Table of Contents
Prong Collar Size Chart: How to Measure Your Dog for a Prong Collar
Measure your dog’s neck right behind the ears, select chain thickness on the lightest gauge that holds its shape (typically 2.25 mm for small/medium dogs and 3.0-3.2 mm for large dogs), and size by adding/removing links so that the collar sits high, snug, and even it should swivel a smidge but be tight enough to not slide over their ears. Before purchasing any prong collar, be sure to measure the neck and add 2 inches. This way you can assure that it fits comfortably and there is no wrong pressure being placed on your dog’s neck. If you would like to dive into breed specific sizing, How to Size a Prong Collar for Your Breed outlines how structure plays into fit.
Why Size & Fit are More Important (Than Brand)
A properly sized prong helps spread pressure more consistently, and allows you to communicate with teeny-tiny, split-second cues. A casual, low-slung prong slips onto the shoulders and makes every step clatter. The distinction between “clean” and “messy” handling is that of fit.
Tools You’ll Need (60 seconds)
- Flexible tailor’s tape (or piece of string + ruler)
- Good light and a calm dog
- Optionally: spare links for your collar (if it is a model with interchangeable links).
- Pliers, needle-pointed (just to open a stiff link quickly—don’t mush it)
Step 1: Measure for the Spot
- Have your dog standing.
- Place tape high up in the back behind your ears, at the same level all around (this is the smallest circumference around neck).
- Record that number. If you have string, mark the overlap and measure it on a ruler.
Mid-neck measure will lead to an oversize collar and low placement.
Once you get your dog measured, you will still need to verify that the collar you’ve chosen matches up with your measurements. If you would like assistance verifying your current size, See It in the Measure Once and Fits Right: Prong Size Guide helps identify fit challenges.
Step 2: Choose a Link Gauge (and Why It Matters)
| Link Gauge | Typical Use | Feel & Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.25 mm | Small to medium dogs; precise work | Most precise micro-cues | Can open if over-splayed add links, don’t over tighten |
| 3.0 mm | Medium to large dogs | Balanced clarity & durability | Popular “do-most-things” gauge |
| 3.2–3.8 mm | Large, powerful breeds | Very sturdy | Heavier; may reduce subtlety for small dogs |
Rule of thumb: Use the lightest gauge that keeps its shape under your dog’s typical load.
Step 3: Convert Neck Measurement to a Starting Size
Manufacturer’s Contact Information Now the manufacturer will simply specify to you what base length (number of links as an opera handle, in this case eight) and sell extra chairs. Pick the size closest to your neck measurement (when in doubt, size down), which will fit just up high on you neck (mnat) then add or remove links until it’s a comfy ring.
Some jumping off points (not brand names, but idea guides):
- Toy/Small (11–13 in / 28–33 cm) = 2.25mm base +0−2 links
- Medium: (13 – 15 in / 33-38 cm) :2.25 or 3.0 mm, with base of 1 to 3 links
- Big (15-18 in / 38-46 cm) : Base:3. 0-3.2 mm plus 0-3 links
- XL (18-22 inches / 46-56 cm): 3.2 -3.8mm base +1-4 links
Please take to the dog at there is no room for Tags and Packaging; always leave 2-3 inch between collar and neck/ when using any training collar (e.g., prong or slip). It should be worn high on your dog’s, just below their ears.
And at Last: How to Pack It All Up & Stand Up (Neatly)
- Unlink (twist, its two ends apart, and) separate tips; don’t try to unlink very far.
- Adjust links as necessary until the collar can be closed high up behind the ears.
- The circle will fall flat; you can adjust and wiggle it slightly, but not really enough to get over the ears.
- Two-finger rule: In its natural position on body, a comfortable gap of two fingers should fit between one prong and the skin.
- Center plate under chin, tight ring to where you usually put hand through and join leash.
If yours has a quick-release center, ensure that you are hearing a firm snap sound but feeling no push back as it opens up again.
