How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar: The Complete AU Size Guide

A collar that's too loose can slip over your dog's head on a walk; one that's too tight rubs and chafes. Getting the size right the first time matters — especially for a made-to-order, engraved piece like our Personalised Leather Dog Collar that can't be returned for change of mind once it's been engraved.

What you'll need

A soft fabric tape measure works best. If you only have a rigid ruler, wrap a piece of string or ribbon around your dog's neck, mark where it overlaps, then measure the string against the ruler.

Step 1: Find the right spot

Measure around the base of your dog's neck, where a collar naturally sits — a few centimetres down from the ears, not right up against the jaw.

Step 2: Get the true measurement

Wrap the tape snugly around the neck, without pulling tight. You want the tape sitting the way a properly fitted collar would.

Step 3: Add room for comfort

Add 2cm to your measurement. This is the standard allowance for comfort and coat thickness, and it's what our size chart is built around.

Step 4: Do the two-finger check

Once you've picked a size, do a physical check: you should be able to comfortably slide two fingers flat between the collar and your dog's neck. If it's tighter than that, size up.

When in doubt, size up

A slightly looser collar is safer and more comfortable than a tight one, and most dogs settle into a properly fitted collar within a day or two. If your dog is between sizes or still growing, we'd always recommend rounding up.

Measuring for a harness instead?

The same general logic applies, but you measure the widest part of the chest rather than the neck. Every product page — including our No-Pull Dog Harness — has a size guide button next to the size selector with exact measurements and breed examples.

Getting the engraving right

Once you've got your size sorted, double-check the name and contact number you enter at checkout — we engrave exactly what's submitted, so a quick proofread before placing the order saves any back-and-forth later.