit an adult padded collar cut from shoulder leather.
- Measure the neck itself, fairly snugly, and order that number. Don’t add room for fingers and don’t order the length of the collar. The saddler adds the extra for the buckle.
- Once it’s on, you should be able to slip two fingers underneath, and it shouldn’t slide over your dog’s head.
- By law, your dog’s collar or tag must carry your name and address when out in public.
Which collar for a young puppy?
The lightest one that fits them now. The Royal Kennel Club’s advice is to choose a small, lightweight collar that suits the size your puppy is today, and not to buy one you think they’ll grow into, because a collar that’s too big is also too heavy and can feel intimidating. Pop it on quietly and give a treat straight away, so the collar means good things from the first day.
Our soft leather puppy collars are made for exactly this stage. They’re two layers of soft, lightweight cowhide and only half an inch wide, so they don’t weigh on a small neck, and they come in neck sizes from 7 to 13 inches. Each one has five holes, with the middle hole matching the measurement you order, so there’s room either side while your puppy grows.
For some dogs this is the collar for life. Fragile-necked toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, miniature Dachshunds and Miniature Schnauzers are usually better in a light collar like this than a heavier padded one.
Which collar for a bigger puppy or small dog?
Once a puppy is sturdier, or if you have a small adult dog, a soft padded collar is the middle step. It’s soft leather on the outside and inside, folded and padded so the edges are rounded, which makes it a little thicker and stronger than the puppy collar while staying flexible. It suits muscular-breed puppies, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Labrador pups for example, and small adult dogs like Dachshunds, from 9 inch necks.
When is a dog ready for an adult padded collar?
When their neck measures over 13 inches and they’re a sturdy adult. Our adult padded leather collars are cut from cow shoulder leather, one of the strongest cuts, with a soft cowhide lining folded over for rounded edges. They’re made for dogs with strong, muscular necks, Labradors and Golden Retrievers for example, and they’re not meant for necks under 13 inches or for fragile-necked breeds.
They come in three widths: 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1 1/4 inch. As a rule, narrower suits a smaller neck and wider suits a bigger, stronger dog. Adult padded collars run from the low £30s to the mid £40s depending on width, and because each one is made to order they are usually dispatched within 7 days.
How do I measure my dog for a collar?
This is the part that matters most, because the collar is made to the number you give. We follow the method of the saddler who makes our collars:
- Use a flexible tape measure and put it round your dog’s neck where the collar normally sits.
- Measure fairly snugly. Don’t leave extra room for fingers underneath. That room comes from the collar, not the measurement.
- Order that number: the exact circumference of the neck. Don’t order the total length of collar you want.
- No tape measure? Use a piece of string or ribbon round the neck, mark it, then measure it against a ruler.
- Measure twice. If the two readings differ, or your dog is between sizes, get in touch before you order.
The saddler then adds the extra length needed for the buckle overlap and the holes. On our puppy collars, for example, a 10 inch neck is made into a 14 inch collar. That’s why ordering the collar length instead of the neck size gives you a collar that’s far too long.
For a puppy, measure close to when you order. Puppies grow quickly, and a measurement from a few weeks ago may already be out.
How do I check the fit when it arrives?
Fasten it on the middle hole and check two things. The Royal Kennel Club says a collar shouldn’t be so loose that it can slip over your dog’s head, nor so tight that you can’t slip two fingers underneath. Battersea gives the same test: snug, with two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
With a puppy, the Royal Kennel Club suggests checking the collar’s fit and condition almost daily, because they grow so fast. And when you clip on a lead, attach it to the D ring on the collar, not the small split ring that holds the ID tag, which isn’t strong enough to take your dog’s weight.
What does the law say about collars and tags?
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it, either on the collar itself or on a tag attached to it. That applies even if your dog is microchipped. A small tag on the split ring does the job, so it’s worth ordering one at the same time as a new collar.
- Young puppies and toy breeds: a light, narrow puppy collar that fits now.
- Bigger puppies and small dogs: a soft padded collar.
- Adult dogs with necks over 13 inches: an adult padded collar, wider for stronger dogs.
- Measure the neck fairly snugly and order that number, not the collar length.
- Two fingers underneath once fastened, and it mustn’t slip over the head.
- Name and address on the collar or tag whenever your dog is out.
Not sure which colours to choose? Our guide to leather collar colours looks at which shades suit which coats. And if you’d like a lead to match, our leather dog leads are made in the same leathers, so order them together and they arrive together.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave room for two fingers when I measure?
No. Measure the neck fairly snugly and order that number. The saddler adds the extra length for the buckle and holes, and the two finger room comes from that. Adding it yourself as well gives you a collar that’s too loose.
My puppy is growing fast. Should I buy a bigger collar to last?
No. The Royal Kennel Club advises a collar that fits now rather than one they’ll grow into, because an oversized collar is heavy and can slip off. A puppy collar with holes either side of your measurement gives some growing room, and you move up when it runs out.
Can a small adult dog wear a puppy collar?
Yes. Our soft leather puppy collar also suits small and toy breeds as their everyday collar, particularly fragile-necked breeds that are better in something light.
Which width should I choose for an adult padded collar?
Narrower for a smaller neck, wider for a bigger, stronger dog. If you are unsure, tell us your dog’s breed and neck size and we will help.
Does my dog still need a tag if they’re microchipped?
Yes. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires the owner’s name and address on the collar or a tag in public, whether or not your dog is chipped.
