Dog Collars for Small to Medium Dogs: Your 10"–14" (25–36cm) Size Guide
You've got the tape measure out, your dog has (probably) wriggled approximately seven times, and you've arrived at a number somewhere between 10 and 14 inches. Good news: you're in exactly the right place. The 10"-14" (25-35cm) range covers some of the UK's most beloved small breeds - and this guide will confirm whether your measurement is spot-on, flag a few surprises that catch owners out, and help you find a collar that fits properly, not just approximately.
Which Dogs Wear a 10"-14" (25-35cm) Collar?
Here's a quick reference for the most common breeds in this size range. All measurements are for fully grown adults - puppies will be smaller, and it's worth remeasuring every few months as they grow.
Maltese 10-14" (25-36cm)
Pomeranian 10-14" (25-36cm)
West Highland White Terrier (Westie) 10-14" (25-36cm)
Cairn Terrier 10-14" (25-35cm, smaller adults)
Jack Russell Terrier 12-14" (30-35cm)
Miniature Dachshund From 10" (25cm+, larger adults only)
Miniature Schnauzer 10-12" (25-30cm)
Shih Tzu 10-14" (25-36cm, smaller adults)
Lhasa Apso 12-14" (30-36cm, smaller adults)
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) 12-14" (30-35cm, smaller adults)
Breed averages are a useful starting point - but individual dogs vary. For a handmade or custom collar, your dog's actual measurement is the only number that matters. If you're not sure how to measure, our step-by-step measuring guide walks you through it.
Breed-by-Breed Guide: 10"-14" Collar Sizes
Maltese (10-14" / 25-36cm)
The Maltese is a genuinely small dog with a fine, elegant neck - and most adults sit comfortably within this range. Their long, silky coat can make the neck look thicker than it is, so always measure at skin level rather than over the fur. Once you've got a measurement, you're in safe territory for a 10-14" collar.
Pomeranian (10-14" / 25-36cm)
Pomeranians are another breed where the fluffy double coat creates an illusion. Part the fur and measure close to the skin, and you'll often find the neck is narrower than you expected. Most adult Poms fall within the 10-14" range, with smaller individuals sitting nearer the 10" end.
West Highland White Terrier - Westie (10-14" / 25-36cm)
The Westie is one of Britain's most iconic small dogs - developed in the Scottish Highlands at Poltalloch, Argyll, in the late 19th century, and still as bold and characterful as ever. Most adult Westies measure 10-13" at the neck, with compact, sturdy builds that suit a collar around ¾"-1" (2-2.5cm) wide. Not too fussy, these dogs - but they do deserve a well-fitted collar that won't let them down on a blustery hillside walk.
Cairn Terrier (10-14" / 25-35cm)
The Cairn Terrier is the older cousin of the Westie - another working Scottish terrier bred for rocky Highland terrain, alert and curious and always ready for an adventure. Smaller adults fit comfortably in the 10-14" range, though larger individuals may edge into bigger territory. If your Cairn measured over 14 inches, our 12-16" collar size guide will be more useful.
Jack Russell Terrier (12-14" / 30-35cm)
Here's where owners are most often caught out. Jack Russells are compact dogs, and many people assume they need an XS collar. In practice, adult JRTs have noticeably muscular, thick necks - and most measure a solid 12-14" (30-35cm). Ordering too small is a common and easily avoided mistake, and a collar that's too tight is a genuine safety risk.
The JRT is one of the UK's five most commonly owned dog breeds - yet this neck-thickness surprise is something almost no collar guide mentions. Always measure; don't assume XS.
Miniature Dachshund (from 10" / from 25cm)
The Mini Dachshund is the breed that surprises owners most consistently. Their long, low bodies make them look substantial - but their necks are proportionally narrow. Most adult Miniature Dachshunds measure just 8-10" (20-25cm) at the neck, which puts them at or below the lower edge of this range.
If your Mini Dachshund measured under 10 inches, our 8-11" collar size guide is the better starting point. Larger Mini Dachshunds can reach 10-13", which is squarely in range here - but please, don't size by body shape alone. Measure the neck.
Miniature Schnauzer (10-12" / 25-30cm)
Fully grown Miniature Schnauzers typically measure 10-12" (25-30cm) - sitting neatly in the lower half of this range. One practical note that most collar guides skip entirely: the Schnauzer's signature beard and facial furnishings sit just below the collar line. A slightly narrower collar - around ¾" (2cm) - tends to work best, sitting comfortably on the neck without tangling with those distinguished whiskers. It's a small detail that makes a real difference to everyday comfort.
Shih Tzu (10-14" / 25-36cm)
Shih Tzu neck sizes vary more than most breeds - anywhere from 10" to 16" (25-40cm) depending on the individual dog. Smaller adults typically fall within the 10-14" range, while larger or stockier individuals may need a bigger collar. If you're between sizes, go for the larger measurement and check the fit once it arrives.
Lhasa Apso (12-14" / 30-36cm)
Like the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso varies. Smaller adults comfortably wear a 12-14" collar; larger dogs are better served by the 12-16" guide. Their long, flowing coats mean it's especially important to measure at skin level - over-the-fur measurements can be off by an inch or more.
Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie (12-14" / 30-35cm)
Shelties are quick, energetic herding dogs, and a loose collar is a real escape risk with an active breed. Smaller adult Shelties sit in the 12-14" range. Because of their dense double coat, it's easy to measure over the fur and get a reading that's larger than the actual neck. Measure at skin level, and double-check the fit once the collar is on.
How to Check Your Dog's Collar Fits: The 2-Finger Rule
Once you've got a collar on your dog, the fit check is straightforward - and worth doing every time, not just on the first wear.
Slide two fingers (laid flat, not sideways) between the collar and the back of your dog's neck. The collar should feel snug around your fingers without pinching.
Can't fit two fingers? The collar is too tight. Loosen it - a collar that's too tight can cause chafing or, in the worst case, restrict breathing.
Three or more fingers fit easily? Too loose. A dog can slip a collar that's too large, and a motivated Jack Russell or a Pomeranian backing away from something alarming will find a way out.
Two fingers fit comfortably, no more? That's the sweet spot.
On small dogs, the margin for error is narrower than on larger breeds. A 1cm difference on a 12" neck is proportionally much more significant than on a 20" neck - which is exactly why precise fit matters more, not less, for small dogs.
Finding the Right Small Dog Collar for This Size Range
If you've confirmed your dog falls in the 10"-14" range, this is where the choice of collar really makes a difference. Mass-produced collars typically offer three or four adjustment holes - on a small dog's neck, the gap between holes can mean the difference between a good fit and a collar that's perpetually slightly wrong.
Our handmade biothane waterproof collars are made with closely spaced adjustment holes specifically because small breeds need precise fit. Biothane is a great material for active, outdoorsy dogs - it wipes clean in seconds, doesn't absorb mud or water, and holds its shape well over time. Available in a range of colours to suit every personality.
If you'd prefer something with a personal touch, our personalised ribbon collars are a favourite with Pomeranian and Maltese owners.
Related Collar Size Guides
Not quite the right range? These guides cover the adjacent sizes:
Our full collar size guide → - start here if you're not sure which range applies to your dog
Dog Collars for Smaller Dogs: Your 8"–11" (20–30cm) Size Guide → - for smaller dogs, including many Miniature Dachshunds
Dog Collars for Spaniels & Medium Dogs: Your 12"–16" (30–41cm) Size Guide → - for larger small breeds, including bigger Cairn Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, and Shelties