The Best Collar Size for Dachshunds, Frenchies, and Mid-Sized Breeds

How to Find the Perfect Fit for Style, Safety, and All-Day Comfort

If the precious pup in your life happens to be of the mid-sized variety like a Mini Schnauzer, Dachshund or French Bulldog, then we are sure that you are already well aware of just how important but tricky finding the perfect collar can be. Not only do you need to think about style, you also need to think about practicality. Too tight? There’s a risk of injury and discomfort. Too loose? There’s an equal risk of daring escape!

The size of a collar matters more than a lot of owners realize, and this is especially the case for any breed with unique proportions. In the ‘mid-sized’ category, there really is no such thing as one size fits all, and that's why the team here at The Lille Bjorn like to take a different approach. Each of our collars are designed to fit both body and lifestyle!

We always make sure that our leather collars do more than just look good, they are also designed to feel perfect.

From classic widths to wider styles, and from snug fits to beautiful premium materials, we have put together a guide to help you find the ideal collar that will keep your mid-sized pup safe and stylish all day long.

Why Collar Fit Matters (Especially for Mid-Sized Dogs)

You get so much amazing variety in the mid-sized pup category, from broad-chested French Bulldogs to elongated Dachshunds and pretty much everything in between! This kind of variation makes collar fit even more important, because a poorly fitted collar can lead to so many unnecessary issues.

• Too Tight
  A collar this is too tight can cause things like chafing, skin irritation and restricted breathing, and can lead to behavorial problems caused by the discomfort.

• Too Loose
  On the other hand, a collar that is too loose can slip over your dog’s head, increasing the risk of an escape, as well as the danger of applying uneven pressure across the neck and shoulders.

For super active dogs and dogs who live in busy urban settings, an ill fitting collar can become a real daily safety hazard.

With all of this in mind, we always recommend a snug, adjustable fit that eliminates the need for any precise measuring slack. Our collars are made with both form and function in mind, and this results in a comfortable and secure fit that keeps your pooch safe and you happy!

How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck

Before browsing for a collar, you should get some accurate neck measurements from your pup. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

1. Find a soft tape measure or a piece of string.
2. Carefully wrap it around the base of your pup’s neck, right at the spot where their collar would sit.
3. Pull the tape/string snug, but not tight. You should be able to fit one finger comfortably underneath.
4. Make a mark on the string where it meets and then measure it, or simply take a note of the measurement that appears on the tape measure.

Be mindful not to add extra space to this final measurement. Collars from The Lille Bjorn are fully adjustable which means that we’ve already built some slack into them. No guesswork needed!

Once you have your measurement in hand, you can use our handy sizing chart to find the best collar for your canine companion.

Snug Fit = Secure, Comfy, and Stylish

The Lille Bjorn Neck Sizing Recommendations

• 22-27 cm = Extra Small Vero Classic / Aeris Classic
• 27-32 cm = Small Vero Classic
• 33-37 cm = Medium Aeris Wide
• 37-42 cm = Large Vero Classic / Vero Wide

You’ll notice that some of those sizing brackets overlap, so it can be a case of testing out different collars to find the ideal match.

Sizing Guide for Popular Mid-Sized Breeds

Breed is absolutely one of the most important factors when it comes to dog collar sizing. Take a look at our best fit guide to see if your own pup is included.

• Dachshund
  Typical narrow neck size of 20-28 cm, with a long, low-set body. Vero Classic or Aeries Classic is recommended for snug security.

• French Bulldog
  Typical neck size of 30-40 cm, with a broad, muscular neck and short profile. A Vero Classic or Aeris Classic is perfect for evenly distributing pressure while staying stylish!

• Cocker Spaniel
  Typical neck size of 30-38cm, with a fluffy, mid-length neck that has some give in the coat. A Vero Classic is ideal because the 3 cm width rests comfortably beneath the ears and does not interfere with any fur.

