Finding a beautiful collar is only half the story. The most important part is making sure it fits your dog correctly.

A collar that's too tight can be uncomfortable, while one that's too loose may slip over your dogs head. Getting the right fit is particularly important when choosing a premium handcrafted collar that you want your dog to enjoy wearing every day.

At The Maasai Collection, we make collars in a range of sizes to suit different breeds and individual dogs. But because every dog is different, measuring your dogs neck is always the best way to choose the right size.

The good news? It takes less than a minute.

What You'll Need

You don't need anything complicated.

All you need is:

• A flexible measuring tape
• Your dog
• A few treats (optional, but often very helpful!)

If you don't have a flexible measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure it against a ruler or ordinary tape measure.

Step 1: Find Where the Collar Will Sit

Ask your dog to stand naturally.

Place the measuring tape around their neck where you want the collar to sit.

For most dogs, this will be around the middle or lower part of the neck, depending on the breed and the style of collar.

Keep the tape flat against the coat without pulling it tightly.

Don't measure around the dog's head unless you're specifically checking whether a collar could slip over their head.

A tip for long-haired dogs

If your dog has a thick or fluffy coat, gently compress the hair beneath the measuring tape without pressing tightly against the skin.

You want to measure the area where the collar will actually sit, not the outside of the fur.

Step 2: Take the Measurement

Read the measurement where the tape meets.

Write it down in centimetres or inches depending on your prefered measurement.

For example - Your dog's neck measures 38cm or 15".

This is your dog's actual neck circumference.

Don't add extra centimetres yourself at this stage.

The next step is where you'll account for the space needed for comfort.

Step 3: Use the Two-Finger Check

Once your dog's collar is fitted, you should be able to comfortably slide approximately two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

The collar should feel:

Secure → Comfortable → Not Tight

You don't want the collar pressing firmly against your dog's neck, but you also don't want it so loose that your dog could easily back out of it.

A properly fitted collar should stay comfortably in place during normal everyday activity.

Step 4: Compare Your Measurement With our Collar Size Guide 

This is one of the most important steps.

Don't assume that:

"My dog is a Labrador, therefore they need a Large."

Breed, weight and age are useful guides, but dogs within the same breed can have surprisingly different neck sizes.

Instead, compare your dog's measurement with the actual neck circumference range provided for the collar you're considering.

For example, The Maasai Collections sizing system is based on the neck circumference the collar is designed to fit.

That makes your dog's actual measurement the most useful starting point.

What If Your Dog Is Between Two Sizes?

This is a common question.

If your dog's measurement falls close to the boundary between two collar sizes, don't automatically choose the smaller size.

Instead, consider:

• Your dog's current neck measurement
• The adjustment range of the collar
• Whether your dog is still growing
• How thick their coat is
• Whether you prefer a little more adjustment room

If you're unsure, contact us before ordering and we'll help you select the most appropriate size.

It's always better to ask than to guess.

Don't Choose a Collar Based Only on Breed

Breed guides can be incredibly useful, but they're only a starting point.

A Whippet and a Rhodesian Ridgeback obviously have very different proportions. However, two individual Whippets can also have noticeably different neck measurements.

The same applies to Labradors, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs and every other breed.

That's why we recommend:

Measure your dog → Check the collar's measurement range → Choose your size.

What About Puppies?

Puppies are constantly growing, so their collar needs to be checked regularly.

A collar that fits perfectly today may become too snug surprisingly quickly.

If you're buying a collar for a puppy:

1. Measure their neck before ordering.
2. Check the collar's adjustment range.
3. Check the fit regularly as they grow.
4. Replace the collar when it becomes too small.

Never rely on an old measurement for a growing puppy.

How Should a Leather Collar Fit?

A premium leather collar should sit comfortably against your dogs neck without being excessively tight.

Leather will naturally soften and become more supple with use, but it shouldn't be purchased overly tight with the expectation that it will stretch to fit.

Start with the correct size and allow the leather to naturally develop its character over time.

This is particularly important with a handcrafted collar, where the goal is to enjoy both the comfort of the leather and the beauty of the beadwork.

What About Collar Width?

Getting the circumference right is the first priority, but width matters too.

A collar should be appropriately proportioned to your dogs size and build.

For example, a very wide collar may overwhelm a small dog, while a narrow collar may look out of proportion on a large, powerful breed.

At The Maasai Collection, we offer 4 different collar widths so you can choose a style that's appropriate for your dogs size while still reflecting their individual personality.

A Quick Guide to Measuring Your Dog

If you're in a hurry, here's the whole process:

1. Get your dog standing naturally.

2. Place a flexible tape around the neck.

3. Keep the tape comfortably against the coat.

4. Record the measurement in centimetres.

5. Compare it with the collar's stated neck-size range.

6. Once fitted, check that you can comfortably fit approximately two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

7. Recheck the fit regularly.

That's it!

Why Getting the Right Fit Matters

A collar isn't simply something your dog wears because it looks beautiful.

It needs to be comfortable enough for everyday wear and secure enough to remain safely in place.

Getting the correct fit helps ensure that:

Your dog stays comfortable.

The collar stays secure.

The leather sits correctly.

The beadwork looks its best.

And perhaps most importantly, your dog can get on with doing what they love without their collar becoming a distraction.

Finding Your Dogs Perfect Collar

Once you've taken your dog's measurement, you're ready for the fun part ... choosing the design.

At The Maasai Collection, every collar combines premium leather with intricate Maasai beadwork, individually handcrafted by talented artisan women in Kenya.

From bold and vibrant designs to more understated patterns, each piece is created to be as individual as the dog who wears it.

And because every collar is handcrafted, there will always be subtle variations that make your dogs collar uniquely theirs.

Beauty with Purpose

When you choose a collar from The Maasai Collection, you're choosing more than an accessory.

• You're choosing traditional craftsmanship.
• You're supporting talented artisan women.
• You're choosing premium materials designed to last.
• And you're giving your dog something genuinely distinctive.

That's what we mean by Beauty with Purpose.

So grab the tape measure, give your dog a treat and take a minute to find their perfect fit.

Then comes the really difficult decision...

Which beautiful design will you choose? Check out our full range here.