How to Choose a Collar for a Long-Haired Dog

Long-haired dogs can look incredible in a beautiful collar—but their coats create a few challenges that short-haired dogs don't have.

Thick fur can hide the collar almost completely.

Decorative details may disappear beneath the coat.

A collar that appears loose before grooming may suddenly fit very differently after a haircut.

And if you tighten a collar simply to make it more visible, you may sacrifice your dog's comfort.

So how do you choose the right collar for a long-haired dog?

The answer is to consider size, fit, width, material, coat thickness, grooming habits, color, and accessory visibility together.

Whether your dog has a silky coat, fluffy double coat, long curls, or thick flowing fur, here's what to consider before choosing their next collar.

1. Start with Your Dog's Actual Neck Measurement

The most important step is still the simplest:

Measure your dog's neck.

Don't choose a collar based only on:

• Breed

• Weight

• Coat size

• Appearance

• Another brand's collar size

Long fur can make a dog's neck look considerably larger than it actually is.

Use a flexible measuring tape around the area where the collar normally sits.

You want to measure the dog's neck appropriately without simply measuring the outer circumference of a large, fluffy coat.

At the same time, don't compress the fur aggressively just to get the smallest possible measurement.

The goal is a realistic measurement that helps you achieve a comfortable everyday fit.

LA Dog Store Collar Size Guide

LA Dog Store collars are available from XS through XXL:

XS: 6–8" (15–20 cm) | Width: 3/8" (1.0 cm)

S: 8–11" (20–28 cm) | Width: 3/4" (2.0 cm)

M: 11–14" (28–36 cm) | Width: 1" (2.5 cm)

L: 14–18" (36–46 cm) | Width: 1" (2.5 cm)

XL: 18–22" (46–56 cm) | Width: 1" (2.5 cm)

XXL: 22–26" (56–66 cm) | Width: 1.5" (3.8 cm)

If your dog's measurement falls between two LA Dog Store sizes, size up.

This gives you more adjustment flexibility rather than forcing the smaller collar close to its maximum range.

2. Don't Tighten a Collar Just to Make It Visible

This is one of the most important styling mistakes to avoid with long-haired dogs.

You put the collar on.

The fur covers it.

So you tighten it.

The collar becomes more visible—but it may now be too tight.

Visibility should never determine collar adjustment.

A collar should fit the dog's neck comfortably regardless of how much fur covers it.

If you want the collar to stand out more, use:

• Color contrast

• Appropriate collar width

• A visible bow tie

• A floral accessory

• Grooming around the neck

Don't solve a styling issue by sacrificing fit.

3. Use the Two-Finger Rule as a Starting Point

Once the collar is fastened, check the actual fit underneath the coat.

A commonly used guideline is the two-finger rule.

You should generally be able to slide approximately two fingers between your dog's neck and the collar.

With long-haired dogs, make sure you're checking beneath the fur rather than judging the space based only on the outer coat.

The collar should feel:

Secure, but not tight.

It shouldn't press firmly into the neck, but it also shouldn't hang so loosely that it can easily slip out of position.

4. Collar Width Becomes More Noticeable with Thick Fur

A very narrow collar may disappear almost completely beneath a heavy coat.

A wider collar can sometimes remain more visually noticeable.

However, wider isn't automatically better.

The collar still needs to be proportional to your dog's:

• Neck size

• Body size

• Coat

• Comfort needs

LA Dog Store collar widths increase with size:

XS → 3/8" (1.0 cm)

S → 3/4" (2.0 cm)

M → 1" (2.5 cm)

L → 1" (2.5 cm)

XL → 1" (2.5 cm)

XXL → 1.5" (3.8 cm)

This creates more balanced proportions across different dog sizes.

5. Consider How the Material Interacts with Long Fur

Long coats create more contact between fur and collar material.

LA Dog Store collars use:

Soft Vegan Leather (PU Leather).

This provides a smooth, polished appearance without using animal hide.

Regardless of which collar material you choose, check your dog's neck and coat regularly.

Look for:

• Tangling

• Matting

• Rubbing

• Hair breakage

• Skin irritation

• Debris trapped beneath the collar

Long fur can hide problems that would be immediately visible on a short-haired dog.

6. Check for Fur Caught Around the Buckle

When putting the collar on, pay attention to the buckle area.

