How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck (Without Losing Your Mind)

by Roxanne Rockvam

CLICK HERE FOR THE DOG COLLAR NECK MEASURING GUIDE

Let’s be honest: measuring your dog’s neck sounds simple… until your “helper” decides this is absolutely not the activity they signed up for. Wiggles. Zoomies. Sudden need to inspect literally anything else in the room.

But don’t worry — we’ve got you. Measuring your dog’s neck for the perfect collar doesn’t require professional equipment, a vet visit, or bribery (okay, maybe a little bribery). All you need is a calm moment, something flexible, and our printable ruler.

Option 1: The “Already Own a Collar” Method (Our Favorite)

If your dog already wears a collar that fits comfortably, congratulations — you’re halfway done.
Simply lay that collar flat and measure it using our printable ruler. Easy. No wrestling required. Your dog can supervise from a safe distance.

Option 2: The “Use What You’ve Got” Method

No collar? No problem. Grab something flexible from around the house:

  • A string

  • A belt

  • A tie

  • The arm of a shirt

Gently wrap it around your dog’s neck where their collar would normally sit. Do not tie it. This is not a craft project. Once you’ve marked the length, lay it flat and measure it against the ruler.

The Two-Finger Rule (Because Comfort Is Queen)

A collar should feel snug, not squishy. You should be able to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck. This gives them room to move, breathe, and live their best Pancake & Waffles life.

If it feels tight — size up. If it feels loose — your dog will definitely find a way to Houdini out of it.

What If Your Dog Is Bigger Than 12”?

First of all: big dogs, big love. 💛
Our printable ruler measures 12 inches, but if your dog’s neck is larger, just measure in parts and add them together. Think of it like pancake stacking — one measurement at a time.

Here’s a handy guide:

  • Medium: 13” to 21”

  • Large: 16” to 27”

Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Reminder)

Take your time. Use treats. Talk in your best “who’s a good dog?” voice. Measuring your dog’s neck should be quick, simple, and drama-free (or at least low drama).

Once you’ve got the right size, you’re officially ready to choose a collar that’s comfy, cute, and worthy of your dog’s personality — whether they’re more sweet like pancakes or bold like waffles. 🧈🐾

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