Have you ever gone to the store to buy your dog a new collar, and for the life of you can't remember the correct size? Don't feel bad, I've had my fair share of these moments!
Whether you are ready to bring home a new puppy or need to purchase a new collar for your dog, it is best to take your fur baby with you for this purchase. Most pet stores allow you to bring your fur baby into the store, as long as they are current on vaccinations. Be sure to check with your pet store before heading out with your pooch.
Choosing a dog collar for your puppy or dog doesn't have to be difficult. Below are some suggestions on finding the correct type and collar size for your dog.
Most dog collars come in standard sizes,
- XS
- S
- M
- L
- XL
Some brands only offer S - L, usually most pet stores offer a variety of brands.
You will also need to decide whether you want the buckle/belt style, like the dachshund pictured above is wearing; or the snap closure, as pictured below
If you have your dog with you at the store, place the collar around the neck, adjust to the right sizing, snap or buckle in place. Make sure that you are able to place two fingers between your dog's neck and the collar. There should be room on the collar to make it larger or smaller. If there isn't, try with a different size until you find the correct fit.
Keep in mind that sizing will vary from one brand to another.
You can always ask a sales associate at the store for assistance, most reputable pet stores are more than happy to help you.
If you are unable to take your dog with you, measure their neck, with a tape measure or a piece of ribbon. You will want to place the ribbon or measurement tape so it lays naturally on the neck, as a collar would. Leave it loose enough so you can fit 2 fingers comfortably between the tape/ribbon and your dog's neck. Now take note of the measurement on the tape or mark it with a permanent marker. If you are using a piece of ribbon, you can cut it at the right length. Just take the tape, or ribbon with you, to the store and match it up with a collar. Easy Peasy!
These days there are so many choices of collars, patterns and materials. Once you have the size figured out, you'll realize that was the easy part! Deciding on geometrics, polka dots, floral, satin, leather, glitter... That's the hard part. Sorry, your own your own for that!
But I would really love to know what you decide on, please leave me a comment. I truly love hearing from you, it makes my day!
Have fun picking out your dog's collar❤
I swear by martingale collars for all of our dogs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Nichole. It's always great when you can find a brand that works well for your pets.
DeleteMaybe it's because I tend to buy leather collars but they all want measurement in inches for size. Most of Mr. N's have a quick release buckle.
ReplyDeleteLeather collars are nice, yes they are usually sized differently from nylon. The quick release is a nice feature.
DeleteGreat post! We do harnesses with our Huskies and collars. Each has their own colored collar and leash with designs. It's fun to choose - you're right, there are so many!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and visit. Harnesses are great, especially for walks. We do color differentiation too!
DeleteTaking your pet to the pet store to find the right collar is such a good idea! Getting the right size for a cat can be tedious too if you didn't check (some cats are fluffier than others). Getting a comfortable, well-fitting collar is much more important than finding a cute one.
ReplyDelete-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net
Thank you Robin for your kind words and visit. That is so true that fit is so much more important than looks. And yes I agree, finding cat collars can be tough sometimes, especially for the fluffier ones.
DeleteHave a beautiful day!
Your welcome! Thanks for visiting, have a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the quick release buckles because my dogs are squirmy and it would be tedious to use a belt buckle style. I wish I had the budget to invest in a lot of collars or harnesses, I'm always seeing new ones that I like!
ReplyDeleteYes, the quick release are handy for that reason! I agree, collars and leashes are like shoes, can't just have one!
DeleteGreat post! Depending on how much fluff I have, my collar needs to be adjusted the fluffier it gets!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Spencer. Mr W & Mr J have to have their collars adjusted, depending on the season, too!
DeletePerfect timing because I'm planning on getting Keira a new one. Now that she has a new hair cut- she needs a new collar 😊
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for Keira! New haircut and a new collar! Have fun shopping.
DeleteGreat information! Love the idea of cutting a ribbon to the correct size if unable to bring your dog in for a fitting. Good suggestion, too, to make sure there's room to make the collar larger or smaller.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jasmine for your kind words and visit.
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Great idea! I've never though about taking the dog to the store to fit it there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, happy you found this helpful. Appreciate your visit!
DeleteWe have switched to a harness but we always have a collar on for hanging tags. Good advice here
ReplyDeleteYes, my pups have their collars on at all times. Harnesses are wonderful for outings and long walks.
DeleteThank you for your kind words.
Our problem seems to be finding the right harness.....
ReplyDeleteYes, that can be challenging! We took our dogs with us for a fitting. Took a few different ones before we found the right fit for Stewy.
DeleteThese are great tips for choosing a dog collar. People seem to forget that sizes differ from a brand to another
ReplyDeleteYes, I've made that mistake a time or two! Thank you for visiting, happy weekend!
DeleteWe buy collars like jewelry! Different days, different seasons, different colors! Great post that helps people, and dogs, out!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! My Stewy would be all over that 😊
DeleteThank you for your kind words and visit.
Great tips! The 2 fingers rule is a good one to go by. I live with huskies who have fur that makes their neck seem larger than it is. My oldest would always slip out of her collar because it was too big. Collar sizing is very important!
ReplyDeleteThank you Faith for your kind comment and visit. Huskies are such beautiful dogs. & yes, size matters when it comes to collars!
DeleteThe fastest way to REUNITE a Lost Dog or Cat is with a properly fitted Collar & ID Tag. Thanks for this post - it's very timely for National Pet ID Week and I'll certainly be adding it to our advocacy for #ChipCollarTag. Chers, Annette
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Annette! Thank you for visiting and best wishes with your advocacy program ❤
DeleteI've had to buy cat collars for Wynston before because he was so tiny when he was a puppy!
ReplyDeleteAww, that is so sweet ❤ How many pounds is Wynston now? I sometimes shoobfor harnesses for Tootsie in the cat section 😊
DeleteI have a small female husky. She is sooooooo furry, she manages to get off every collar and chew them. (She enjoys chewing leashes, harnesses and shoe laces???)
ReplyDeleteSo how do I get the correct size?
Hi Gayle,
DeleteSounds like you have quite the energetic pup! I would recommend taking your dog with you to the pet store for a proper fitting.
Best wishes to you and your furbaby ❤