How to Measure Your Dog for a Wedding Collar

You've chosen the wedding colors. You've found the perfect bow tie, floral design, or ring bearer accessory. Now there's one detail that can make the difference between a beautiful wedding look and an uncomfortable one:

Getting the collar size right.

A wedding collar should look polished in photographs, but it also needs to allow your dog to walk, sit, turn their head, and enjoy the celebration comfortably.

The good news is that measuring your dog's neck takes only a few minutes.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to measure your dog for a wedding collar, how to use the LA Dog Store sizing chart, what to do if your dog falls between sizes, and which common measuring mistakes to avoid.

Why the Right Wedding Collar Size Matters

Wedding accessories are often more decorative than your dog's everyday collar.

A wedding collar may include:

A bow tie
Floral decorations
Lace details
A ring holder
Decorative charms
Other wedding accents

Because these elements can add visual weight around the neck, starting with a properly fitted collar is especially important.

If the Collar Is Too Tight

Your dog may feel uncomfortable, and the collar may restrict natural movement.

A tight collar can also cause decorative pieces to sit awkwardly instead of falling naturally around the neck.

If the Collar Is Too Loose

The collar may rotate, allowing the bow tie, flowers, or ring bearer details to move away from the front of your dog's neck.

An excessively loose collar can also be a safety concern.

The goal is a fit that is secure, comfortable, and properly positioned.

What You Need to Measure Your Dog

You don't need any special equipment.

Ideally, use a soft flexible measuring tape, like the type used for sewing.

You'll need:

Your dog
A flexible measuring tape
A few treats if your dog doesn't like standing still
The LA Dog Store size chart

Try to measure when your dog is relaxed and standing naturally.

Step 1: Find Where the Collar Normally Sits

Before measuring, identify where your dog's regular collar naturally rests.

For most dogs, this will be around the lower-to-middle portion of the neck rather than directly underneath the jaw.

The wedding collar should generally sit in a similar position.

Don't measure too high or too low, because this can give you an inaccurate neck measurement.

Step 2: Wrap the Measuring Tape Around the Neck

Place the flexible measuring tape around your dog's neck where the collar will sit.

Keep the tape:

Flat against the fur
Level around the neck
Snug but not tight
Free from twisting

Don't pull the tape tightly into your dog's coat.

At the same time, don't leave a large amount of extra space.

You're trying to measure your dog's actual neck circumference.

Step 3: Check the Fit with the Two-Finger Rule

Once the tape is positioned, check that the measurement represents a comfortable collar fit.

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 area without forcing them.

The collar should feel secure without pressing tightly against the neck.

Remember that coat thickness can affect how this feels, especially on long-haired dogs.

Step 4: Write Down the Measurement

Don't rely on memory.

Write down your dog's neck measurement immediately.

For example:

Neck measurement: 13 inches

Neck measurement: 33 cm

You can then compare the measurement with the LA Dog Store sizing chart.

If possible, measure twice to confirm the number.

LA Dog Store Wedding Collar Size Chart

Use your dog's actual neck measurement to select the appropriate size:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Sizing Tip

Measure your dog's neck before ordering. If your dog falls between sizes, size up.

Don't choose a collar simply because your dog normally wears a particular letter size from another brand. A "Medium" collar from one company may have different measurements from a Medium somewhere else.

Always use the actual neck measurement and the specific size chart for the collar you're ordering.

What If Your Dog Is Between Sizes?

This is a common situation.

For example, suppose your dog's measurement sits right around the transition between two sizes.

In that situation, size up.

A slightly larger adjustable collar provides more flexibility than choosing a size that may be too restrictive.

This can be especially helpful for a wedding collar because your dog may wear it for several hours during photographs, the ceremony, and other parts of the celebration.

Don't Choose Collar Size Based Only on Breed

It's tempting to search for something like:

"What collar size does a French Bulldog wear?"

or:

"What size collar does a Golden Retriever need?"

Breed can provide a rough idea, but it isn't accurate enough for choosing a wedding collar.

Two dogs of the same breed can have very different neck measurements because of differences in:

Age
Sex
Body structure
Weight
Coat thickness
Individual genetics

Measure the actual dog who will wear the collar.

Don't Choose Based Only on Weight Either

Weight can be equally misleading.

Two dogs weighing 30 pounds can have very different neck sizes.

One may have a narrow neck and broad body, while another may have a more compact build and thicker neck.

For collars, neck circumference is the measurement that matters most.

How to Measure a Long-Haired Dog

Long coats can make measuring slightly more difficult.

Avoid measuring loosely over the outer layer of fluffy fur because this can make the neck appear larger than it actually is.

Instead, gently compress the coat with the measuring tape until it sits approximately where the collar would naturally rest.

Don't pull tightly.

After selecting the collar, remember that long fur can also partially hide decorative elements.

If you're choosing a wedding bow tie or floral collar, consider whether the accessory will remain visible once it's positioned against your dog's coat.

How to Measure a Short-Haired Dog

Short-haired dogs are usually easier to measure because the neck shape is more visible.

Wrap the tape around the collar position and keep it comfortably snug.

Because there is less fur between the collar and skin, be particularly careful not to make the measurement too tight.

Consider Collar Width, Not Just Neck Size

Neck circumference determines which size range your dog needs, but collar width also affects appearance.

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 helps keep the collar proportional across different dog sizes.

A very narrow collar can look visually small on a large dog, while an excessively wide collar may overwhelm a tiny dog.

Measuring for a Dog Wedding Bow Tie Collar

If you're buying a wedding bow tie collar, start with the neck measurement exactly as described above.

