You might have a furry friend and do not want to compromise on its safety or comfort. Right? Well, that's how every pet owner should love their pets. Apart from providing food, shelter and other basic necessities, choosing the right size collar for your dog’s neck is essential so that it can breathe easily.
Most people think that the dog collars are just a fashion accessory. But this is not true. These collars have multiple functions and ensure the identity and safety of your furry champion. Before choosing it, you must know how tight should a dog collar be.
Continue reading this blog to get detailed information about it.
Importance Of Choosing the Right Collar Size For Dogs
A dog’s collar should neither be too tight nor too loose. That’s a very common statement about collar size. Let’s make it clear why it is said so. Many potential harms are associated with wrong sized collars. If it is too loose, it can slip off and badly impact your pet's safety. Also, it can become a reason for constant skin irritation for them.
Contrary to this, if the collar is too tight, it can cause choking or respiratory problems in your dogs. So, choosing a fit collar size can easily avoid these health and safety issues.
Different Dog Collar sizes
After understanding the significance of right-sized dog collars, let’s explore different collar sizes.
Dog collars are available in different sizes to accommodate different dog breeds. The most commonly available sizes are:
Extra Small
These lightweight collars are designed for small-breed dogs. If your dog's neck size is between 6 and 10 inches, extra-small collars would be most convenient.
Small
If your pet's neck size is between 10 and 14 inches, small collars are the best choice. They are versatile and suitable for many breeds, such as Jack Russel Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and many others.
Medium
This is the most commonly used collar size, suitable for dogs with neck sizes between 14 and 20 inches. If you have pit bull terriers, beagles, border collies, or standard schnauzers, you should go for this size of collar without thinking twice.
Large
Large breeds like golden retrievers, boxers, German shepherds, and Dobermans have neck sizes ranging from 18 to 26 inches, and large collars are best for them. The reason is that they are durable and can handle great strength.
Extra Large
If your dog belongs to a giant breed and exceeds 75 pounds in weight, extra-large collars are best suited for them. These collars are robust and control all the dogs whose neck size ranges from 22 to 30 inches. Mostly, great Danes, mastiffs, and rottweilers use such collars.
But you can only select one of these collars if you know the exact size of your dog’s neck. Don’t know how to measure it? Relax! Here is a quick guide for you.
Measuring Your Dog’s Collar Size
Though there are many ways to measure your dog's collar’s dimensions , the most reliable methods are:
Use A Flexible Tap Ruler
Take a flexible tape measure and wrap it properly around your dog's neck. It should be some inches below the jawline where the collar will sit. Examine the tape and add one or two inches to that number. It would be a perfect size for your dog’s neck.
Measurement With Existing Collar
You can also use the existing collars of your dogs to take the new size. For that purpose, lay the collar flat on the surface and measure it from buckle to sizing hole. It will give you an accurate measurement of your dog’s neck size.
Signs of Properly Fit Dog Collar
Now suppose you have selected a collar after taking perfect measurements of your dog’s neck. Still feeling anxious about your decision? Well, you can easily overcome this anxiety by checking with the following signs of properly fitted collars:
Two Finger Rule
There is a two-finger rule: Place two fingers of your hand between your dog’s neck and collar. If the fingers can slide but also remain snug, congratulations—you have chosen the perfect size!
No Rotation
The collar should not rotate around your dog’s neck. If it stays in place without sliding or rotating, it is the perfect fit, and you can start using it without any risk.
Free Movement
Pay attention to any signs of discomfort in your pets like irritation or frequent rubbing. But if there is no such sign and the dog moves its head and neck freely, you have made a great choice.
Conclusion
Now you will be clear about how tight should a dog collar be! But even after selecting the right fit for your furry champion, it is very important to regularly check and adjust the fit, especially if your dog is growing old. This will ensure not only your dog’s well-being but also your full peace of mind.