After we’ve already made the decision to invest in a high-quality leather dog collar it often happens that we cannot decide on the proper parameters. One of these is collar width. We usually consider what width would look good on our dog and what would be comfortable for them. But since decision-making can be difficult, we have prepared this article for you in cooperation with Rudolf Desenský. This article focuses only on the collar width, another question is its tightness. You can read more in our article “How tight should a dog collar be.”

Our e-shop offers dog collars ranging in width from 2.5 cm to 7 cm. In general, the smaller the dog, the narrower the collar and vice-versa. Thanks to his experience, Mr. Desenský (RD) can often choose a suitable collar width using just the weight of the dog. We will therefore also decide on the collar width primarily in connection with the weight of the dog. The breakdown of dog breeds below is not based on any official categorization but rather on convention. There is a whole range of exceptions among dogs in a single breed, and some dog breeds will certainly overlap with multiple categories. Therefore, we would also be happy if this article is not taken as dogma but rather as a helpful guideline.


Small dog breeds
 (adult weight of 10 kg) – this category of dogs usually has a neck circumference of up to 30 cm, which means that a collar width of up to 2.5 cm is suitable, mostly for dogs at the heavier end of this weight group.  Elegant dogs will be better off with a collar width of 1.5 cm or 2 cm. Collars with a smaller width also weigh less, but it is important to bear in mind that a collar that is too thin can choke your dog. RD: ‘Even on small dogs, narrow collars under 1 cm not only choke but work like a razor on their neck‘.

Medium-size dog breeds
(adult weight up to 25 kg) – dogs in this group generally have neck circumferences of up to 40 cm, those at the heavier end of the scale up to 45 cm. For this category of dogs, we recommend collars with widths of 2.5 cm, 3 cm, at most 4 cm. RD: ‘A width of 4 cm only for pit bulls, which usually have a stronger pull; the wider collar won’t choke them‘. On average, the most common collar width in this category is 3 cm.

Large dog breeds
(adult weight up to 40 kg) – this typically concerns dogs with a neck circumference of 50-55 cm. Depending on the specific breed, collar widths in this category should be around 4 cm. RD: ‘A collar with a width of 4 cm is a clear choice for dogs weighing around 40 kg‘. This width is suitable for everyday use – it ensures the sufficient strength of the collar and also will not restrict the dog. Depending on the breed, a narrow 3 cm collar could also be suitable. On the other hand, robust breeds could wear a 5 cm collar, but not wider.

Giant dog breeds
 (adult weight over  40 kg) – collars with a width of 4 cm and more are the optimal choice for dogs with a neck circumference of at least 50 cm. The most common collar width in this category is 5 cm. For even larger dogs, typically over 60 kg, a collar width of 6 or 7 cm can be chosen.

 

Please make your decision wisely – don’t choose an overly narrow collar that will choke your dog, or one that it too wide and which will restrict them. RD: ‘The most important thing is that the dog can breathe freely under all conditions. When a dog’s breathing is limited, they get under stress. Another difference is whether the collar is for a manageable dog or one that is a strong puller. I often tell clients that it’s similar to going shopping with a plastic bag or a bag with a wide handle. The plastic bag will cut into your hand on your way home, just like a collar that is too thin for your dog’s neck’.

If you follow the rules established here, you shouldn’t make a mistake in the majority of cases. When collars serve for various purposes, exceptions are naturally possible depending on whether the collar is intended for everyday use, for dog shows, sports activities, etc. RD: ‘When I head out to work with my dog, I choose a collar about 1 cm wider; when we’re going for a walk, I take a narrower one. The proper width makes the collar functional in many ways, not only for the safety of the dog. For example, it is possible to help a dog on a lead in bad terrain. Once we even put a wider leather collar on a greyhound stuck in a pit and pulled him out‘.

We hope that we’ve made the selection of the proper collar width a little clearer for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or are interested in ordering a custom collar.