• Boston Terrier
  Typical neck size of 28-36 cm, with a muscular and compact body type. Aeris Classic or Vero Classic collars are both recommended as snug and structured options that support all that energy without riding up.

• Miniature Schnauzer
  Typical neck size of 28-35cm, with slightly longer necks and more wiry coats. A Vero Classic is ideal as it will provide grip without the risk of flattening or tangling that unique fur.

• Border Terrier
  Typical neck size of 26-32 cm, with slender but very strong body type. Aeris or Vero Classic will be appropriate, depending on the particulars of your pup’s build. Both collars are versatile in their sizing which guarantees support with stiffness.

Collar Width: Why It’s Just as Important as Size

When people talk about mid-sized dog collars, they often make the mistake of focusing only on neck length, but actual collar width is just as, if not more, important. This is particularly the case for breeds that have much shorter necks like French Bulldogs, or breeds that have a reputation for pulling like cheeky Dachshunds!

• Classic Width - 3cm
  Our range of classic collars are 3 cm wide, which is an ideal width for mid-sized pups that have compact necks. They offer the proper levels of structure and pressure distribution without adding any extra bulk.

• Wide Collars - 4-4.5 cm
  Our wide collars are specifically designed for long-necked breeds like Salukia, Greyhounds and Whippets. The wider surface area helps to prevent slippage and offers even better surface tension.

Our tip is to always choose structure over not bulk.

Why Leather Is the Best Collar Material for Mid-Sized Breeds

Okay, so now you know which width to choose, it’s time to focus on the next more important factor, material! This is an accessory that your pup is going to be wearing every single day, so a combination of durability, safety and comfort really matters.

Here are some of the biggest reasons why we think that leather dog collars are always the best option for mid-sized breeds.

• Breathable & Hypoallergenic
  Unlike most of the synthetic materials out there, leather doesn’t trap heat or irritants, making it much kinder to the skin.

• Vegetable-Tanned Leather
  This leather is made using a much kinder process, helping the material to soften naturally with age and not crack or stiffen like lesser quality alternatives.

• Chemical Free
  No toxins, dyes or artificial coatings are used to make any of our vegetable-tanned leather collars.

• Durability
  Any one of our collars can last for a number of years without weakening or fraying, so you are definitely getting a great investment piece.

Compared to all of the chrome-tanned leather that is used for so many mass-marker collars, vegetable-tanned leather is a no-brainer in terms of safety. At all costs, you want to avoid the risk of exposing your pup to chromium VI, a known environmental hazard and irritant.

This is an accessory that you precious pup wears everyday, so it should be made with the utmost care and attention!

Tips for Getting the Right Fit (And Keeping It That Way)

Follow these simple steps to ensure that your chosen collar continues to provide your pooch with the best fit for years to come.

• Measure Regularly
  Your pup’s neck can change over time due to things like age, weight gain and seasonal coat changes.

• Avoid Extra Space
  As we said, our collars are designed to be adjusted, so you don’t need to account for any extra space in your measurements. Remember, a secure fit is a safe fit!

• Adjust with Use
  Leather stretches very slightly over time, particularly in the first few weeks of wearing. Make sure to recheck the fit after the first month or so.

• Inspect for Wear
  Make sure to check the stitching and hardware components regularly to notice any signs of wear and tear every few months.

For that final touch of style and elegance, why not match your collar with The Lille Bjorn solid brass buckles or engraved brass tags? They are all rust-proof, sturdy and built to age as beautifully as your precious pup!

A Collar That Feels as Good as It Looks

Ultimately, when it comes to dog collar sizing, there really is no substitute for getting it right. When properly sized, a dog collar isn’t just a cool fashion statement, it’s a tool for safety and confidence when out and about with your canine companion.

Here at The Lille Bjorn, we truly believe that every dog deserves the very best, and our range of collars boast the perfect marriage of premium materials and thoughtful sizing that will never let you down.

Go ahead, take a look at our online store to find the ideal accessory for your furry friend!