Then consider how the bow tie will look in proportion to your dog.

The collar needs to fit correctly so the bow tie stays positioned near the front of the neck rather than continually rotating toward the side.

For LA Dog Store wedding bow ties, the standard bow tie size is approximately:

5" × 2.5"

This creates a noticeable wedding detail while keeping the collar itself adjustable.

Measuring for a Flower Bow Tie

Flower bow ties create a slightly different visual effect and are somewhat larger.

LA Dog Store flower bow ties measure approximately:

5.5" × 4"

Because the decorative element is larger, getting the underlying collar fit right becomes even more important.

A collar that's too loose may allow the flower bow tie to shift out of position.

Measuring for a Floral Dog Collar

Floral collars draw more visual attention around the dog's neck, so both sizing and positioning matter.

First, select the correct collar size using the neck measurement.

Then make sure the floral arrangement can sit naturally without interfering with:

Your dog's jaw
Head movement
Leash attachment
Drinking
Normal walking

A floral arrangement should enhance the wedding look—not make your dog reluctant to move.

Measuring for a Ring Bearer Dog Collar

A ring bearer dog collar may include additional details such as a bow tie, ribbon, charm, or ring holder.

Correct fit is particularly important because you want those details to remain positioned correctly while your dog walks down the aisle.

Before the wedding, have your dog wear the complete accessory—not just the collar—and practice walking.

This helps you check whether anything:

Rotates
Slides
Bounces excessively
Interferes with movement
Needs adjustment

If the collar is adjustable, make your final adjustments before the ceremony rather than while everyone is getting ready.

Measure Again If Your Dog's Size Has Changed

If you ordered your dog's everyday collar months or years ago, don't assume the same measurement still applies.

Dogs can change size due to:

Growth
Aging
Weight changes
Coat changes
Grooming

This is particularly relevant for puppies and young dogs.

If your wedding is several months away, consider checking the measurement again closer to the event.

Measure After Grooming When Appropriate

If your long-haired dog will be professionally groomed shortly before the wedding, think about how much the coat may change.

A freshly trimmed neck can fit differently than a thick, ungroomed coat.

If the grooming will significantly change the fur around the neck, measure in a way that best represents how your dog will actually look on the wedding day.

Test the Complete Wedding Look Before the Ceremony

Once your collar arrives, don't put it away until the wedding.

Have your dog try on the complete accessory.

Check the fit while your dog:

Stands
Walks
Sits
Lies down
Turns their head
Drinks water

Then take a few photographs.

This also gives you a chance to see whether the bow tie, flowers, lace, or decorative details are visible through your dog's coat.

For ring bearer dogs, practice walking the same approximate distance they'll travel during the ceremony.

Common Dog Collar Measuring Mistakes

A few simple mistakes can lead to the wrong size.

Measuring the Existing Collar Instead of the Dog

Unless you know exactly how that collar's measurement corresponds to sizing, measuring your dog's neck directly is more reliable.

Pulling the Tape Too Tight

The measurement should represent a comfortable fit, not the smallest possible circumference.

Leaving the Tape Too Loose

Adding excessive space can result in a collar that rotates or slips.

Measuring the Wrong Part of the Neck

Measure where the collar will actually sit.

Guessing Based on Breed

Dogs of the same breed can have different neck sizes.

Assuming All Brands Use the Same Size Chart

They don't. Always check the specific measurements.

Waiting Until the Wedding Day to Test the Fit

Your dog should wear and test the complete accessory beforehand.

The Perfect Wedding Collar Should Look Good and Feel Good

Wedding photos matter, but your dog's comfort matters more.

The ideal collar should:

Sit securely
Allow comfortable movement
Keep decorative elements positioned properly
Complement your dog's proportions
Allow your dog to behave naturally

If your dog is constantly scratching at the collar, trying to remove it, or showing signs of discomfort, check the fit and accessory placement.

A relaxed dog will usually look better in photographs anyway.

Conclusion

Measuring your dog for a wedding collar is simple, but it's one of the most important steps when preparing their wedding-day look.

Use a flexible measuring tape around the area where the collar naturally sits, keep the measurement comfortably snug, and compare the result directly with the LA Dog Store size chart.

Remember:

Measure the dog—not the breed.

Use the size chart—not another brand's size label.

If your dog falls between sizes, size up.

Once the collar arrives, test the complete bow tie, floral, lace, or ring bearer accessory before the wedding.

With the right fit, your dog can look beautifully dressed for the celebration while staying comfortable enough to enjoy being part of your special day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure my dog's neck for a wedding collar?

Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the part of the neck where the collar normally sits. Keep it comfortably snug without pulling tightly into the neck or leaving excessive space.

How tight should a wedding dog collar be?

The collar should be secure but comfortable. As a general guideline, you should be able to fit approximately two fingers between your dog's neck and the collar.

What should I do if my dog is between two collar sizes?

Size up. Choosing the larger adjustable size generally provides more flexibility and helps avoid a collar that is too restrictive.

Can I use my dog's breed to choose a collar size?

Breed can provide a rough estimate, but it shouldn't replace measuring. Dogs of the same breed can have significantly different neck sizes.

Should I measure my dog's current collar instead?

Measuring your dog's neck directly is generally more reliable. Collar construction and sizing can vary between brands.

Does long fur affect collar measurements?

Yes. Gently compress thick fur so the measuring tape sits approximately where the collar will rest, but don't pull the tape tightly against the neck.

Should I measure my dog again before the wedding?

If significant time has passed since ordering—particularly for a puppy, young dog, or a dog whose weight or coat has changed—checking the fit again before the wedding is a good idea.