Dog Collars for XXL Dogs: Your 24"–28" (61–71cm) Size Guide
Giant dogs are wonderful - there's something about sharing your sofa with a creature that barely fits on it that makes life considerably better. But finding an XXL dog collar that genuinely fits a neck the size of a dinner plate? That's where most pet shops quietly give up.
If your dog's neck measures between 24"-28" (approximately 61-71cm), you're at the top of the standard sizing range in our collar size guide →. At this end of the scale, getting the fit, width, and material right isn't just a matter of comfort - it's a genuine safety consideration for powerful, heavy-necked breeds.
Which breeds typically need an XXL dog collar?
The 24"-28" (61-71cm) range covers the majority of the UK's most popular giant breeds. Here's where most of them tend to fall:
Rottweiler 24"-30" (61-76cm) Sits squarely in this range
Great Dane 20"-26" (51-66cm) Larger adult males overlap here
Bloodhound 23"-28" (59-71cm) Strong overlap throughout
Pyrenean Mountain Dog 24"-30" (61-76cm) Also called Great Pyrenees
English Mastiff 22"-30" (56-76cm) Wide variation; core range here
Bullmastiff 26"-28" (66-71cm) Sits right in the middle
Cane Corso 22"-28" (56-71cm) Upper end overlaps
Leonberger 20"-26" (51-66cm) Larger adults here
Bernese Mountain Dog 18"-24" (46-61cm) Larger adults at the top end
Saint Bernard 26"-32" (66-81cm) Smaller adults start here
Newfoundland 26"-32" (66-81cm) Smaller adults start here
These are breed averages - individual dogs can vary considerably. Always measure your own dog's neck before buying. If you haven't done that yet, our measuring guide → explains exactly how.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers consistently rank among the UK's ten most popular registered breeds - and it's easy to see why. They're loyal, intelligent, and have necks like tree trunks. That last point matters: Rottweilers generate considerable pulling force and their muscular build means even a momentary poor fit can become a welfare issue. Durability and proper fit aren't optional extras here.
Great Danes
Despite their extraordinary size, Great Danes tend to be calm, gentle dogs. Larger adult males commonly fall in the 24"-26" zone. For this breed, collar comfort is just as important as strength - their sensitivity means they'll thank you for soft, flexible materials that don't dig in.
XL Bullies
Since being added to the Dangerous Dogs Act in December 2023, all exempt XL Bullies in the UK must wear a collar with ID at all times in public. As of early 2024, over 55,000 XL Bullies had been officially registered under the exemption scheme - all needing a properly fitted collar. The breed has a particularly thick, muscular neck that typically falls in the 22"-26" (56-66cm) range, making fit especially important.
If your dog's neck sits towards the lower end of this guide, it's also worth checking our 20-24 inch sizing page → before deciding.
Getting the fit right - the two-finger rule
The two-finger test is the gold standard for collar fit - and it carries extra weight at giant breed sizes. Slide two fingers flat (not curled) between the collar and your dog's neck:
One finger or fewer = too tight. Risk of chafing, breathing restriction, and pressure buildup under load
Two fingers fit snugly = correct fit
Three or more fingers slip in easily = too loose. For a powerful dog, a snagged collar that snaps back can cause real harm
A giant breed dog exerts significant force on a collar during walks - around 61 N on average, compared to just 21 N for a small dog. Getting the fit right isn't overthinking it. It's just good care.
Note for thick-coated breeds: Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs have substantial fur around the neck that can hide a poor fit visually. Measure at the base of the neck through the coat, and re-check after bathing or grooming sessions.
Why collar width matters more than you'd think
This is the thing most sizing guides skip entirely: for giant breeds, collar width is just as important as the neck circumference measurement.
The reason is simple physics. Pressure = force ÷ area. A wider collar spreads the same pulling force over a larger surface, reducing the pressure on any given point of the neck. Scientists at Nottingham Trent University, publishing in the Veterinary Record, found that collar pressure can vary from 83 kPa to 832 kPa depending on collar type and width - a tenfold difference. That gap matters enormously for a breed whose pulling force already sits at the higher end of the scale.
What width to choose
Minimum 1.5" (38mm) for giant breeds as a starting point
2" (50mm) for the very largest or most powerful dogs - English Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands
Avoid collars under 1" (25mm) - these are sized for small and medium dogs and aren't appropriate for the forces giant breeds generate
It's also worth noting that giant breeds including Great Danes and Rottweilers are disproportionately affected by Wobbler Syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy) - a spinal condition affecting the neck. If your dog has been diagnosed, your vet will likely advise using the collar for ID only and attaching the lead to a harness for walks. A properly wide, well-fitted collar is still important either way.
Why biothane is the natural choice for giant breeds
Leather has long been the default for large dog collars - and it does look and feel the part. But it absorbs moisture, can stretch under sustained load, and needs ongoing care. Standard nylon holds odour and can chafe when wet. Neither is really built for the daily demands of a 50-60kg dog's life.
Biothane is different. It's a polyester webbing core with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating - engineered for performance but genuinely comfortable to wear.
Built for strength. BioThane® Beta grade has a break strength of up to 1,000 lb per inch of width. The Super Heavy (SH) grade is 3.8mm thick. These figures matter for giant breeds who test equipment simply by existing.
Waterproof and wipe-clean. Biothane doesn't absorb mud, moisture, or odour. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it ever needs. Given that giant breeds typically need long, active walks in whatever weather Britain decides to offer, that's a genuine quality-of-life difference - for you as much as your dog.
Durable year-round. UV-resistant, mould-resistant, antibacterial, and flexible down to -49°C. No cracking in winter, no fading in summer, no seasonal maintenance routine to keep on top of.
Comfortable. Despite those technical credentials, biothane feels soft and leather-like against the skin. It's also hypoallergenic - a good choice for dogs with any skin sensitivity.
Our handmade biothane collars are made to order and available across the full 24"-28" range in a wide range of colours.
Common questions about giant breed collars
What collar size does a Rottweiler need?
Most Rottweilers need a collar between 24" and 30" (61-76cm). That puts the majority of adult Rottweilers squarely in the 24"-28" range. Always measure your individual dog's neck rather than relying on breed averages alone.
What size collar does a Great Dane need?
Great Danes typically need a collar between 20" and 26" (51-66cm). Larger adult males will often fall in the 24"-26" zone. If your Great Dane is at the top of the breed's size range, measure carefully before ordering.
What size collar does an XL Bully need in the UK?
Most XL Bullies need a collar in the 22"-26" (56-66cm) range. As all exempt XL Bullies must wear a collar with ID at all times in public, getting the fit right is both a welfare and a legal priority.
What collar width is best for a giant breed?
A minimum of 1.5" (38mm) is recommended for giant breeds. For the very largest or most powerful dogs - English Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands - a 2" (50mm) collar offers better pressure distribution and greater comfort.
Is biothane good for large dogs?
Yes - it's one of the best collar materials for large and giant breeds. It handles breaking loads of up to 1,000 lb per inch of width, is fully waterproof, and wipes clean in seconds. It's also comfortable against the skin, with no ongoing maintenance required.
What if your dog measures over 28 inches?
If your dog's neck comes in above 28" (71cm), don't worry - it just means you're beyond the standard sizing range, and that's where bespoke collars come in.
Some of the larger Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and English Mastiffs do genuinely exceed this range, especially adult males at the top of their size class. Rather than stretching a standard collar beyond its proper fit, the right answer is a handmade collar built to your dog's exact measurements.
We make custom-sized collars for dogs outside our standard range. Drop us a message and we'll sort something out - same handmade quality, same materials, just made to fit your dog specifically.