Guide to Measuring Your Dog's Neck Size

How NOT to Measure It:

An open collar laid flat on the table gives a distorted value. Firstly, because most collars are padded, and a padded collar has a smaller inner circumference than a collar measured lengthwise.As an example, a collar measured on the table with a length of 50cm and a padding of 2cm thickness has a reduced radius, namely

$$\text{Inner circumference}=\text{Total length−}-2\times \text{Thickness of the padding }$$

$$\text{Inner circumference}=50\text{cm}-4\text{cm}=46\text{cm}$$

$$\text{Please measure your dog's neck circumference directly on the dog!}$$

Materials:

• A soft measuring tape or a string (z.B. a shoelace or another non-elastic cord)
• A ruler or measuring tape, if you are using a cord
• Possibly a pen and paper to note the measurements

Steps:

1. Calm your dog: It is easier to measure the neck circumference when your dog is calm and relaxed. Make sure he is standing in a comfortable position.

2. Find the right spot: The neck circumference should be measured at the point where the collar usually sits. For most dogs, this is near the widest part of the neck, between the shoulder blades and the start of the head. For dogs that require a break-proof collar, measure the neck circumference behind the ears, where the collar should not slip over.

3. Place the measuring tape or string: Wrap the measuring tape or string around your dog's neck. It should fit snugly but not constrict.

4. Read the measurement:

   • If you are using a measuring tape  : Write down the measured value.
   • If you are using a string  : Mark the point where the string goes around your dog's neck. Then lay the string flat next to a ruler or measuring stick to measure the distance between the two ends.

1. Add extra room: To the measured value, you should add about 2 cm so that the collar does not fit too tightly and remains adjustable. This gives you the ideal inner circumference of the collar.

2. Note the measurement: It is helpful to note the measured size and the added allowance, especially when searching for a collar online or comparing different options in a pet store.

3. Neck circumference as a specification for custom collars. If the neck circumference is specified when indicating collar sizes, it refers to the neck circumference without the allowance.

Tip: Regularly measure your dog's neck circumference, especially if it is a puppy or young dog, as they can grow quickly. A well-fitting collar should be comfortable yet secure and should not slip over the dog's head when fastened.