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, 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.
A customer's two Brittanys wearing their properly fitted, double strand martingale collars.
What you will need:
Flexible tape measure - soft sewing style, not a metal tape measure
Your dog and/or a current, well-fitting collar
* Measuring your dog is always the best option.
BELT-STYLE OR QUICK SNAP COLLAR
Measure your dog
Gunner's neck measures approximately 15.5", with 2 fingers under the tape.
Place your tape measure around your dog's neck, in the approximate area where you would like the collar to sit. To ensure a comfortable fit, put 2-3 fingers underneath the tape when measuring.
Make sure this number is what you put for the exact neck size if ordering a quick release or snap collar. If you are ordering a belt-style buckle collar, we will make the size you give us as the neck size as the middle hole out of five.
Make sure this number is what you put for the exact neck size if ordering a quick release or snap collar. If you are ordering a belt-style buckle collar, we will make the size you give us as the neck size as the middle hole out of five.
One of Gunner's finished collars, with an internal circumference of approximately 15.5"
BUCKLE COLLAR
Measuring a collar (open and flat)
If you are satisfied with the fit of your dog’s current buckle collar, you can measure the collar itself to get a new collar that fits the same. Keep in mind that collars can stretch over time, so please do not rely on any size tag or imprint on your current collar. We recommend physically measuring your current collar with a measuring tape, if you are using the current collar for reference.
For a standard buckle collar (with holes like a belt), measure from the buckle’s center bar, where it connects to the collar, to the hole that you are currently using.
For a side-release buckle collar (with two ends that clip together), measure from the end of the female part of the buckle to the opposite end of the collar, excluding the male part of the buckle.
For a standard buckle collar (with holes like a belt), measure from the buckle’s center bar, where it connects to the collar, to the hole that you are currently using.
For a side-release buckle collar (with two ends that clip together), measure from the end of the female part of the buckle to the opposite end of the collar, excluding the male part of the buckle.
MARTINGALE COLLAR
Measuring your dog
We will need to provide three different measurements.
A - This measurement is for head clearance. Make sure when you are determining the measurement that you can slide the encircled tape measure over the ears and BACK. This is (for most dogs) the widest point that the collar will open.
B - Snug measurement
C - Comfortable fit measurement
A - This measurement is for head clearance. Make sure when you are determining the measurement that you can slide the encircled tape measure over the ears and BACK. This is (for most dogs) the widest point that the collar will open.
B - Snug measurement
C - Comfortable fit measurement
MARTINGALE COLLAR
Measuring a collar
It is possible to measure an existing collar, rather than your dog, if your dog is uncooperative. You do not have to measure another martingale collar, but remember, martingale collars are always a little snugger coming off, then going on, so make sure you try your collar both directions.
Place your martingale or buckle collar on a flat surface (if is is a buckle collar, put the buckle into the hole that fits the best for this measurement). Use a flexible tape measure and measure the inside circumference of the collar. If you are measuring a martingale collar, also include the chain in your measurement. Keep the tape measure snug against the collar when measuring. Make sure you measure the ENTIRE circle of the collar, including any hardware. DO NOT pick up the collar when measuring.
Place your martingale or buckle collar on a flat surface (if is is a buckle collar, put the buckle into the hole that fits the best for this measurement). Use a flexible tape measure and measure the inside circumference of the collar. If you are measuring a martingale collar, also include the chain in your measurement. Keep the tape measure snug against the collar when measuring. Make sure you measure the ENTIRE circle of the collar, including any hardware. DO NOT pick up the collar when measuring.
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 than 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 than 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.
Most collars are NOT able to be modified after they are made.
Please measure carefully.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