Long strands of fur can sometimes become caught while fastening or adjusting a collar.

Before closing the buckle:

1. Move excess fur away from the fastening area.

2. Position the collar naturally.

3. Fasten it carefully.

4. Check that no fur has been pinched.

5. Perform a final fit check.

This takes only a few seconds and can make wearing the collar more comfortable.

7. Grooming Can Change Collar Fit

This is particularly important for long-haired dogs.

Imagine your dog has a thick, fluffy coat when you adjust the collar.

A week later, they receive a significant haircut.

The amount of hair around the neck changes—and the collar may suddenly feel looser.

The opposite can happen as the coat grows back.

Always check collar fit:

• After a major haircut

• After professional grooming

• As a shaved coat grows back

• During major seasonal coat changes

Don't assume yesterday's adjustment is still correct.

8. Seasonal Coats Can Affect Fit Too

Some long-haired dogs develop substantially thicker coats during colder months.

If your dog's coat changes seasonally, periodically check how the collar sits.

You may need a small adjustment.

However, don't automatically loosen or tighten it based only on appearance.

Use your fingers to check the actual fit underneath the coat.

9. Choose Colors That Won't Disappear in the Fur

Long hair doesn't just cover part of the collar.

It can also visually blend with similar colors.

Contrast can help the visible portions of the collar stand out.

LA Dog Store offers a wide selection of colors, so you can choose something that works with your dog's coat.

Best Collar Colors for Long-Haired Black Dogs

Against a dark coat, lighter and brighter colors can stand out beautifully.

Consider:

• Ivory

• White

• Champagne

• Gold

• Sage Green

• Dusty Blue

• Blush

• Soft Pink

• Mint

• Blue Light

• Red

• Royal Blue

If the coat is especially thick, a stronger contrasting color may remain more noticeable between the fur.

Best Collar Colors for Long-Haired White or Cream Dogs

White and cream coats provide a great background for deeper shades.

Try:

• Navy

• Royal Blue

• Emerald Green

• Black

• Purple

• Red

• Teal Blue

• Copper

For a softer look, you could also choose:

• Sage Green

• Dusty Blue

• Blush

• Champagne

Best Collar Colors for Long-Haired Brown or Tan Dogs

Brown and tan coats work with many colors.

Consider:

• Sage Green

• Emerald Green

• Navy

• Dusty Blue

• Ivory

• Champagne

• Teal Blue

• Royal Blue

• Blush

• Copper

If the coat contains several shades, try photographing different collar colors against the fur before deciding which contrast you prefer.

Best Collar Colors for Gray Long-Haired Dogs

Gray coats can work beautifully with both warm and cool shades.

Try:

• Champagne

• Gold

• Copper

• Blush

• Soft Pink

• Emerald Green

• Navy

• Red

• Ivory

A warmer collar can create attractive contrast against a cool gray coat.

10. Long Hair Can Hide a Bow Tie

A bow tie may look large when you're holding it in your hand.

Then you put it on a fluffy dog—and half of it disappears.

Before an important event or photoshoot, arrange the fur around the bow tie so the accessory remains visible.

LA Dog Store standard wedding-style bow ties are approximately:

5" × 2.5"

Once the bow tie is centered, gently move surrounding fur away from the front rather than tightening the collar.

11. Flower Bow Ties Can Provide More Visibility

If your dog's coat tends to hide smaller decorative accessories, a flower bow tie may create a stronger visual focal point.

LA Dog Store flower bow ties are approximately:

5.5" × 4"

Their larger size can make them more noticeable against long fur.

However, bigger isn't automatically better.

Consider the overall proportions of your dog.

A large decorative accessory may look balanced on one dog but overwhelming on another.

12. Floral Collars Need Extra Positioning

A floral collar can look especially beautiful against long fur, but positioning matters.

Some flowers may become partially buried in the coat.

Before photos or special occasions:

• Center the floral arrangement

• Gently move fur around the flowers

• Make sure nothing is tangled

• Check that flowers aren't interfering with the jaw

• Make sure your dog can turn their head comfortably

Don't tighten the collar simply to make the flowers more visible.

13. Long Hair Can Hide the Buckle Too

On short-haired dogs, buckle design can be highly visible.

On a long-haired dog, it may be partially or completely hidden.

