Dog Collars for Smaller Dogs: Your 8"–11" (20–30cm) Size Guide
Getting the right collar fit for a small dog feels a bit like Goldilocks - too loose and it slips straight over their head, too tight and it's uncomfortable all day long. With a smaller neck, the margin for error is narrower, so accuracy really does matter. If you've measured your dog's neck and landed somewhere in the small dog collar size range of 8 to 11 inches (approximately 20-28 cm), this guide is exactly what you need.
Which small dog breeds fit an 8-11 inch collar?
This is a popular size range for many of the UK's best-loved small breeds - though every dog is an individual. Think of the list below as a helpful starting point, not a hard rule. Always measure your own dog before ordering.
Chihuahua
Most adult Chihuahuas measure between 8 and 12 inches (20-30 cm), so the majority fit comfortably within this range - especially those on the smaller, finer-boned end. Particularly tiny Chihuahuas may come in at just 8 inches (20 cm), so it's worth checking the 6-10 inch range → too if yours is especially petite.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is perhaps the best-fitting breed for this size range, typically measuring 8-11 inches (20-28 cm). Their necks are beautifully long and slim, which means the two-finger rule (see below) is particularly important to observe.
Miniature Dachshund (smaller adults)
Smaller adult Miniature Dachshunds often measure 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) around the neck - though there's quite a bit of variation within the breed. Don't be misled by body size. A long, low-slung frame tells you absolutely nothing about neck circumference. More on this further down.
Bichon Frise (smaller adults)
Petite adult Bichon Frises tend to fall within this range. One measuring tip: if your Bichon has a thick, fluffy coat, part the fur first to get the tape measure against the actual neck rather than the fluff.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies come in quite a range of sizes - from very petite adults right up to larger individuals who sit well outside this range. Smaller adults often measure 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) and fit comfortably here, while medium to larger Yorkies may need to step up to the 10-14 inch range. If your Yorkie has a longer, silkier coat, part the fur before measuring so the tape sits against the actual neck rather than the fluff - it can make more difference than you'd expect.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (smaller end)
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically measures 10-13 inches (25-33 cm). Smaller adults or particularly petite individuals may fit at the 10-11 inch end of this range. If your Cavalier measures right on that boundary, read the size overlap section below.
Shih Tzu (smaller end)
Shih Tzus generally measure 10-14 inches (25-36 cm), meaning smaller adults may just fit into the upper end of this range (10-11 inches / 25-28 cm). Because Shih Tzus are a flat-faced breed, there are a few extra fitting considerations - see the section below.
Pug (puppies and smaller adults)
Adult Pugs typically measure 12-16 inches (30-41 cm), placing most adults into larger size ranges. However, Pug puppies and particularly petite adult Pugs may fit at the upper end of this range. As with all flat-faced breeds, collar position really matters - more on that shortly.
Jack Russell Terrier (smaller adults, upper end)
Most Jack Russells measure 10-14 inches (25-36 cm), so slimmer, finer-necked individuals may sit right at the top of this range. If your Jack Russell measures 10-11 inches (25-28 cm), do check the 10-14 inch range too - a little extra room can make a real difference in comfort.
How to measure your small dog's neck
Measuring is straightforward, but on small dogs a centimetre or two really does make a difference - so it's worth taking a moment to do it carefully.
Wrap a soft tape measure around the base of your dog's neck, where a collar would naturally sit. Hold it snug against the skin without pulling it tight.
The 2-finger rule
Once you have your measurement, add the width of two fingers. That extra space is the sweet spot - it keeps the collar secure without putting any pressure on your dog's throat or trachea. On a small or toy breed, this matters more than ever.
No tape measure? A piece of string or ribbon works perfectly well. Wrap it around the neck, mark the length, then measure it against a ruler.
For a full step-by-step walkthrough, our how to measure your dog's neck for a collar → guide covers every detail.
What to do if your dog measures 10-11 inches
If your measurement falls between 10 and 11 inches (25-28 cm), your dog sits right in the overlap zone between this size range and the next one up.
It's worth browsing both. Our 10-14 inch collar guide → covers the slightly larger range, which may suit dogs who are at the upper end of this size or who have a slightly broader neck. A touch of extra room can make for a more comfortable everyday fit.
Equally, if your dog's neck measures less than 8 inches (under 20 cm), they're likely better suited to our 6-10 inch collar range →, designed for the smallest toy breeds.
Flat-faced breeds: getting the fit right
For Pugs and Shih Tzus - and any other brachycephalic breed - collar fit isn't just about comfort. It's a genuine safety consideration.
Position the collar low
The collar should sit towards the lower part of the neck, as far from the throat as practical. Any pressure near the trachea can restrict breathing in a breed that already has a naturally compressed airway. If the collar is sitting high on the neck, it needs to come down.
Consider a harness for walks
Many vets recommend that flat-faced dogs use a harness as their primary walking accessory, keeping the collar solely for ID tag purposes. If a harness isn't practical for every situation, a well-fitted, low-sitting collar with the correct measurement is the next best thing.
Always measure individually
Because brachycephalic necks tend to be shorter and proportionally broader than other breeds, they don't always follow standard sizing charts. Please measure your own dog - even if the breed average suggests a particular size.
A word on Miniature Dachshunds: body size isn't everything
There's a common assumption with Miniature Dachshunds that the long, substantial body means a larger collar is needed. It really doesn't.
Smaller adult Miniature Dachshunds often measure just 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) around the neck. Their body length is impressive; their neck circumference is often quite modest. The only way to know for certain is to measure - body size is no shortcut here, and assuming can lead to an ill-fitting collar that's either loose enough to slip off or snug enough to cause discomfort.
Finding the right collar for your small dog
Once you've confirmed your measurement, the enjoyable part begins. At Dottie's, all our handmade collars are sized by actual neck measurement in inches - no vague "small", "medium", or "large" - so you can order with confidence knowing exactly what will fit your dog.
We have a lovely range of collars made with small dogs in mind, including waterproof biothane collars that are as practical as they are smart, and fabric collars in all manner of wonderful patterns.
For the full picture on sizing across every size range - from tiny toy breeds right up to giant dogs - our complete dog collar size guide → has you covered.