Dog Collar Size Guide by Breed (UK)
Share
Typical adult neck sizes range from roughly 15 to 30cm for very small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, to around 46 to 61cm for large breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds. The table below gives typical ranges for 21 breeds popular in the UK. These are only a starting point: dogs vary a great deal within a breed, so always measure your own dog's neck before you buy.
Why breed is only a rough guide
Two dogs of the same breed can need very different collars. Working and show lines differ in build, males are often larger than females, and coat type changes how a collar sits. A fluffy coat can add noticeably to the measurement, while a fine-coated sighthound has a slim neck relative to its head. Crossbreeds, such as cockapoos and other poodle crosses, vary even more, depending on the size of the parent breeds, which is why we have not listed them.
That is why every reputable size chart, including the sources we checked for this guide, recommends measuring your dog. Use the table to get a sense of the likely size, then confirm with a tape measure. Our step-by-step guide on how to measure your dog shows you exactly how.
Typical neck sizes by breed
Ranges are for adult dogs, rounded to the nearest centimetre. They are based on published breed sizing charts, cross-checked against several retailer size guides, and should be read as typical ranges rather than exact sizes.
| Breed | Typical adult neck size |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terrier | 15 to 30cm |
| Miniature Dachshund | 20 to 30cm |
| Shih Tzu | 25 to 36cm |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 25 to 36cm |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 25 to 41cm |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 25 to 41cm |
| Miniature Poodle | 25 to 41cm |
| Border Terrier | 28 to 33cm |
| Pug | 30 to 41cm |
| French Bulldog | 30 to 41cm |
| Cocker Spaniel | 30 to 46cm |
| Beagle | 30 to 46cm |
| Whippet | 33 to 38cm |
| West Highland White Terrier | 36 to 41cm |
| Springer Spaniel | 36 to 46cm |
| Border Collie | 36 to 46cm |
| Greyhound | 36 to 46cm |
| Boxer | 41 to 56cm |
| Golden Retriever | 41 to 61cm |
| Labrador Retriever | 46 to 61cm |
| German Shepherd | 46 to 61cm |
Some of these ranges are wide, particularly for spaniels, retrievers and the smaller toy breeds. That reflects real variation between individual dogs, and it is another reason to measure rather than rely on breed alone.
How to use these numbers when you shop
Neck measurement vs collar length
Size charts can describe two different things. Some give the neck circumference a collar fits, while others give the length of the collar itself, from end to end or from the first hole to the last. A buckle collar's total length will be longer than the neck it fits, because of the overlap at the buckle. Always check which one a chart is using before comparing it with your measurement.
Aim for the middle of the range
Most collars are adjustable across a range of a few centimetres. Choose a size where your dog's neck measurement sits comfortably within that range, ideally nearer the middle, so you have room to loosen or tighten. Once fitted, use the two-finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers flat between collar and neck.
Sizes vary between brands
A medium in one brand can be a small or large in another. Never assume your dog's size carries over between makers. Compare your tape measurement with the specific product's size chart every time. Our own collars, including The Kensington Collar (sizes S to XL) and The Mayfair Collar, are adjustable, and their product pages give sizing details.
Breed-specific fitting tips
- Sighthounds (Whippets, Greyhounds). Their heads can be narrower than their necks, so a standard collar may slip off more easily. Many owners choose a wider collar for these breeds, and fit is especially important.
- Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs). Many owners of these breeds prefer to walk them on a harness and use the collar mainly for ID. See our harness guide for more.
- Long-coated breeds (Shih Tzus, Cavaliers, Yorkshire Terriers). Measure close to the skin, and recheck fit after grooming, since a fresh trim can change how a collar sits.
- Puppies of any breed. Expect to change collar size more than once as they grow, and check the fit weekly.
Do not forget the ID
Whatever size you choose, in the UK your dog's collar, or a tag attached to it, must show your name and address when your dog is in a public place. Read more in our guide to UK dog tag law.
Frequently asked questions
What size collar does a Labrador need?
Adult Labradors typically have a neck size of around 46 to 61cm, but individual dogs vary. Measure your dog's neck and choose a collar whose adjustable range covers that measurement.
What size collar does a Cocker Spaniel need?
Adult Cocker Spaniels typically measure around 30 to 46cm around the neck. Working and show types can differ, so always measure your own dog.
Is breed or measurement more important when choosing a collar?
Measurement. Breed charts give a useful idea of the likely size, but dogs vary within every breed, and sizes vary between brands. Always measure and compare with the product's own size chart.
Why is there no size listed for my crossbreed?
Crossbreeds such as cockapoos vary widely in size depending on their parents, so a typical range would not be reliable. Measure your dog's neck and use that figure to choose a size.