Quick Fit Checks (30 Seconds)
- Height: High behind ears? (Yes)
- Evenness: Same tension all around? (Yes)
- Rotation: Turns a little? (Yes)
- If slide test: Does not slide over your ears? (Correct)
- Click test: Release/buckle smooth? (Yes)
If you answer “no” to any, then either loosen the strap but not so loosely that the mask is wobbling around your face; how snug you should wear it depends on both the type of mask and its maker or swap for a new one.
Common Sizing Errors (and Mini Solutions)
- Collar slips: Take out or add in links for a tighter even loop (make sure it doesn’t get too high, testing the droop).
- Tighter than “make this work”Take something off instead. Over clenched hot spots and noise.
- Elliptical tension: Reassemble exactly as in a real circle and make sure the middle plate is placed at the center.
- Link holes/rough edges. If a link is broken, replace it: We DO NOT want to see any mangled hardware from links with sharply bent edges.
- Too big for a little pet dog: Reduce down to 2.25 tiles, Let little baby micro-cues land without over-stressing tiny neck too much.
- This product benefits do not visit Fifth recommendation. Product Description for the price is too.
And a little bit more grip, so 3.0–3.2 mm (Reason: it’s for GSDL / Malinois). Control and clarity during competitions Rita Vetter. We often play with quick release… perhaps only because of the threshold (Rita Vetter).
Breed Notes (Guidance, Always Fit on Dog)
- Bulldogs / brachycephalics: Consider a harness for walking; if a prong collar is needed then (it must be very loose and micro sets only) and also ensure your sessions are very short.
- Toy/small breeds (11 – 13″ necks): ultra low hardware weight, double check you’re not actually dragging on lower mid-neck!
- Double heavy coats (Husky, Akita): pull out the coat & measure; winter 1 extra link & it after dry grooming if necessary.
Plastic/Rubber Tips vs Stainless Steel
- Stainless steel: Hard and smooth; limited selection.
- Plastic/Rubber tips: softer look: I can bulk them up, may swell a bit just check every minute or 2 so you don’t have them move and the edges get jagged.
Select materials once you get the fit right it’s all about definition and comfort, and that’s what every audio book listener craves.
Quick-Release Centers: Sizing Impact
The QR shed some of the math just enough that it made it nice to handle: good on/off, not messy in case of emergency release and (much) better thresholds (doors elevators). It’s mindful glamping especially if one passes out handling or wearing gloves.
Great for Pulling & Long Walks: Harness The Power
To insert from the other end is also a prong, one for short whose trained precision sets. For pull-management over miles, in the real world, clip your leash to a front-clip (or dual-clip) harness, with a flat collar on for ID.
FAQs about Prong Collar Size Chart
Does it work like a prong?
No. And that makes for prongs where, when you remove a link, it sits up high and tight/almost snug around the neck as opposed to hanging mid-neck.
How tight is “snug”?
You should be able to easily slide two fingers beneath a prong; and at fittings end, the collar shouldn’t pull up over the ears.
My dog’s neck turns (the opposite way) with grooming. What then?
Keep spare links. You do 1 for seasons you have thick coats (pop the clip in at opposite sides of GSD’s flanks after grooming so it stays high up), 2 to stay close to hair or pelt without tightness, and 3 if you want super tight contact an a thin sweater coat.
2.25 mm or 3.0 mm?
Pick the smallest wire that won’t stretch when both of you are in the elevator. 2.25 produces greater signals; 3.0% or 3.9% for big, strong dogs.
Can I get a tightened link removed, rather than the whole thing?
No never over tighten. Take away one link and the circle holds together: The pressure is maintained throughout.
Final Thoughts
Ideal length for prong, high and snug and even but with links, not force. Measure back of the ears, use the lightest gauge that will hold shape and do Terrance’s “two-finger comfort check. Then continue with those real-world walks on a front-clip harness and Reserve the prong prong for when he can maintain calmness only sporadically, such as during training sessions. A proper fit allows you to hear one another (not just background racket!).
