Hemp Dog Collar Sizing: How to Measure Your Dog's Neck
By Eco-Friendly & Sustainably MadeProducts | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to measure your dog's neck for a hemp collar, read a size chart, and check fit so the collar stays comfortable and secure without slipping.
Quick answer
Measure your dog's neck at the widest point with a soft tape, then add about two fingers of slack before matching that number to the collar's size range. If your dog sits between sizes, choose the larger size so the collar can be adjusted down rather than squeezed on.
Why hemp collars need a careful measurement
Hemp and organic cotton collars are soft and breathable, but they are not as stretchy as some synthetic webbing. A collar that is too tight can rub the coat and skin, while one that is too loose can slip over the head during a sudden pull. Taking one accurate measurement before you order prevents both problems and keeps the collar comfortable for daily wear.
Measure at the widest point, not the base of the neck
The widest point is usually just behind the ears and in front of the shoulders, where the neck meets the body. Slide two fingers under the tape to leave room for breathing and movement, then note the number in inches or centimeters. If your dog has a thick coat or a heavy winter ruff, measure over the fur rather than pressing the tape flat against the skin.
Use the size range, not just the label
A collar listed as medium can cover a range of neck measurements, so always check the specific size chart for the product you are buying. Compare your measured number to the range, not to a breed guess. If your dog falls at the very top of a range, size up so the adjustment buckle sits in a comfortable middle position rather than at the last hole.
Check the fit after it arrives
Once the collar is on, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck without forcing them. The collar should not rotate freely on its own or slide down over the shoulders. A quick check is to gently pull the collar upward; if it slips over the ears, it is too loose and needs to be tightened.
Recheck as your dog grows or the seasons change
Puppies and young dogs can outgrow a collar in a matter of weeks, so measure again every month until growth slows. Adult dogs may also need a size check when they gain or lose weight, or when a thick winter coat adds bulk. A collar that fit perfectly in summer can become snug by January, so keep the tape handy.
Step-by-step collar sizing
- Gather a soft measuring tape: Use a cloth tape or a piece of string you can mark and measure later. A rigid ruler or metal tape will not curve around the neck and can give a false reading. Checkpoint: the tape should sit flat against the fur, not dig in.
- Find the widest point of the neck: Measure just behind the ears and in front of the shoulders, where the neck is thickest. This is the spot a collar naturally rests when fitted correctly. Common mistake: measuring at the base of the neck, which gives a smaller number and a too-tight collar.
- Add two fingers of slack: Slide two fingers under the tape before you read the number. This extra room allows your dog to swallow, breathe, and move without the collar binding. Checkpoint: the final number should be about 1 to 2 inches larger than the bare neck measurement.
- Match the number to the size chart: Compare your measurement to the collar's listed size range, not to a breed or weight guess. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one so you can adjust it down. Common mistake: ordering the same size as an old collar from a different brand, since sizing varies by maker.
- Test the fit on your dog: Put the collar on and try to slide two fingers under it. It should feel snug but not tight, and it should not rotate or slip over the ears when you gently pull upward. If it slips over the head, tighten one notch and test again before your first walk.
- Recheck monthly for puppies and seasonal coats: Puppies grow quickly, and adult dogs change shape with weight shifts or winter fur. Measure again every few weeks until growth stops, then once a season. A collar that fit in summer may need to be loosened in winter, so keep the tape handy.
Product facts
- Hemp Dog Collar Bones (White bones on black background): This hemp and organic cotton collar blends style with serious durability. The classic bones-on-black design works with any pup's personality, while the 55% hemp, 45% certified organic cotton blend keeps things soft and itch-free—perfect for sensitive skin. Rust-proof D-ring, machine washable, and naturally antibacterial means it laughs in the face of mud, water, and adventure. Wide-release buckles and handcrafted. The soft hemp and organic cotton blend is gentle on sensitive skin, and the rust-proof D-ring and machine-washable build suit dogs who get muddy or wet often. Because sizing is available, measure carefully before choosing.
