A personalized dog collar should feel as good as it looks. Whether you choose embroidery, an engraved buckle, or both, the right size helps keep your pup comfortable and their personalized details visible.
Measuring takes just a minute. All you need is a flexible measuring tape—or a piece of non-stretch string and a ruler.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck
- Get your dog comfortable. Have your pup stand with their head in a natural position and remove their current collar.
- Position the tape. Wrap it around the neck where the collar normally sits. Keep it flat and untwisted.
- Measure without squeezing. The tape should rest comfortably against the coat without digging in, compressing thick fur tightly, or hanging loosely.
- Record the measurement in inches. Keep any fraction of an inch. If you’re using string, mark where the ends meet and measure it against a ruler without stretching it.
- Check twice. Repeat the measurement, then compare it with the appropriate size chart.
Measure your dog’s neck, not the length of their current collar. Buckles, overlapping straps, and adjustment material can make a collar’s total length different from your dog’s neck circumference.
Duke & Fox Dog Collar Size Chart
Our standard collar sizes are based on your dog’s neck circumference. Collar width refers to the width of the strap.
| Size | Neck circumference | Collar width |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 8–10 in | 5/8 in |
| S | 11–13 in | 5/8 in |
| M | 14–16 in | 5/8 or 1 in |
| L | 17–19 in | 1 or 1.5 in |
| XL | 20–22 in | 1 or 1.5 in |
| XXL | 23–26 in | 1 or 1.5 in |
For example, a 15-inch neck falls within standard size M. Choose either available M width based on your pup’s comfort and your preferred look. A wider strap doesn’t require a larger neck size.
Why You Shouldn’t Size Up Unnecessarily
Our chart is optimized to fit comfortably while helping prevent embroidery from being covered by the adjustment. Ordering a larger collar and shortening it significantly can move the embroidered name or phone number under the adjustment area.
Choose the size that matches your dog’s actual neck measurement. Don’t add extra inches “just in case.” For a growing puppy, remeasure regularly and ask us for help instead of choosing a collar that is too loose now.
Between Sizes? Custom Sizing Is Available
If your measurement falls between the listed ranges—for example, 13.5 inches—don’t guess or round it to a whole inch. We’re happy to accommodate custom sizing. Choose the closest size and include your pup’s exact neck measurement and custom-sizing request in the order notes.
If you’re unsure which size to select, or your measurement is outside the chart, email help@dukeandfox.com before ordering. Send the measurement and the collar style you’re considering so we can help.
Check the Fit With the Two-Finger Rule
When your collar arrives, buckle it and adjust it on your dog. You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and the neck without forcing them in. The strap should sit securely without pinching or hanging loosely.
If two fingers won’t fit comfortably, loosen the collar. If there’s a large gap or it can easily slip over your dog’s head, adjust it closer. Finger sizes and dogs’ neck shapes vary, so also check that your pup moves comfortably and the collar stays secure.
This is a check on the finished collar. Don’t add two fingers’ worth of extra inches to the neck measurement and then size up again. Check the fit regularly, especially as puppies grow or a dog’s weight or coat changes.
Standard Collar Sizing vs. Fi-Compatible Sizing
The standard chart above is not a Fi-compatible collar size chart. Size labels can differ between standard Duke & Fox collars, Duke & Fox Fi-compatible styles, and Fi-branded collars. Don’t assume a medium in one is a medium in another.
Measure your dog’s neck the same way, then use our Fi collar sizing chart and the chart on your chosen product listing. Confirm the collar is designed for your tracker model.
If you’re considering a standard collar with a slide-on Fi Mini, check that listing’s width and compatibility details. A slide-on tracker option does not make the standard and separate Fi-compatible size charts interchangeable. Email us with your neck measurement, desired collar, and Fi model if you need help.
Common Collar Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring the old collar laid flat: use your dog’s neck circumference instead.
- Guessing by breed or weight: dogs with similar builds can have different neck sizes.
- Adding extra inches: record the actual measurement and ask about custom sizing when needed.
- Confusing width with size: select the neck range first, then an available strap width.
- Using another brand’s size label: compare inches with the chart for the exact collar you’re buying.
- Skipping the final fit check: check the collar on your dog after delivery and regularly during wear.
A Personalized Collar Tailored to Your Pup
With the right measurement, you’re ready to make their collar their own. Explore patterns and thread colors, then choose embroidery, an engraved buckle, or both for a look tailored to your pup.
Need a second opinion? Contact help@dukeandfox.com with your dog’s neck measurement and the collar you love. We’re happy to help with size selection and custom sizing.
