Size Guide
Measure before you order. Our chain collars are sold by length, and the right length depends on your dog's neck, not on breed alone.
How to measure your dog's neck
- Use a soft fabric tape measure. If you don't have one, wrap a piece of string and measure it against a ruler.
- Wrap the tape around the middle of the neck, where the collar will sit. Keep it snug but not tight.
- Read the number in inches, then choose the next size up. Example: a 20 in. neck takes the 22 in. collar.
- Check the head: the collar must be larger than the neck but smaller than the head, so it can't slip off.
Some owners like extra slack for the look and go up 1–3 in. more. That's fine as long as the collar still can't slide over your dog's head.
Fit check: two fingers
With the collar on, you should be able to slide two fingers flat between the chain and your dog's neck.
- Can't fit two fingers? It's too tight. Go up one size.
- Can it slip over the head? It's too loose. Go down one size.
Cuban link collars: 32mm vs 43mm
| 32mm collars | 43mm XL collars | |
|---|---|---|
| Link width | 32 mm (about 1.26 in.) | 43 mm (about 1.69 in.) |
| Lengths | 16–30 in., in 2 in. steps | 16–30 in., in 2 in. steps |
| Material | 316L stainless steel | 316L stainless steel |
| Clasp | HDK LUX signature clasp with push-button release | Upgraded HDK LUX clasp built for the wider links |
| Recommended for | Dogs from about 30 to 80 lb (see each product page) | XL dogs |
Both widths come in the same lengths, so measure the same way for either. Choose 43mm if you want the widest, heaviest look we make.
Length chart with breed examples
Breed examples are averages for reference only. Your dog's measurement always wins.
| Collar length | Centimeters | Available in | Breed examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 in. | 40.6 cm | 32mm, 43mm | French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, Standard Poodle |
| 18 in. | 45.7 cm | 32mm, 43mm | Malinois, Labrador, Boxer, Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull, Bull Terrier |
| 20 in. | 50.8 cm | 32mm, 43mm | Pocket American Bully, Labrador, Boxer, American Bulldog, Pit Bull, Husky, German Shepherd |
| 22 in. | 55.9 cm | 32mm, 43mm | American Bully, Rottweiler, American Bulldog, Great Dane, Husky, German Shepherd |
| 24 in. | 61.0 cm | 32mm, 43mm | XL American Bully, Akita, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, Great Dane, Presa Canario |
| 26 in. | 66.0 cm | 32mm, 43mm | XL American Bully, Akita, Cane Corso, Presa Canario |
| 28 in. | 71.1 cm | 32mm, 43mm | Mastiff, XXL American Bully |
| 30 in. | 76.2 cm | 32mm, 43mm | The largest necks. Measure to confirm. |
Check chains (slip collars)
19 mm links, 12–36 in. A slip collar has no clasp and must pass over the head, so measure the widest part of the head (over the ears and under the jaw) and choose that size or the next one up. Use it for walks and training under supervision.
Show leads
5 mm hexagonal links, 14–32 in. Measure around the neck, then add 2–3 in. The listed length includes the O-ring.
Lock collars
14 mm links, 12–30 in. Measure around the middle of the neck where the collar will sit and order that exact measurement. No extra slack is needed.
Still not sure?
Email us at info@hdkluxdogchains.com with your dog's neck measurement and breed, and we'll help you pick a size. See also how to measure your dog's neck and how to clean your chain.