HOW TO MEASURE YOUR DOG'S NECK WITH HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
April 28, 2021
Why can you never find the measuring tape when you need it hmm? We hear you! But if you’re looking to measure your dog's neck for one of our stylish designer dog collars, we’ve got some tips on how you can use everyday household items to get the job done just as well.
Finding the right-size collar for your family pooch is essential to ensuring your doggo doesn’t slip out when they get excited on an outing, or get their trachea injured from a collar that’s too tight. But surely a small collar will fit a small breed of dog and a large collar and large breed of dog? Not always. In fact, different breeds have very different builds and that applies to their necks too.
A fantastic way to find the perfect fit for a pup's collar (and other accessories) is to measure the girth of their neck properly. Of course, if your measuring tape has gone on its own walkabout, don’t stress because you can use one of the items below and an old-fashioned ruler or that retractable measuring tape from your toolbox.
Here are two very simple techniques you can use to measure your doggo’s (and other pets) neck to find the perfect collar:
OPTION 1: USE AN OLD COLLAR
Your pup’s current collar still fits, and you're shopping around because why not? A change is as good as a holiday! Or perhaps your fur kids collar needs a major security update. You can easily use the collar to get a fairly accurate measurement of your doggo’s neck size for a collar. Simply consult the following recommendations and measure the length with that ruler or toolbox tape measure.
RECOMMENDATION:
FOR BELT-BUCKLE COLLARS
We recommend measuring from the top of the buckle to your dog’s current and most comfortable adjustment hole on the strap.
FOR CLIP-BUCKLE COLLARS
We suggest not measuring from end to end as it will throw off your measurements by a few centimetres or over an inch. We'll admit it doesn’t sound like SUCH a big deal, but if your pup’s measurements fall under the extra-size range, such as XS and XL, it could definitely make or break a perfect fit! Measure the collar from the end of the receiver buckle clip to the top of the inserted buckle clip. Make sure not to include the full length of the inserted buckle clip in your measurements as this part clips into the receiver buckle clip.
OPTION 2: USE A CHARGER CABLE
Sounds crazy, we know! A charger cable is one of the items almost every household is guaranteed to have. Alternatively, you can also use a piece of rope, string, ribbon or a shoelace, and a ruler (or that handy toolbox measuring tape) to get a close and comfortable measurement for a new collar.
RECOMMENDATION:
Hold the end of the cable between your finger and thumb, and very gently wrap the other side around the thickest/broadest part of your pooch's neck. Pull the cord snug enough to fit 2-3 fingers between the cable and your doggo’s neck and mark the spot where the charger end meets the cord with your finger. Please be careful not to pull the cord too tight.
Now, lay the cable flat and use either a ruler or tape measure to get your pups measurements.
NOW APPLY YOUR MEASUREMENTS!
With your doggy’s neck measurements in hand, head over to the Valgray Sizing Guide to find the perfect fit for your pooch.
Remember to make sure your doggos measurements fall within the adjustment range. For example, 37cm would require a medium-sized collar with an adjustment range of 30cm - 42cm to allow for a safe and comfortable fit.
RECOMMENDATION:
Should your fur baby fall in-between collar sizes, you will need to take the following into account:
Does the collar need to be on the last adjustment hole with little to no need for adjustments?
Does your fur kid need a collar latched on the 1st hole to allow for easy adjustments and growth?
Whatever you choose, always remember that a collar should fit your dog comfortably. As a rule of thumb, you should always be able to fit 2-3 fingers between your pup's neck and the collar. This handy little trick is also great for other dog accessories.
And there you have it! No more stressing about those neck measurements. Now you can shop for your pup’s new collar with ease.
Click here to learn more about Valgray and our story.
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Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
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Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
