So, you’re getting a puppy? This may be one of the most exciting times. However, going shopping for pet accessories, a dog bed, dog food etc. can be just as exciting. As long as you know what you need.Going shopping for goodies for you new pet before bringing him/her home can be daunting if you don’t know what he/she needs. One important thing is a dog collar and lead. But collars come in many shapes and sizes and it is important to choose correctly. It is easiest to take him/her with and fit the collar, but this is often not possible. So we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the right collar for your best friend. There are a few factors, other than type and colour, to consider whether buying a new collar for an existing pet or for a new puppy.
Breed: some collars will have labels on recommending that they are for certain dog breeds, this is because of how breeds vary in size. However, every dog of each breed is different and selecting a collar based on breed alone is not enough.
Measurements: use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your pet’s neck. Then you can work out the size from there – add about 2.5cm for small breeds, about 5cm for medium breeds, and about 8cm for larger dogs – the added length to the size of the neck ensures that the collar will fit comfortably without being too tight and causing pain.
Fur: The length of your pet’s fur needs to be taken into consideration. If your dog has long hair and gets regular trims, measure the neck before he/she gets a haircut as well as right after. Then make sure that you buy a collar that can adjust between those two lengths (with the added extra centimeters).
Growth: If buying a collar for a new puppy that is still growing make sure that the size his neck is now is on the smaller end of an adjustable collars sizes. For example, one collar may adjust from 20 -30cm while another adjusts from 25 – 35cm. if your dog needs a collar of 26cm, it would be advisable to buy the second option even though the first would fit. This will save you money as the dog will have space to grow and the collar will not need to be replaced as often.