Personalised items are made for one dog, so it pays to get the size right first time. Here's how to choose a size with confidence.
Step 1: Measure your dog's neck
Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the neck where the collar normally sits, which is roughly at the base of the neck rather than tight against the throat. No tape? Use a piece of string and measure it against a ruler.
Step 2: Add room for comfort
A collar should be snug but not tight. A common rule is to be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. Take your measurement, then compare it with the size chart, which will allow for that space.
Step 3: Check the size chart
Every collar has an adjustable range. Choose a size where your dog's neck measurement sits comfortably inside that range, rather than at the very smallest or largest hole. That gives you room to adjust.
Our size guide has the ranges for our collars.
Growing puppies
Puppies grow quickly, and a personalised collar might fit for only a short time. Many owners wait until the puppy is closer to full size before ordering an engraved collar. Our puppy collar guide has more.
Between two sizes?
If your dog sits between sizes, look at the adjustment range on each. Choose the size where your measurement falls near the middle of the range.
Fluffy or thick-coated dogs
Measure over the coat, and feel for the neck beneath it. Thick fur can make a collar look tighter than it is.
Double-check before you order
Because the engraving is made for you, check the size and your spelling before you place the order. Take a moment to compare against a collar your dog already wears comfortably.
Why fit matters more with personalised collars
A standard collar can be swapped if the size is wrong. A personalised one has your dog's details on it, so getting the size right first time saves hassle. It's worth a few minutes with a tape measure.
A worked example
Say your dog's neck measures 38 cm at the base. You check the size chart and find a size with an adjustable range of 33 to 48 cm. That range comfortably includes 38 cm, and there's room to tighten or loosen it. A size with a range of 25 to 38 cm would put you right at the limit, leaving no room to adjust, so it's the wrong choice.
The general idea: pick the size where your measurement sits in the middle of the range, not at either end.
Common ordering mistakes
- Guessing from weight or breed. Necks vary between individuals, so measure.
- Measuring over a thick coat. Press the tape lightly against the neck and note the difference.
- Choosing the smallest size to look neat. Leave room for the fit test.
- Forgetting growth. Puppies need a collar they'll fit for a decent time, or a plan to replace it. See puppy collar guide.
Frequently asked questions
What if my dog is between sizes?
Look at the ranges. Choose the size where your measurement sits closest to the middle, and check the width suits your dog.
How much room should there be?
About two fingers between the collar and neck for most dogs. See how tight a collar should be.
Should I measure again before ordering?
Yes, measure twice, since the engraving is made for your dog.
Does collar width matter?
Yes. Wider collars suit larger necks, and narrower ones suit smaller dogs. Check the width on the product page.
Where's the size chart?
On each product page, and in our size guide.
Ready?
Find your dog's size and start personalising in our dog collar collection.
