How To Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items

April 28, 2021

Valgray for Dogs premium dog accessory Blog Post Image For How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items Blog post. Image shows a person measuring a dog's neck with household items.

Need to know how to measure your dog's neck using everyday household items? Valgray is here to help!

Recently bought your pup a collar that just doesn’t quite fit properly? Perhaps, you have no clue what size collar to choose for your extra-large fur child or teeny little pooch? Sound familiar? Then keep on reading because we will show you a few of the best ways to measure your dog's neck with household items.

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. We know most people don’t have tailor measuring tapes laying around, but this is the best time to rummage through that infamous junk drawer for a toolbox measuring tape or a ruler. 

Here are two very simple techniques you can use to measure your doggos (and other pets) neck to find the perfect collar:

How to measure your dog's neck without a tape measure

Option 1: Use An Old Collar 

Your pups current collar still fits, and you're shopping around because why not! Or, your fur kids collar needs a major update. You can easily use the collar and a ruler ( or even a toolbox measuring tape) to get a fairly accurate measurement of your doggos neck size for a collar.

Recommendation:

For Belt-Buckle Collars

We recommend measuring from the top of the buckle to your dogs current and most comfortable adjustment hole on the strap.

Valgray for Dogs premium dog accessories Blog Post Dog collar size Image For How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items Blog post. Image shows how to measure a dog Belt-Buckle Collar.

For Clip-Buckle Collars

We suggest not measuring from end to end as it will throw off your measurements by a few centimeters or over an inch. We'll admit it doesn’t sound like SUCH a big deal, but if your pups 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.

 Valgray premium dog accessories Blog Post Dog collar size Image For How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items Blog post. Image shows how to measure a dog Clip-Buckle Collar.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.

Valgray premium dog accessories Blog Post Dog collar size Image For How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items Blog post. Image shows how to use a cable to measure your dog's neck. A cellphone cable and a dog are shown in the image.

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 doggos neck and mark the spot where the charger end met 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.

Valgray premium dog accessories Blog Post Dog collar measuring Image For How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items Blog post. Image shows how to use a cable to measure your dog's neck. A cellphone cord and a ruler are in the image.

Now Apply Your Measurements!

With your doggies neck measurements in hand, refer to any dog collar manufacturer sizing guide. Remember to make sure your doggos measurements fall within the adjustment range specified by the pet collar maker.

For example, 37cm would require a Medium size collar with an adjustment range of 30cm - 42cm to allow for a safe and comfortable fit.

Valgray premium dog accessories Blog Post Dog collar sizing Image For How to Measure Your Dog's Neck Using Everyday Household Items Blog post. Image shows a person measuring a dog collar with their fingers.

Recommendation:

Should your fur baby fall in-between collar sizes, you will need to take the following into account:

  1. Does the collar need to be on the last adjustment hole with little to no need for adjustments?

  2. 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, like our comfy doggy snoods.

And there you have it! No more stressing about those neck measurements. Now you can shop for your pups new collar with ease.

If you would like to learn more about Valgray and how we got started, read Valgray, This Is Us!

 

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By shopping with Valgray, you're not only selecting a brand, but you're also becoming a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centered around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and coziness, 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 alternatively, reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to have a conversation with you and share our fashionable products!


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The Valgray Collar Sizing Guide
Valgray luxury dog accessory product sizing guide & sizing chart for all size dog collar blog banner. Image from The Valgray Collar Sizing Guide page.

 

Collars for all dog sizes!

Valgray is one of the few brands that cater for the truly tiny pooch with our X-Small collars. We also go the extra mile to ensure we cater for the giant breeds with measurements reaching up to 75cm.

Never try to guess your dog's neck size! Avoid disappointment by first making sure you measure your pup’s neck for the most accurate sizing.

Then, refer to our sizing chart below to find the most appropriate collar size for your doggie. Remember to select a collar size that will fit comfortably and allow for movement.

I don't know how to measure my dog's neck?

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.

Valgray luxury dog accessory product sizing guide & sizing chart for extra large, large, medium, small and extra small dog collars. Image from The Valgray Collar Sizing Guide page.

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. Our PVC-coated nylon straps are soft, making adjustments at home very easy. Use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.

Interested in learning about the paws and humans behind Valgray? Learn about our journey and how we give back on Valgray, This Is How Our Story Started!