How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck for a Collar (Sizing Guide)
Getting the correct neck measurement is the most important step when ordering a custom collar.
Our collars are measured differently than most standard collars - please follow the steps below carefully.
This guide shows exactly how to measure your dog’s neck for a collar, how tight the measurement should be, and how to choose the correct collar size. Measuring correctly ensures a comfortable fit and avoids ordering the wrong size.
Do not measure your current collar - always measure your dog’s neck.
How do you measure a dog’s neck for a collar?
Use a soft tape measure around the middle of your dog’s neck where the collar sits. The tape should be snug but not tight, with enough room to fit two fingers underneath.
The measurement you get is the size you should order - we build the collar so this measurement becomes the center hole, allowing room for adjustment.
Step 1 - Use a Soft Tape Measure
Use a flexible measuring tape (like the one used for sewing).
If you do not have one, you can use:
• a piece of string
• a ribbon
• then measure the string with a ruler.
Step 2 - Measure the Neck (Not the Collar)
Wrap the tape around the middle of your dog’s neck, where the collar normally sits.
The tape should be:
• snug but not tight
• able to fit two fingers comfortably under the tape.
Do not pull the tape tight and do not leave it loose.
Step 3 - Record the Measurement
Read the number where the tape meets.
This number is the neck measurement you should provide when ordering.
Do not add extra length, provide the exact neck measurement.
We build the collar so that this measurement becomes the center hole of the collar.
Important - Do NOT Measure an Old Collar
Please do not measure your current collar.
Collars vary widely in:
• buckle placement
• D-ring placement
• overall length
Measuring an existing collar often leads to incorrect sizing due to differences in buckle placement, D-ring position, and overall construction.
Always measure your dog’s neck directly.
How Our Collars Are Measured
Lei Custom Collars are measured:
from the base of the buckle to the middle hole.
This middle hole represents the neck size you provide.
Because many of our collars include a front D-ring, the collar should not be measured from the D-ring or from the total collar length.
Total collar length will always be longer than the listed collar size.
👉 Learn more about how our collars are built
Example
If your dog's neck measures 15 inches, you should order a 15 inch collar.
The collar will be made so that:
• the center hole fits 15 inches
• there are adjustment holes on each side.
Here’s a cleaned, professional version you can use on your puppy sizing page:
Measuring & Ordering Collars for Growing Puppies
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting — but puppies grow fast, especially during the first few months.
For very young puppies (around 8 weeks old), we generally recommend starting with a simple narrow collar for everyday use. Most puppies will outgrow their first collar quickly — sometimes within just a few weeks for small breeds and even faster for large and giant breeds.
Ordering a Custom Collar for a Growing Puppy
Around 10 weeks of age, you can begin measuring your puppy’s neck for a more structured collar.
We typically recommend ordering a collar where your puppy’s current neck measurement fits the smallest hole. This allows the remaining adjustment holes to accommodate growth as your puppy develops.
Because every breed and individual dog grows differently, no exact growth timeline or long-term fit can be guaranteed.
Important Production Timing
Most handcrafted collars are made to order and typically require approximately 4–6 weeks before shipping.
If you are ordering for a young puppy, we strongly recommend planning ahead and contacting us before placing your order so we can help guide sizing based on your puppy’s current age, breed, and growth stage.
In some cases, we may also be able to re-confirm your puppy’s neck measurement shortly before production begins if additional sizing adjustments are needed.
Growth Expectations
Puppies grow at very different rates depending on breed, genetics, body structure, and age.
- Small breeds may transition into their adult collar size much earlier.
- Medium and large breeds may continue growing for well over a year.
- Giant breeds may continue developing until around 18–24 months of age or longer.
During periods of rapid growth, many puppies will require one or more replacement collars before reaching adult size.
Around 4–6 months of age, growth often begins to slow slightly for many dogs. At this stage, a properly adjusted collar may fit for a significantly longer period of time.
Planning for an Adult Collar
If your goal is to purchase a collar intended for long-term adult wear, we generally recommend waiting until your dog’s growth has noticeably slowed before ordering.
Because all dogs develop differently, sizing recommendations are general guidelines only and are not guarantees of future fit.
Need Help?
If you are unsure about sizing, feel free to contact us before placing your order.
Once you have your dog’s neck measurement, the next step is choosing the right collar width.
See our guide: How to Choose the Right Dog Collar Width (Size & Fit Guide)
We are always happy to help ensure your dog receives the perfect fit.
Find the Right Collar for Your Dog
Once you have your measurement, explore our collections:
- Small Dogs — Shop The Petite Collection
- Medium Dogs — Shop The Standard Collection
- Large Dogs — Shop The Grand Collection
Dog Collar Sizing FAQ
How tight should a dog collar be?
A collar should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck.
Should I measure my dog’s collar or neck?
Always measure your dog’s neck. Measuring an existing collar can lead to incorrect sizing due to differences in buckle placement and design.
What if my dog is between sizes?
Choose the closest neck measurement. Our collars are designed with multiple adjustment holes to allow flexibility.
Puppy Collar Sizing FAQ
Should I buy a custom collar for an 8 week old puppy?
Very young puppies typically outgrow collars quickly, especially during the first few months of growth. For many puppies, we recommend starting with a simple lightweight collar until they are slightly older.
When should I order a custom collar for my puppy?
Many owners begin ordering custom collars around 10 weeks of age once they can get a more stable neck measurement. Because our collars are handmade to order, we recommend planning ahead and considering current production timelines.
How should I size a collar for a growing puppy?
We generally recommend ordering so the puppy’s current neck measurement fits the smallest hole. This leaves adjustment room as the puppy grows.
Will one collar fit my puppy into adulthood?
Not always. Puppies grow at different speeds depending on breed, structure, and genetics. Some dogs may need multiple collar sizes before reaching adulthood.
Do large breed puppies outgrow collars faster?
Often yes. Large and giant breeds can grow very rapidly during the first several months and may require more frequent collar size changes.
Can I remeasure before my collar is made?
If requested, we may be able to confirm your puppy’s neck measurement before production begins, depending on the order timeline.