How to Choose the Right Collar Width for Your Dog
A practical guide from a team that's been building collars for every breed, neck, and coat type for years.
Collar width isn't just a style choice. It affects how the collar sits, how it looks on your dog, and how comfortable it is during a long day — whether that's at a trial, on a walk, or just living room royalty.
We make collars in five widths: 3/4", 1.25", 1.5", 1.75", and 2"+. Here's how to think about which one is right for your dog.
The Two Things That Matter Most: Neck Length and Coat Type
Forget generic size charts. The real question is how much neck your dog has to work with, and what their coat is doing.
Neck length determines how much "real estate" a collar occupies. A 2" collar on a Pug takes up most of their neck. That same collar on a Doberman sits like it was made for the space. You want the collar to look intentional, not like it's wearing the dog.
Coat type affects visibility and how the collar lays. A thick double coat can swallow a narrow collar entirely — you'd never see it. A short, sleek coat shows every detail of the leather and crystals, which means even a narrower width can make a statement.
The Widths, and Who They Work Best For
3/4" — The Narrow
Our most refined width. This is built for smaller dogs where a wider collar would overpower the neck — think Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Shelties, Papillons. It's lightweight and proportional, and it showcases the crystal detail without overwhelming a smaller frame. Our smallest neck size starts at 9", so keep that in mind if your dog is on the petite side.
Best for: Small breeds, dogs with shorter or narrower necks (9"+ neck size).
1.25" — The Slim Standard
This width hits a sweet spot for small to medium dogs. It's substantial enough to showcase the leather and crystal work, but slim enough to look right on a shorter or narrower neck. Popular with Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and Beagle owners — dogs that fall between small and medium where a full 1.5" might feel like too much.
Best for: Small to medium breeds, shorter necks, dogs with fine or medium coats.
1.5" — The Standard
Our most popular width, and for good reason. This is the workhorse — it suits the widest range of breeds and body types. It's wide enough to show off the design and crystal detail, comfortable for all-day wear, and proportional on most medium to large dogs. Labs, Goldens, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Boxers — this is where most people land.
If you're not sure which width to choose, 1.5" is almost always a safe bet for a medium or large dog.
Best for: Medium to large breeds, most neck lengths, most coat types.
1.75" — The In-Between
A half-step up from the standard that makes a real difference on the right dog. The 1.75" width is ideal for dogs with longer necks who can carry a bit more collar — Whippets, Greyhounds, Dobermans, Collies. It gives the design more room to breathe and shows off crystal patterns beautifully on a lean, elegant neck. It's also a smart choice for larger dogs whose owners want something bolder than 1.5" but not quite as commanding as a full 2".
Best for: Sighthounds, dogs with long or lean necks, larger breeds where 1.5" feels understated.
2" and Wider — The Statement
The bold choice. A 2" collar is striking on a larger dog with the neck to carry it — Great Danes, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, large Shepherds. It's also a natural fit for sighthounds like Greyhounds, Borzoi, and Salukis, where that long, elegant neck gives the collar room to really shine. And it's not just for giant breeds — medium dogs with longer necks can absolutely carry a 2" width and look fantastic in it.
This width also works well on dogs with thick or heavy coats where a narrower collar would disappear into the fur. The wider surface area means more room for crystal patterns and design detail, which is why some of our most dramatic designs come in this width.
Best for: Large and giant breeds, sighthounds, medium dogs with long necks, heavy or double coats, anyone who wants maximum visual impact.
A Quick Visual Guide
Still Not Sure? That's What We're Here For.
Every dog is different, and sometimes breed generalizations don't apply — we've seen plenty of compact Labs and lanky Frenchies. If you're debating between two widths, or you're ordering your first collar and want to get it right, send us an email or a DM. We'll ask about your dog's neck size, breed, and coat, and we'll tell you exactly what we'd recommend.
We do this every day. We're happy to help.
We offer a variety of designs in every width, and each one can be customized with the leather colour, crystal colour, and hardware you choose. Handcrafted by our team in Ontario.
Have questions about sizing, width, or anything else? Email us at fbdteam@fusionbydesigncollars.com or DM us on Instagram or Facebook.