How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar the Right Way

A collar that doesn't fit is worse than no collar at all. Too tight and it restricts breathing, causes hotspots, and puts constant pressure on the trachea and cervical spine. Too loose and your dog can back out of it — which, for a large or high-drive breed, is not a minor inconvenience.

The good news: getting an accurate measurement takes about 60 seconds. Here's exactly how to do it.

What you need

• A soft fabric tape measure — the kind used for sewing. A rigid ruler or metal measuring tape won't conform to your dog's neck and will give you an inaccurate number.

• Alternatively: a piece of string or paracord. Wrap it around the neck, mark it, then measure the string flat against a ruler.

• Your dog standing on all fours in a relaxed, natural position — not sitting, not lying down. Neck shape and position change when a dog is off their feet, and you'll get a measurement that doesn't reflect real-world fit.

Step 1 — Position your dog

Have your dog stand naturally on all fours. Don't ask them to sit or lie down for this — a standing position is how they'll actually wear the collar, and it's the only position that gives you an accurate neck measurement. If your dog is wiggly, have a second person hold them steady or use a treat to keep them focused.

Step 2 — Find the right spot on the neck

The collar sits at mid-neck — not at the base near the shoulders, and not up near the jaw. Run your hand along your dog's neck and find the natural midpoint. That's where you measure.

For large breeds with thick, muscular necks — Cane Corsos, XL Bullies, Rottweilers, Mastiffs — the mid-neck measurement can differ significantly from the base. Always measure where the collar will actually sit in daily use.

Step 3 — Wrap snugly, not tightly

Wrap the tape measure around your dog's neck at that midpoint. You want it snug — lying flat against the skin with no slack — but not compressing or pulling the neck. Read the number in inches.

That number is your measurement. That's what you order.

Step 4 — Choose your size range

Our collars are available in overlapping size ranges that adjust within a span of a few inches. Find the ranges that include your dog's exact measurement, and then decide how you want the collar to adjust.

Example: Your dog's neck measures 22". Choose the size range that includes 22" and decide if you want to be able to adjust it smaller, larger or both ways and pick that range. If your dog is done growing pick a range where the measurement lands in the middle of the range.

If you're not sure what size to get, message us before ordering. We're happy to advise on which range works best for your dog's neck size and build.

Measuring for a martingale collar

Martingale collars have two loops — the main collar loop and the correction loop. You need two measurements:

• Neck circumference at mid-neck (same process as above)

• Head circumference at the widest point — typically just behind the ears

The collar needs to be able to slip over the dog's head when the correction loop is fully extended, so the head measurement matters. If you're unsure how these work together, contact us before ordering — it's a quick question that prevents a frustrating situation.

Measuring puppies

If you're ordering for a puppy, take the measurement now — but keep in mind that large breed puppies grow fast. A Cane Corso puppy can add several inches of neck circumference in a matter of weeks. Choose a size range with room to grow, and remeasure before your next order.

For a puppy that's actively growing, it's worth messaging us to discuss sizing. We'll help you find a range that fits now and has room to last a few months.

Dogs with loose neck skin or skin folds

Breeds with heavy jowls, loose neck skin, or deep skin folds — Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, Neapolitan Mastiffs — can be tricky to measure because the neck changes shape dramatically depending on head position. For these dogs, measure at the tightest point of the neck with the head held level, and take a second measurement with the head lowered. Order based on the larger of the two numbers.

When in doubt, send us both measurements and a description of your dog's build. We'll tell you exactly what to order.

One last thing

Don't order based on a collar your dog is currently wearing — especially if that collar is from another brand or is stretched out from use. Measure the neck directly. Every time. It takes 60 seconds and it's the only way to guarantee the collar we build for your dog fits the way it should.

Kingdom Collars — Built for the Crown.