Dog Breed Size Guide
Puppy & Adult Collar Sizing
Choosing the right collar size can feel tricky - especially for growing puppies. This guide gives a general idea of expected neck sizes for popular dog breeds at both puppy and adult stages, helping you choose a collar with enough adjustment room to grow comfortably with your dog.
Every dog is individual, so these measurements are intended as a guide only. For the best fit, we always recommend measuring your own dog before ordering.
How to Measure Your Dog
Use a soft measuring tape around the middle of your dog's neck where the collar will naturally sit. The measurement should be snug but not tight - close enough that the collar will sit securely without slipping over the head, while still remaining comfortable for your dog.
For puppies, we recommend measuring regularly while they are growing, as they can change size surprisingly quickly during the first few months.
For a more detailed step-by-step guide, including where to measure for different collar styles and common measuring mistakes to avoid, please see our full Dog Measurement Guide.
Puppy vs Adult Collar Sizing
Many puppies grow quickly in height and weight during the first year, but neck growth tends to slow earlier than people expect. In many breeds, by around 6-8 months old the neck circumference is already close to adult size, even though the dog may continue filling out afterwards.
Because our collars are custom made with multiple adjustment holes, many puppies can wear the same collar through to adulthood when sized appropriately.
Small Breeds
| Breed | Puppy Neck Size |
Adult Female |
Adult Male |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 15-20cm | 18-25cm | 20-28cm |
| Miniature Dachshund | 18-24cm | 22-30cm | 25-33cm |
| Toy Poodle | 15-22cm | 20-28cm | 22-30cm |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 18-24cm | 25-33cm | 28-38cm |
| French Bulldog | 20-28cm | 30-40cm | 35-45cm |
| Pug | 18-26cm | 30-38cm | 34-42cm |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 18-24cm | 25-32cm | 28-36cm |
Medium Breeds
| Breed | Puppy Neck Size |
Adult Female |
Adult Male |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border Collie | 22-30cm | 32-42cm | 38-48cm |
| English Springer Spaniel | 22-30cm | 35-45cm | 40-50cm |
| Staffy | 22-30cm | 35-45cm | 40-50cm |
| Whippet | 20-28cm | 28-38cm | 32-42cm |
| Vizsla | 24-32cm | 35-45cm | 40-50cm |
| Australian Shepherd | 24-32cm | 35-45cm | 40-50cm |
Large Breeds
| Breed | Puppy Neck Size |
Adult Female |
Adult Male |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 24-34cm | 40-50cm | 45-55cm |
| Golden Retriever | 24-34cm | 40-50cm | 45-55cm |
| German Shepherd | 24-34cm | 40-50cm | 45-58cm |
| Boxer | 24-34cm | 38-48cm | 42-55cm |
| Dobermann | 24-34cm | 38-48cm | 42-55cm |
| Standard Poodle | 24-34cm | 35-45cm | 40-50cm |
| Weimaraner | 24-34cm | 38-48cm | 42-52cm |
Giant Breeds
| Breed | Puppy Neck Size |
Adult Female |
Adult Male |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rottweiler | 28-38cm | 45-58cm | 50-65cm |
| Great Dane | 30-40cm | 45-60cm | 55-70cm |
| Newfoundland | 30-40cm | 48-62cm | 55-72cm |
| Bullmastiff | 30-40cm | 45-60cm | 55-70cm |
| Saint Bernard | 30-40cm | 50-65cm | 58-75cm |
A Few Important Notes
- Mixed breed dogs can vary significantly and may not fit neatly within breed averages.
- Sighthounds (such as Whippets and Greyhounds) often need a different collar shape due to their narrower heads and larger necks.
- Fluffy-coated breeds can appear larger than their actual neck measurement.
- Young puppies should always be checked regularly to ensure collars are not becoming too tight as they grow.
If you're unsure which size will suit your dog best, feel free to get in touch with your dog's breed, age, weight, and neck measurement and we’ll happily help guide you.