When purchasing an expensive custom dog collar or even when shopping for a dog collar in a store; it is cost effective to know what size you are looking for; or what range of sizes is going to fit your dog best.

Many people mistakenly measure their dog's neck in the wrong area, creating a situation where the collar is too large, sometimes dangerously so. If the collar is significantly larger than the dog's neck and head; the dog could slip out of the collar and be free; perhaps in a dangerous situation.

To accurately measure a dog's neck; you need either a piece of string (no stretch materials please!), or a soft cloth measuring tape.

String Method

Step 1. Take your piece of string.
Step 2. Find your dog.
Step 3. Enlist a helper if your dog is young or excitable.
Step 4. Find the dog's occiput (best described as the bump of the skull behind your dog's ear) and your dog's jaw bone.
Step 5. Wrap the string snugly around the dog's neck, just behind the occiput and the jawbone.
Step 6. Mark/cut end of string and measure from free end to marked end. This is your dog's collar size.

Most collars are sized in a range; or their sizing is the middle hole; with a 1" up or down increment. Therefore measuring high on the neck will guarantee your dog not slipping out of the collar; as opposed to measuring farther down the neck; where the collar will be too loose.

If you have a breed, such as a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki, with long graceful head; it is a good idea to purchase a martingale collar. With a standard buckle collar; these narrow-headed breeds would need the collar to be adjusted so tightly, their comfort is compromised. A martingale collar is made with essentially two collars. One collar is static and is measured to fit loosely. A second loop of collar material is fed through the main collar, creating a "choke" collar effect that doesn't choke the dog; but tightens up the static collar's diameter and doesn't allow narrow headed dogs to slip their collar. Since various companies create the martingale effect differently; it is best to contact the individual company for measuring instructions; or if you can; take your dog in to the store to fit the collar.