Short answer: Measure your dog's neck where the collar sits, with two fingers slipped under the tape. That number should fall inside the collar's adjustment range, ideally near the middle so you can loosen or tighten it later. Once it's on, two fingers should slide under the collar.
Key takeaways
- Measure with two fingers under the tape. That builds the comfort allowance into your number.
- Adjustable collars list a range. Aim for the middle of it, not the last hole.
- Brands size differently. A 15-inch neck is a Medium in one of our collar lines and a Medium or Large in another.
- The AVMA advises a properly fitted collar or harness to prevent injury or escape, with ID tags kept current.
- Check puppies' collars every week; they outgrow them fast.
Shop this guide
- Believe In Santa Paws Christmas collar: handmade in the USA, 1-inch nylon.
- Santa Belt Christmas collar: a Santa-belt design for the holidays.
- Snowman Christmas collar: a winter-long holiday look.
- Pink Papyrus Blaze collar: red velvet with gold hardware, for all year.
- Tennis ball pet charm: clips onto the collar next to the ID tag.
More than 40 Christmas collars in the Christmas Shop · All dog collars
Zavyro tool
Collar size calculator
Enter the neck measurement, taken with two fingers under the tape. The calculator matches it to the size charts of the collars we sell, plus the bandana that ties at the same spot.
Charts as published on our product listings, checked 23 September 2026.
How to measure your dog's neck
- Find the collar line. The narrow part of the neck, just behind the ears and above the shoulders, where a collar naturally sits.
- Wrap a soft tape around it with your dog standing and the head level, not looking up at a treat.
- Slip two fingers flat under the tape and read the number. That's the figure to use in the calculator.
- Measure twice. If the two readings differ, use the larger one.
No soft tape? Use a piece of string or a phone charging cable, mark it, and measure it flat against a ruler.
The collar size charts we sell
| Collar line | Size | Adjusts from–to | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Papyrus collars | XS | 8–12 in | 5/8 in |
| S | 11–16 in | 5/8 in | |
| M | 13–19 in | 1 in | |
| L | 18–28 in | 1 in | |
| Doot's Christmas nylon collars | Medium | 12–17.5 in | 1 in |
| Large | 13.5–21 in | 1 in | |
| Extra Large | 17.5–28 in | 1 in |
Overlapping ranges are normal on adjustable collars. When your dog fits two sizes, choose the one where the measurement sits closer to the middle: it leaves room to loosen for a winter coat or tighten after grooming.
Christmas collars, sized right
A collar is one of the few gifts a dog wears every day, and a holiday design turns it into a seasonal gift. Doot's Christmas nylon collars are handmade in the USA, according to their listings, with a 1-inch heavy nylon strap, a YKK side-release buckle and a welded ring for the leash and tags. A few designs:
- Believe In Santa Paws
- On The Nice List
- Animals in Sweaters
- Christmas Gnomes
- Christmas T Rex Tree
- HO HO HO!
That's six of more than 40 Christmas collar and leash designs. See them all in the Christmas Shop, then use the calculator above for the size.
For a year-round look, Pink Papyrus velvet collars like Blaze (red with gold hardware) and Rue come in the four sizes above. For small dogs and cats, Doot's 1/2-inch collars, such as Deer, are offered with a regular or a breakaway buckle.
Shopping for someone who walks their dog every day? Gifts for Dog People Who Walk Every Day has more practical ideas to pair with a collar.
Buying a collar as a gift, without the dog
Surprise gifts are where collar sizing usually goes wrong. Three ways to get a usable number without wrapping a tape around the dog:
- Measure the collar the dog wears now. For a buckle collar, lay it flat and measure from the end of the buckle to the hole in use. For a side-release collar, buckle it and run a soft tape around the inside of the loop. If it fits the dog well today, that number already includes the comfort allowance: enter it in the calculator as is.
- Ask for the neck size. "What's your dog's neck size? I'm looking at bandanas" gives away less than you'd think, and the same number works for a collar.
- Pick a size with room on both sides. If you only have an estimate, choose the size where it sits near the middle of the range. That's what the calculator does.
Before you wrap it, read the Shipping & Returns section on the product page. At the time of writing, the Pink Papyrus collar listings accept returns within 30 days in unused, unwashed condition, which leaves some room if the size is off.
Which collar type for which job
| Type | What the listing says | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Papyrus velvet collars | Soft velvet with reinforced construction; 5/8 in wide (XS, S) or 1 in (M, L) | Everyday wear and ID tags, with a dressier look |
| Doot's 1-inch Christmas nylon | Handmade in the USA, heavy nylon, YKK side-release buckle, welded ring | A seasonal collar for medium and large dogs |
| Doot's 1/2-inch nylon | 1/2-inch webbing, metal slide adjustment, welded D ring; XS or Small, with a breakaway or regular buckle | Small dogs, and cats with the breakaway buckle |
| Delilah tie-on bandana | Double-sided, pre-shaped, classic knot; machine wash cold, air dry flat | Photos and outings. It's an accessory, not something to clip a leash to |
What goes on the collar: ID first
A collar's most important job is carrying identification. The AVMA's holiday guidance says identification tags and microchips reunite families, and asks owners to make sure pets have proper identification with current contact information, particularly a microchip. In December, doors open more often for guests and deliveries.