If you want the buckle to be part of the look, arrange the coat carefully around it for photographs.

LA Dog Store's White options include:

White (Crystal Buckle)

and

White (Plain Buckle)

The Crystal Buckle provides a more decorative appearance, while the Plain Buckle creates a simpler look.

Whether that detail remains visible will depend heavily on your dog's coat.

14. Don't Choose a Larger Size Just Because Your Dog Is Fluffy

A fluffy dog may look much larger around the neck than their actual measurement suggests.

That doesn't automatically mean they need a larger collar.

Measure.

Then compare the measurement with the size chart.

Choosing a size based only on the outer appearance of the coat can result in an excessively loose collar.

15. Don't Choose by Breed Alone

Long-haired breeds vary significantly in size and neck shape.

Even two dogs of the same breed may need different collar sizes.

For example, breed alone doesn't tell you:

• Exact neck circumference

• Coat thickness

• Body structure

• Age

• Weight

• Grooming style

Always measure the individual dog.

16. Watch for Matting Under the Collar

Long fur can become tangled or matted in areas where there's repeated friction.

Periodically remove the collar and inspect the coat underneath.

If your dog's fur is prone to matting, regular brushing around the neck may help maintain the coat.

Pay particular attention to:

• Under the buckle

• Around adjustment hardware

• Beneath decorative accessories

• Areas where the collar frequently rubs

If matting becomes persistent or severe, discuss appropriate coat care with a professional groomer.

17. Remove the Collar When Grooming the Neck

When brushing the neck area, removing the collar gives you better access to the fur underneath.

This allows you to:

• Check the skin

• Find small tangles

• Brush hidden fur

• Inspect for irritation

• Check the collar itself

Before putting it back on, make sure the coat is arranged naturally and isn't trapped in the buckle.

18. Check the Skin, Not Just the Fur

A thick coat can hide skin irritation.

Periodically separate the fur and inspect the skin underneath the collar.

Look for:

• Redness

• Hair loss

• Rubbing

• Sensitive areas

• Moisture

• Unusual odor

• Skin irritation

If you notice persistent or concerning skin changes, remove the collar when safe and consult your veterinarian.

19. Make Sure the Collar Is Dry

Thick fur can hold moisture.

If your dog gets wet, check both the coat and collar.

A wet collar sitting against damp fur for extended periods may be uncomfortable and can make it harder for the area to dry.

Follow the appropriate care instructions for the collar material and make sure your dog's neck area is properly dried.

20. Photography Requires a Little Extra Preparation

Long-haired dogs can look incredible in portraits, but accessories often need a little styling first.

Before taking a photograph:

Step 1: Brush the neck area.

Step 2: Position the collar correctly.

Step 3: Center the bow tie or flowers.

Step 4: Gently arrange fur around the accessory.

Step 5: Check that the collar color remains visible.

Step 6: Look at the dog from the camera's angle—not just from above.

That last step matters.

A bow tie may look perfectly visible when you're standing over your dog but disappear completely when photographed at eye level.

21. Use Contrast for Better Photos

For photography, consider three elements together:

Dog's coat + Collar color + Background

For example:

A white long-haired dog wearing an Ivory collar against a white wall may cause almost everything to blend together.

The same dog wearing an Emerald Green or Navy collar may create much stronger visual separation.

Likewise, a black dog with a black collar against a dark background may hide most collar details.

Color contrast can help.

22. A Simple Collar Can Still Work Beautifully

Long-haired dogs don't always need large decorative accessories.

A solid-color collar can look elegant when small portions appear naturally through the coat.

For example:

White coat + Navy collar

Black coat + Champagne collar

Brown coat + Sage Green collar

Gray coat + Blush collar

The collar doesn't need to be completely visible to contribute to the overall look.

23. Consider Your Dog's Personality Too

Once size, fit, and coat considerations are handled, have fun with style.

Calm and Gentle

Try:

Sage Green, Dusty Blue, Champagne, Ivory

Bold

Consider:

Red, Royal Blue, Emerald Green, Purple

Elegant

Try:

Black, Navy, Champagne, Gold, Ivory

Playful

Consider:

Citrus, Apricot Orange, Teal Blue, Mint, Royal Blue

Sweet

Try:

Blush, Soft Pink, Lilac, Blue Light

Long fur already creates visual personality, so even a small amount of collar color can make a difference.

