Dog Neck Sizes by Breed (With Measurement Guide)

Looking for a Collar?

A dog’s neck measurement is the key factor when choosing the right collar. Below you'll find typical neck size ranges for small, medium and large dog breeds with measurements provided in both centimetres and inches.

Tip: If you're viewing this chart on a mobile device, zooming out or rotating your phone horizontally may make the tables easier to read.

Small Breed Neck Sizes

Typically fitting an XS or S size dog collar.

Breed	Male Neck (cm)	Male Neck (in)	Female Neck (cm)	Female Neck (in)
Chihuahua	20–26	8–10	18–24	7–9
Pomeranian	22–28	9–11	20–26	8–10
Yorkshire Terrier	22–28	9–11	20–26	8–10
Shih Tzu	26–34	10–13	24–32	9–12
Maltese	22–30	9–12	20–28	8–11
Papillon	22–28	9–11	20–26	8–10
Toy Poodle	24–30	9–12	22–28	9–11
Dachshund (Mini)	26–34	10–13	24–32	9–12
Miniature Pinscher	24–32	9–13	22–30	9–12
Italian Greyhound	24–32	9–13	22–30	9–12

Medium Breed Neck Sizes

Typically fitting an M or L size dog collar.

Breed	Male Neck (cm)	Male Neck (in)	Female Neck (cm)	Female Neck (in)
Beagle	34–45	13–18	32–42	12–17
Cocker Spaniel	36–48	14–19	34–46	13–18
Border Collie	40–50	16–20	38–48	15–19
Australian Shepherd	40–52	16–20	38–50	15–20
French Bulldog	36–46	14–18	34–44	13–17
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	40–50	16–20	38–48	15–19
Mini Labradoodle	40–50	16–20	38–48	15–19
Whippet	38–48	15–19	36–46	14–18
Bull Terrier	42–55	16–22	40–52	16–20
Standard Schnauzer	40–52	16–20	38–50	15–20

Large Breed Neck Sizes

Typically fitting an L or XL size dog collar.

Breed	Male Neck (cm)	Male Neck (in)	Female Neck (cm)	Female Neck (in)
Labrador Retriever	50–60	20–24	45–55	18–22
Golden Retriever	50–62	20–24	45–58	18–23
German Shepherd	55–65	22–26	50–60	20–24
Rottweiler	60–70	24–28	55–65	22–26
Doberman	50–62	20–24	45–58	18–23
Boxer	50–60	20–24	45–55	18–22
Siberian Husky	45–55	18–22	42–52	17–21
Great Dane	65–80	26–31	60–75	24–30
Alaskan Malamute	55–65	22–26	50–60	20–24
Bernese Mountain Dog	55–65	22–26	50–60	20–24

How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck

Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of your dog's neck where the collar naturally sits. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the tape and your dog's neck.

FAQs

How tight should a dog collar be?

A properly fitted collar should allow two fingers to fit between the collar and your dog's neck.

Do male dogs have thicker necks?

In many breeds males develop thicker necks due to greater muscle mass.

Should I size up if my dog is between sizes?

Choosing the slightly larger collar usually provides a more comfortable fit.