There’s nothing worse than ordering a beautiful handmade leather dog collar only to find it doesn’t fit your four-legged mate properly. Too tight and they’re uncomfortable. Too loose and it slips right over their head during an exciting rabbit chase. Neither situation is ideal.
Getting the right fit on a custom leather dog collar isn’t complicated. It just takes a couple of minutes and a bit of know-how. Whether you’ve got a tiny Chihuahua who rules the house or a hardworking Kelpie out on the paddock, this guide will help you nail the perfect measurement every time.
Why Proper Fit Actually Matters
Before we get into the measuring, let’s talk about why this is worth doing properly.
A well-fitted handmade leather dog collar isn’t just about looks. It’s about your dog’s comfort and safety. A collar that’s too tight can restrict breathing, cause skin irritation, and make your dog miserable. A collar that’s too loose? That’s a recipe for a lost dog: especially if they spot something worth chasing.
Here in regional NSW, we see plenty of working dogs and farm dogs who need collars that can handle rough conditions. A proper fit means the collar stays put when your dog is crawling under fences, swimming in dams, or doing what dogs do best.
What You’ll Need
Good news: you probably already have everything:
- A soft measuring tape (the kind you’d use for sewing)
- A piece of string or ribbon (if you don’t have a measuring tape)
- A ruler (only if using the string method)
- Your dog (obviously)
- Some treats (to keep them still for 30 seconds)
That’s it. No fancy equipment required.
The Best Way to Measure: Use an Existing Collar
If your dog already has a collar that fits well, this is the easiest and most accurate way to size a new one.
- For Buckle Collars: Measure from the fold of the leather at the buckle end to the hole that is most worn/used. This ensures the new collar fits exactly where they are comfortable.
- For Clip-up Collars: Simply lay the collar flat and measure the length of the material from end to end (do not include the buckle/clip parts).
Pop your measurement in at checkout, and tell us which method you used in your order notes.
Special Considerations for Different Dogs
Small Breeds and Leather Dog Collars for Small Dogs
Little dogs need a bit of extra care when measuring. Their necks are more delicate, and even a small measurement error makes a bigger difference.
For breeds like Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Mini Foxy’s, and Jack Russells, precision matters. Our Dashie Collar is designed specifically for these smaller mates: proportioned correctly so the collar doesn’t overwhelm their frame or feel bulky.
When measuring small dogs, using an existing well-fitting collar is the easiest way to get it spot on: especially when they’re wriggly.
Working Dogs and Farm Dogs
Out here around Wagga Wagga and regional NSW, working dogs earn their keep. They need collars that can handle mud, water, dust, and everything else the Australian bush throws at them.
For Kelpies, Border Collies, Cattle Dogs, and other working breeds, our Kelpie Collar is built tough. Full-grain leather with solid brass hardware that won’t rust or corrode.
When measuring working dogs, use their everyday collar (the one that sits comfortably during work). Measure to the most-used hole so you land right on their normal fit, with adjustment room either way.
Puppies
Growing pups are tricky. What fits today might be too small in a month.
If you’re ordering a custom leather dog collar for a puppy, measure their current collar (if they have one) and leave us a note that they’re still growing. We can help you build in sensible adjustment room.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t add extra “just in case”: It’s tempting to round up, but an oversized collar is just as problematic as one that’s too small. Trust your measurement.
Don’t measure the wrong point on a buckle collar: We need buckle fold → most-used hole (not the full length, and not buckle end → tip).
Don’t include the clip hardware on clip-up collars: Measure the strap/material only, end to end, with the collar laid flat.
Don’t guess: Seriously, just measure. It takes less than a minute and makes all the difference.
What Happens When You Order
When you order a handmade leather dog collar from us, we use the measurement from your existing well-fitting collar as the reference point for the new one, so your dog lands right on their comfortable fit.
Every collar is cut and stitched right here in our Wagga Wagga workshop. We use full-grain leather that’ll soften and develop character over time, and solid brass hardware that’s built to last.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re stuck between sizes or have a dog with an unusual build, just get in touch. We’re happy to help you figure out the right fit. You can browse our full range of dog collars or contact us directly.
We’ve fitted collars on everything from tiny teacup breeds to massive Great Danes, so there’s not much we haven’t seen. And if you need something truly custom: maybe a specific width or a unique personalisation: we can sort that out too through our custom leather products service.
Quick Reference: Measuring Checklist
- ✓ Use an existing collar that fits your dog well
- ✓ Buckle collar: measure from buckle fold → most-used hole
- ✓ Clip-up collar: measure strap/material end to end (exclude the clip parts)
- ✓ Measurement noted down
- ✓ Tell us which method you used in your order notes
That’s all there is to it. A couple of minutes now means years of comfortable wear for your best mate. And honestly, there’s something pretty satisfying about seeing your dog in a quality handmade leather collar that fits just right.
