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, with the tape sitting where your dog's collar would normally rest. Don't add extra centimetres or allow for growth - we'll use the measurement you provide when sizing the collar.
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
Puppies can grow quickly, and the amount of neck growth still to come varies considerably between breeds and individual dogs. Smaller breeds generally reach their adult size sooner than larger breeds, so age alone isn't a reliable way to predict the collar size your puppy will eventually need.
Our collars are custom made with multiple adjustment holes to allow some room for growth. When ordering for a puppy, measure their neck as it is now rather than choosing a size based on their expected adult measurement. Check the fit regularly as they grow.
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 |
Looking for a collar for a smaller dog? Browse our Small Dog Collars, with lightweight and narrower styles selected for smaller necks.
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 |
Shopping for a bigger dog? Browse our Large Dog Collars, including wider and double-layer styles suited to larger dogs and broader necks.
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 collar size or width 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.