How to measure for a Leashes by Design collar.
We understand how difficult it can be when ordering something for your dog over the Internet. It is so much easier to take your dog to the store and try on collar after collar to find the best fitting one. However, these collars are normally plain, run of the mill collars. You obviously want something special and unique, or you wouldn't be here, on my website, looking to purchase a special collar or lead.
An inch is an inch. Right? No, at least not when we are making custom dog collars. It all depends on how the dog (or collar) is actually measured.
Don't believe us? Try it yourself...Take one of your dog's buckle collars and lay it open, flat on the table. Now, measure from the buckle to the correct hole. Now, fasten the buckle and measure the inside circumference of the fastened collar with a flexible tape measure. The first measurement will be larger than the second.
We are not trying to make it difficult, we promise! We just want your dog's collar to fit as well as possible. It is impossible for us to fit your dog over the Internet. Do not ask us to make a collar based on your dog's breed, age or weight - this is impossible. Please follow the measuring guidelines below for your dog's new collar.
An inch is an inch. Right? No, at least not when we are making custom dog collars. It all depends on how the dog (or collar) is actually measured.
Don't believe us? Try it yourself...Take one of your dog's buckle collars and lay it open, flat on the table. Now, measure from the buckle to the correct hole. Now, fasten the buckle and measure the inside circumference of the fastened collar with a flexible tape measure. The first measurement will be larger than the second.
We are not trying to make it difficult, we promise! We just want your dog's collar to fit as well as possible. It is impossible for us to fit your dog over the Internet. Do not ask us to make a collar based on your dog's breed, age or weight - this is impossible. Please follow the measuring guidelines below for your dog's new collar.
Koshare, a customer's Airedale, modeling a perfectly sized yellow and white leather collar.
Standard Buckle Collars, side release collars (including martingales with side release buckles), slip-snap collars:
Measure the dog’s neck with a tape measure as snug as you want the collar to fit. Insert a finger or two if you like a looser fit,especially for long-haired or fluffy dogs, and none if you don't. This is the measurement we need. Don’t worry this won’t be too tight. The collar will be made so that the collar’s inside diameter measurement, when the collar is closed, is exactly the neck measurement you give us. This is a custom fit. Please do not measure your dog’s current collar!! This measurement will not be accurate.
** Please note – the measurement of a collar unbuckled lying flat, is much different than the measurement of the inside of a closed collar.
Measure the dog’s neck with a tape measure as snug as you want the collar to fit. Insert a finger or two if you like a looser fit,especially for long-haired or fluffy dogs, and none if you don't. This is the measurement we need. Don’t worry this won’t be too tight. The collar will be made so that the collar’s inside diameter measurement, when the collar is closed, is exactly the neck measurement you give us. This is a custom fit. Please do not measure your dog’s current collar!! This measurement will not be accurate.
** Please note – the measurement of a collar unbuckled lying flat, is much different than the measurement of the inside of a closed collar.
Slip collars:
This type of collar is measured when laying open and flat. We do this to correspond with the way slip collars are traditionally sold. Also, as most show people know their dog wears a 17" or a 19", etc., we want to keep it simple for them to order a slip collar. Remember that you will have to slide the collar over the dog's head (slip only). Method 1 (Standard method): If you currently have a slip collar, measure the collar laying flat on the counter. Just make sure you measure the entire length, excluding the o-rings, as shown below. Method 2: For these measurements, put the tape measure around the broadest portion of the dog's head, across its ears. Do not measure too tightly or it will be difficult to get the collar on and off your dog.
If you do not indicate which method was used to measure, method 1 will be used.
This type of collar is measured when laying open and flat. We do this to correspond with the way slip collars are traditionally sold. Also, as most show people know their dog wears a 17" or a 19", etc., we want to keep it simple for them to order a slip collar. Remember that you will have to slide the collar over the dog's head (slip only). Method 1 (Standard method): If you currently have a slip collar, measure the collar laying flat on the counter. Just make sure you measure the entire length, excluding the o-rings, as shown below. Method 2: For these measurements, put the tape measure around the broadest portion of the dog's head, across its ears. Do not measure too tightly or it will be difficult to get the collar on and off your dog.
If you do not indicate which method was used to measure, method 1 will be used.
Method 1 -
Method 2 -
Standard Martingale Collars: To ensure an accurate fit, you need to take two different measurements with a flexible tape measure. For the first measurement, place the tape measure around the broadest point of your dog's head - the back of the jaw to the top of the head. This is normally the largest part of the dog's head where the collar will need to fit over. Secondly, measure the dog's neck where you would like the collar to fit. In most cases, the first measurement will be the larger of the two. This is the size collar you need to order. When the collar is made, the internal circumference of the collar will be made to this size. Again, measure as loose or snug as you would like the collar to fit. And remember, martingale collars always come off more snuggly than they go on.
If you are ordering a martingale with a side release buckle, please measure only the dog's neck as detailed above.
If you are ordering a martingale with a side release buckle, please measure only the dog's neck as detailed above.
Take 2 measurements to ensure a proper fit.
If you already have a martingale collar that fits your dog well, you can use the following method to measure for your dog's collar. Place your martingale on a flat surface (obviously the collar will be in a circle). Use a flexible tape measure and measure the inside circumference of the collar, including the chain. Keep the tape measure snug against the collar when measuring. Make sure you measure the ENTIRE circle, not just the leather/fabric portion of the collar. DO NOT pick up the collar when measuring.
This method can be used for measuring your dog for ANY collar. The only thing you have to keep in mind is whether or not the collar will need to be slipped over your dog's head. This is the way we measure our collars when we make them, so this will give you the most accurate fit possible.
This method can be used for measuring your dog for ANY collar. The only thing you have to keep in mind is whether or not the collar will need to be slipped over your dog's head. This is the way we measure our collars when we make them, so this will give you the most accurate fit possible.
The internal circumference of this martingale is 17".
When deciding on what type of collar to use, please keep the following considerations in mind to help you decide which size will work best for your dog:
Age - If you choosing a collar for a dog who is younger then one and a half years old, chances are he or she will gain some size dimensions in the neck circumference.
Type of coat - Thick or longer coated dogs may need extra room for their fur to assure a comfortable fit of your dog's new collar.
Purpose of the item - A tighter fitting collar will assure a secure fit of the item for training dogs and working with them, a looser fit is appropriate for using the item around the house or extended wear.
Age - If you choosing a collar for a dog who is younger then one and a half years old, chances are he or she will gain some size dimensions in the neck circumference.
Type of coat - Thick or longer coated dogs may need extra room for their fur to assure a comfortable fit of your dog's new collar.
Purpose of the item - A tighter fitting collar will assure a secure fit of the item for training dogs and working with them, a looser fit is appropriate for using the item around the house or extended wear.
We are not responsible for errors in measuring your dog.
Please measure carefully.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.