1. Why collar fit matters
A collar that's too loose can slip over your dog's head the moment they back up or shake it off. That's often how a startled dog ends up running into traffic.
A collar that's too tight mats the fur around the neck, rubs the skin raw, and puts extra pressure on the throat and windpipe whenever the leash pulls. You're aiming for snug, with a little breathing room.
2. What you'll need
- A soft tape measure, the kind used for sewing.
- No tape measure? Use a piece of string or ribbon and a ruler. Wrap the string around the neck, mark it, then lay it flat against the ruler.
- A few treats to keep your dog still and happy.
3. How to measure in 4 steps
- Get your dog standing or sitting straight
If their head is tilted up or down, the number changes. Measure while they're relaxed and looking ahead. - Find where the collar sits
Not right behind the ears. Wrap the tape around the middle to lower part of the neck, where a collar normally rests, a little closer to the shoulders than the ears. - Slip two fingers underneath
Hold two fingers flat between the tape and the neck, then read the measurement. That number is the ideal collar length. On fluffy dogs, measure over the fur rather than pressing it down. - Measure two or three times
Dogs wiggle. Take a few readings and go with the one that comes up most often.
4. Choosing the right size
Collar sizes are listed as an adjustable range, such as 28–35 cm. Pick the size where your two-finger measurement lands near the centre of the range. That leaves room to adjust as the coat grows out or the seasons change.
Falling between two sizes?
- Growing puppy: go with the larger size. Wear it on a tighter setting now and loosen it as they grow.
- Fully grown dog: pick the size where your measurement isn't at the very top of the range. A collar let out all the way leaves no room to adjust.
- Heavy-coated or shedding breeds: size for when the coat is at its fullest.
5. TWOLAB collar size chart
Aurora LAB and Willow LAB collars share the same sizing.
| Size | Neck | Width | Aurora LAB weight | Willow LAB weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 28–35 cm | 20 mm | 28.6 g | 24.7 g |
| M | 35–44 cm | 25 mm | 46.5 g | 40.0 g |
| L | 44–59 cm | 25 mm | 51.2 g | 44.5 g |
Real-dog fit examples
- Shiba Inu, 9 kg → S
- Border Collie, 11 kg → S
- Labrador Retriever, 24 kg → M
- Labrador Retriever, 27 kg → L
Notice how one Lab at 24 kg wears an M while another at 27 kg wears an L. Neck size, not breed or weight, is what decides the fit.
6. Fit checklist
- Do two fingers fit underneath? You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and the neck. If one finger is a squeeze, it's too tight.
- Does it stay on when pulled forward? Gently pull the collar toward the ears. If it slides over the head easily, it's too loose.
- Are the buckle and D-ring in a good spot? Keeping the D-ring at the back of the neck makes clipping the leash on and off easier.
- Have you checked the skin after a walk? For the first few days, look for redness or matted fur around the neck after each walk.
7. FAQ
How often should I re-measure a puppy?
Puppies' necks grow fast. Re-measure about once a month, and loosen the collar or size up as soon as you can't fit two fingers underneath.
Collar or harness?
If your dog pulls hard on walks or has a sensitive windpipe, a harness takes the pressure off the neck and is worth considering. If you have health concerns, check with your vet first.
Can I exchange if I pick the wrong size?
Yes, within 7 days of receiving your order, as long as the item is unused and undamaged. For a change of mind (size, colour and so on), a round-trip shipping fee of 6,000 KRW applies. See our Support FAQ for details. Not sure which size to choose? Email your dog's neck measurement to support@twolabdogs.com and we'll help you pick.
Aurora LAB Collar
Willow LAB Collar
Willow LAB Adjustable Leash