- Check the tag is readable and the phone number is current.
- Update the microchip registration when you move or change numbers.
- Add charms after the tag. The tennis ball charm is double-sided and clips onto collars, leashes, harnesses and poop bag holders, per its listing. The Easy-Clip Charm Keeper holds several charms on one ring, so the whole set moves from collar to leash in seconds.
When to re-check the fit
- Every week for puppies.
- After grooming or a haircut, when a collar that fit over a full coat can suddenly be loose.
- When the winter coat comes in, and again when it sheds out in spring.
- After weight gain or loss.
- Whenever the collar spins easily or slides toward the ears on walks.
The two-finger test takes five seconds. Make it part of the weekly brush.
Worked examples
| Neck (two fingers under the tape) | Pink Papyrus | Doot's Christmas | Bandana |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 in (Yorkie, Chihuahua size) | XS (also S) | Smaller than Medium: see the 1/2-inch collars | S |
| 15 in (Beagle, Frenchie size) | M (also S) | Medium (also Large) | M |
| 20 in (Labrador size) | L | Large or Extra Large, equally centered | L |
Collar or harness?
A collar is for ID tags and short, calm leash time. The AVMA advises making sure each dog's collar or harness fits properly to prevent injury or escape. It notes that some dogs have airway, neck or other conditions that require a harness instead of a collar. For strong pullers and flat-faced breeds, walk on a harness and keep the collar for ID. The Dog Harness Size Calculator uses a chest measurement you can take at the same time.
Common mistakes
- Measuring at the base of the neck. That's where a harness sits, not a collar; the number will be too big.
- Buying by breed. Neck sizes vary widely within a breed, and between puppies and adults.
- Choosing a size at the end of its range. You lose room to adjust.
- Too loose: if the collar slips over the ears when you pull it forward gently, it's too loose.
- Forgetting the ID tag. The AVMA says to keep ID tags on with up-to-date owner information.
When to size differently
- Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets) have narrow heads, and a standard buckle collar can slip off more easily. Check the fit carefully, and walk them on a harness.
- Heavy winter coats: re-measure in winter; the same dog can need a looser setting.
- Cats: choose a collar designed for cats. Doot's 1/2-inch collars offer a breakaway buckle option.
FAQ
How do I measure my dog for a collar?
Measure around the neck where a collar sits, with your dog standing, and slip two fingers flat under the tape before reading the number. Match that number to the collar's adjustment range.
How tight should a dog collar be?
You should be able to slide two fingers under it, and it shouldn't slip over the ears when you pull it gently forward.
What if my dog fits two sizes?
Choose the size where the measurement sits closer to the middle of the range. That leaves room to adjust in either direction.
What size collar does a Labrador need?
Pink Papyrus's own chart puts Labs, Goldens and Huskies in its Large (18–28 in). But measure your own dog: neck size varies within every breed.
Is a wider collar better?
Wider collars spread pressure over more area and suit medium and large dogs. Small dogs are usually more comfortable in a narrower collar, like the 5/8-inch Pink Papyrus XS and S sizes.
Should my dog wear a collar or a harness?
Both have a job: a collar carries ID tags, a harness is often better for walking, especially for dogs with airway or neck concerns, as the AVMA notes.
Can I buy a collar as a gift without measuring the dog?
Yes. Measure the collar the dog wears now: for a buckle collar, from the end of the buckle to the hole in use. Enter that number in the calculator.
What is a breakaway buckle?
A buckle designed to open when the collar is pulled hard, for example if it snags on something. Doot's offers one on its 1/2-inch collars for small dogs and cats.
Sources and methodology
How the calculator works. It converts centimeters to inches and finds each collar size whose adjustment range contains your measurement, taken with two fingers under the tape. When two sizes match, it recommends the one where your measurement is closer to the middle of the range. For bandanas, it picks the smallest size whose maximum is at or above your measurement.
- American Veterinary Medical Association, Walking or running with your dog: proper fit, harness versus collar, ID tags.
- American Veterinary Medical Association, Winter holiday pet safety: identification tags and microchips.
- Zavyro product listings: Pink Papyrus collar sizes and widths, Doot's collar sizes and construction, Pink Papyrus bandana sizes and care, charm details, return terms as shown on the listings.
Limitations. Charts are the makers' published figures and can change with production runs. The product page is the reference.
Related guides
- Dog Harness Size Calculator.
- Belt Bag vs Treat Pouch vs Crossbody: Which One to Carry.
- What to Pack for a Dog Walk: The Printable Checklist.
- Gifts for Dog People Who Walk Every Day.
- Dog Leg Braces: The Complete Sizing and Fit Guide.
- Senior Dog Home Safety Checklist.
- Dog Bed Size Calculator.
