Tail Waggers' Blog

To properly size your dog for a collar, use a flexible measuring device such as a tailor’s tape. If you don’t have one or the measuring device you do have may potentially harm your dog, use a piece of string and measure it when you have determined the correct length.

Since Martingale collars do not have a buckle and must fit over the dog’s head, you will first need to measure the widest point on their head; this is typically around the back of the head over and including the ears as in line A in photo. Depending on your dog’s head it may be more like line B (click the photo for a larger view), then use the largest measurement.

Adjust the tape or string by the appropriate amount to ensure that it will easily slip on and off their head and neck; this will be about 1 inch on small dogs and 2 inches or more on medium and large dogs. This will differ between all dogs as it really depends on the size and shape of both the dog’s head and ears.

Once this has been done, this is the minimum size that you will need to order. Note that the collar may need to be adjusted once it slips over the dog’s head as you do not want it too loose around their neck. Once it has been adjusted on the dog it should have about 2 inches of play or 2 finger widths between the collar and dog’s neck for the most comfortable fit.