24. LA Dog Store Collar Colors

LA Dog Store offers:

Apricot Orange, Black, Blue Light, Blush, Champagne, Citrus, Copper, Dusty Blue, Dusty Olive, Emerald Green, Gold, Gray, Green, Ivory, Lilac, Mint, Navy, Purple, Raspberry Rose, Red, River Blue, Rose Gold, Royal Blue, Sage Green, Silver, Soft Pink, Tan, Teal Blue, White (Crystal Buckle), and White (Plain Buckle).

For long-haired dogs, think about how each shade will look when only part of the collar may be visible through the coat.

25. Test the Complete Look Before an Event

If your dog will wear a bow tie, floral collar, or another decorative accessory for a birthday, family photo, holiday, wedding, or other event, test everything beforehand.

Let your dog:

• Walk

• Sit

• Lie down

• Turn their head

• Shake

• Drink water

Then check:

• Did the collar rotate?

• Did fur become tangled?

• Is the bow tie still visible?

• Did flowers disappear into the coat?

• Does your dog appear comfortable?

Make any adjustments before the actual event.

Quick Checklist: Choosing a Collar for a Long-Haired Dog

Before buying or adjusting the collar, ask:

✓ Did I measure my dog's actual neck rather than the outside of the fluffy coat?

✓ Is the collar secure without being overly tight?

✓ Can I generally fit approximately two fingers underneath it?

✓ Is the width appropriate for my dog's size?

✓ Is any fur trapped in the buckle?

✓ Could grooming significantly change the fit?

✓ Does the collar color remain visible against the coat?

✓ Will a bow tie or floral accessory remain visible?

✓ Have I checked underneath the collar for matting or irritation?

✓ Is the collar still comfortable when my dog moves naturally?

If you've considered all of these factors, you're much closer to finding the right collar for your long-haired dog.

Conclusion

Choosing a collar for a long-haired dog requires a little more thought than simply finding a color you like.

Start with your dog's actual neck measurement, select the correct size and width, and check the fit underneath the coat rather than judging it from appearance alone.

Never tighten a collar simply to make it more visible through long fur.

Instead, use color contrast, appropriate proportions, grooming, and visible accessories to create the look you want.

Remember to recheck the fit after significant grooming or coat changes, inspect underneath the collar for matting or irritation, and make sure long fur isn't caught around the buckle.

Then enjoy the styling options.

A long-haired dog can look beautiful in a simple Soft Vegan Leather collar, a classic Bow Tie, a larger Flower Bow Tie, or an elegant Floral Collar.

The best choice is one that works with the coat rather than fighting against it—and keeps your dog comfortable at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of collar is best for a long-haired dog?

The best collar depends on the individual dog's neck size, coat, and needs. Focus on correct sizing, appropriate width, comfortable material, and a fit that doesn't require overtightening to remain visible.

How do I measure a long-haired dog for a collar?

Use a flexible measuring tape around the area where the collar normally sits. Measure the neck appropriately rather than simply measuring around the outside of a fluffy coat, but don't aggressively compress the fur.

Should I make my long-haired dog's collar tighter so I can see it?

No. Collar visibility shouldn't determine fit. Keep the collar comfortably adjusted and use color contrast, grooming, or decorative accessories if you want it to stand out more.

How tight should a collar be on a long-haired dog?

A commonly used guideline is that approximately two fingers should fit between the dog's neck and collar. Check underneath the coat rather than judging the fit only from the outside.

Can grooming change my dog's collar fit?

Yes. A major haircut can reduce the amount of fur underneath the collar, while coat regrowth can change the fit again. Recheck the collar after significant grooming.

What collar colors look best on long-haired black dogs?

Ivory, White, Champagne, Gold, Sage Green, Dusty Blue, Blush, Mint, Royal Blue, and Red can provide attractive contrast against dark fur.

Are bow tie collars good for long-haired dogs?

Yes, but some of the bow tie may become hidden beneath thick fur. Center the accessory and gently arrange the surrounding coat rather than tightening the collar to improve visibility.

How can I keep my long-haired dog's collar from causing tangles?

Regularly remove the collar, inspect and brush the fur underneath, make sure hair isn't caught in the buckle or hardware, and monitor areas where friction occurs.