Dog Collar Size Guide
The right fit isn’t just comfort - it’s control.
A good collar keeps your dog safe, comfortable, and ready to move. This guide shows how to measure your dog’s neck, what each size means, and which collar works best for the UK’s most popular breeds. Every Tamepaw collar is adjustable - built to move and built to last.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck
- Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the base of your dog’s neck - where the collar naturally sits.
- Make sure it’s snug but not tight - you should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and your dog’s neck.
- Add 2 to 3 cm for comfort, especially if your dog has a thick coat or loose skin.
If your dog’s neck is near the top of a size range, size up for extra adjustment room.
Tamepaw Collar Sizes
| Size | Fits Neck (cm) | Strap Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 25 - 40 | 1.5 cm | Toy And Small Breeds |
| Medium (M) | 33 - 55 | 2.0 cm | Medium Breeds |
| Large (L) | 40 - 65 | 2.5 cm | Large And Strong Breeds |
Tip: If your measurement is at the top of a range, choose the next size up for more adjustment room.
Breed By Breed Size Guide
Use this as a quick reference for popular UK breeds. Always measure your own dog to confirm the fit - these numbers are adult averages.
| Breed | Typical Adult Neck Size (cm) | Recommended Collar Size |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 45 - 55 | Large |
| Cocker Spaniel | 30 - 40 | Small |
| Cockapoo | 25 - 35 | Small |
| Cavapoo | 25 - 35 | Small |
| French Bulldog | 30 - 40 | Small |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 20 - 30 | Small see note |
| Golden Retriever | 40 - 55 | Large |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 35 - 45 | Medium |
| Border Collie | 35 - 45 | Medium |
| German Shepherd | 45 - 60 | Large |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 25 - 35 | Small |
| Labradoodle | 35 - 45 | Medium |
| Shih Tzu | 25 - 35 | Small |
| Pug | 30 - 40 | Small |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 30 - 38 | Small |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 20 - 28 | Small |
| English Springer Spaniel | 35 - 45 | Medium |
| Beagle | 33 - 41 | Small |
| Boxer | 40 - 55 | Large |
| Bulldog (English) | 45 - 55 | Large |
| Pomeranian | 25 - 35 | Small |
| Chihuahua | 20 - 28 | Small see note |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 30 - 38 | Small |
| Border Terrier | 25 - 35 | Small |
| Whippet | 25 - 35 | Small |
| Rottweiler | 55 - 65 | Large |
| West Highland Terrier | 30 - 40 | Small |
| Bichon Frise | 35 - 40 | Small |
| Lhasa Apso | 30 - 38 | Small |
| Maltese | 25 - 33 | Small |
Heads up: If your dog measures 40 cm or above, Medium may fit better than Small. If 55 cm or above, Large may fit better than Medium.
Note: Very small breeds like Chihuahuas or Mini Dachshunds often sit at the lower edge of our Small size range. If your dog’s neck is under 25 cm, make sure the collar adjusts tightly enough for a secure fit.
Choosing The Right Fit
- You can fit two fingers between collar and neck.
- It does not slide off when pulled gently.
- The D-ring stays centered under the chin.
Tamepaw collars are lightweight, strong, and finished with hardware that handles daily wear without losing style - city walks, park runs, everyday movement.
Here Are The Details Customers Ask Us Most Often
What If My Dog Measures Between Two Sizes?
Size up for comfort - then adjust down as needed.
How Tight Should A Collar Be?
Snug, not tight - two fingers should slide under the strap.
How Often Should I Re-Measure?
Every few months - weight, coat and age can change the fit.
Can Puppies Wear Adjustable Collars?
Yes - check weekly while they grow.
Related Guides
No-Pull Harness Guide · Lead Lengths And Types · Leather Vs Nylon Vs BioThane
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