How to Measure Your Dog for a Waterproof Slip Collar
By Collared Creatures | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to measure your dog's head and neck for a waterproof slip collar. Get the right fit for safety, comfort, and effective training.
Quick answer
Measure your dog's head circumference at the widest point and neck circumference where the collar will sit. The slip collar must slide over the head easily but not slip off over the neck.
Why head measurement matters more for slip collars
Unlike a standard flat collar, a slip collar must pass over your dog's ears and skull before it rests on the neck. If the collar is too small to clear the head, it will be impossible to put on or take off safely. If it is too large, it may slip off entirely during a walk.
Biothane slip collars: no stretch, no give
Biothane is a waterproof, stink-proof material that does not stretch or shrink. That makes sizing critical—there is no room for error from material give. A biothane slip collar that fits correctly on day one will fit the same way years later.
How to measure your dog for a waterproof slip collar
- Measure the head circumference: Use a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your dog's head—just behind the eyes and in front of the ears. If you do not have a tape, use a piece of string and then measure it against a ruler. Common mistake: measuring only the neck. The head measurement is the minimum size the collar must open to.
- Measure the neck circumference: Wrap the tape around the base of the neck where the collar will naturally sit—usually just behind the jawline and above the shoulders. Keep it snug but not tight. The collar must be loose enough to slide freely when released but tight enough not to slip over the head.
- Compare measurements to collar sizing: Choose a collar length that is at least 2–3 inches longer than the head circumference. The collar should slip over the head easily but rest snugly on the neck when released. If your dog's head is much larger than the neck, err on the side of a longer collar. Checkpoint: the collar should not slide off when you gently tug it over the head. If it does, size down.
Product facts
- Black Waterproof Biothane Slip Dog Collar: Handmade in Yorkshire from Biothane, which is waterproof and stink-proof. Because Biothane does not stretch, accurate head and neck measurements are essential—the collar will not loosen over time.
Black Waterproof Biothane Slip Dog Collar
