Collars for medium dogs
A collar for a medium dog needs to fit a neck roughly 30 to 50cm around, depending on the breed, which rules out both the smallest toy-breed sizes and the wider, heavier-duty collars made for large or giant dogs. Getting the exact size right, rather than picking the nearest label, is what stops a collar being either loose enough to slip off or tight enough to rub.
Getting the size right
Collar sizing is usually given as a neck circumference range — many medium-dog collars, such as Ancol's adjustable range, cover bands like 30-50cm, which suits breeds from a Cocker Spaniel up to a Border Collie depending on where in that range they sit. Measure your dog's neck directly with a soft tape rather than guessing from breed alone, since build varies a good deal even within a single breed.
The rule of thumb most trainers use is fitting two fingers flat between the collar and the neck — snug enough not to slip over the head, loose enough not to rub or restrict breathing. Check this after any adjustment, not just when the collar is new, since collars can loosen slightly with wear.
Width and material matter too
A wider collar spreads pressure more evenly across the neck, which suits a medium dog who pulls on the lead more than a narrow, decorative collar does. Nylon collars are lightweight, affordable and widely available in medium sizing; leather softens with wear and tends to last longer, at a higher price.
If your dog is a strong puller, a well-fitted harness alongside or instead of a collar takes the pressure off the neck entirely, and is worth considering regardless of collar size. A collar and harness together, one for ID and one for walking, is a common and perfectly sensible combination rather than an either-or choice.
What we stock
Our dog-collars range includes adjustable sizes that cover the medium-dog range, alongside matching leads for owners who want a set. Checking the specific size band against your own dog's measured neck size, rather than the word 'medium' on the packaging, is the more reliable way to choose.
ID tags and reflective detailing are worth considering alongside the collar itself, particularly for a dog walked near roads or in low light, and a legally required tag showing your name and address should be on it whenever your dog is out in public.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Red Dingo Design Dog Collar
Red Dingo Design Dog Collar in 28 designs, sizes XS to Large. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£9.49
Red Dingo Classic Dog Collar
Red Dingo Classic Dog Collar in 18 colours, sizes XS to Large. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Kingdom Pet Cooling Collar
A fridge-cooled collar that keeps a dog cool for up to 4 hours on hot walks
From£3.99
Red Dingo Reflective Bones Dog Collar
Red Dingo Reflective Bones Dog Collar in five colours, sizes XS to Large. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£12.99
Ancol Collar Soho Star
Ancol's Soho star-print dog collar in recycled fabric, adjustable, in Small, Medium and Large, with a matching lead available.
£7.49
Kowloon Pvc Flashing Collar Orange
A USB-rechargeable LED flashing dog collar in orange, waterproof for wet or dark walks
From£12.89
Walk R Cise Reflecta a Collar
A hi-vis orange collar with reflective strips, made in three sizes for any breed
From£4.59
Ancol Magnetic Lock Collar
A magnetic-clasp dog collar, medium size, for one-handed fastening at the door
From£11.49
Halti Collar
The Halti collar: nylon webbing with a neoprene lining and reflective weave, a clip fastening, metal D-ring and separate tag loop.
From£7.99
Red Dingo Classic Half Check Martingale Dog Collar
Red Dingo Classic Half Check Martingale Dog Collar in two colours, sizes Small to Large. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£12.99
Common questions
- How do I measure my dog's neck for a collar?
- Use a soft tape measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit, and add roughly two finger-widths of ease to that measurement. Compare this to the collar's stated size range rather than guessing from your dog's breed or weight alone.
- What size collar does a medium dog need?
- This varies by breed and individual, but many medium dogs fall into a neck range of roughly 30 to 50cm. Always check the specific product's sizing rather than relying on a general 'medium' label, since sizing bands differ between brands.
- Is a wider collar better for a medium dog?
- A wider collar spreads pressure more evenly, which can be more comfortable for a dog who pulls on the lead, though a narrower collar is perfectly fine for a dog who walks well without pulling. Choose based on your dog's walking behaviour rather than width alone.
- Should I use a harness instead of a collar for a medium dog?
- A harness is worth considering if your dog pulls a lot, since it takes pressure off the neck and throat. Many owners use a harness for walks and keep a collar for ID tags, rather than treating it as an either-or choice.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.