Your puppy’s first collar is probably not going to be their last.
They grow. Quickly. Their neck changes, their fur changes, and the tiny collar that looked perfectly sensible three weeks ago can suddenly look like it belongs to someone else’s dog.
So when choosing a puppy collar, the goal is not to find something they will wear forever.
It is to find something comfortable, secure, adjustable, and right for them for now.
Here is what actually matters.
1. Start with the right size
Before looking at colors, patterns, or anything else, measure your puppy’s neck.
Use a soft measuring tape around the area where the collar will naturally sit. It should be snug enough to stay in place, but not tight. A useful check is the two-finger rule: you should generally be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your puppy’s neck.
And because puppies grow fast, check the fit regularly. A collar that fits perfectly now may need adjusting sooner than you expect.
Since a puppy’s first collar may only fit for a relatively short stage, it can also make sense to look at more affordable options. Our Archive Sale is a good place to find previous-season collars at a lower price.
If you need help measuring, our dog collar size guide walks through it step by step.
2. Adjustability matters more with puppies
For an adult dog, you may find the right setting and barely touch it again.
With a puppy, it’s a different story.
That is why an adjustable collar makes sense. It gives you some room to adapt the fit as your puppy grows, rather than replacing the collar every time their neck gets slightly bigger.
That does not mean buying a collar that is much too large and hoping they grow into it.
A puppy collar should fit securely from day one, with enough adjustment available for small changes.
3. Keep their first collar comfortable
Puppies are getting used to a lot of things at once.
A new home and family. A lead. Traffic. Other dogs. That suspicious bin bag moving in the wind.
Their collar should not be another thing constantly distracting them.
Look for something that sits comfortably around the neck without unnecessary bulk or heavy hardware. Check for rubbing, especially after longer periods of wear, and make sure your puppy can move their head and neck normally.
It may take them a little time to stop noticing the collar. That is normal.
4. Collar or harness for a puppy?
They do not necessarily do the same job.
A collar is useful for everyday identification and getting your puppy comfortable wearing something around their neck.
A dog harness can be useful for walks, particularly while a puppy is learning how to walk on a lead.
Many dogs eventually use both: a collar for their ID tag, and a harness as the main lead attachment for walks.
There is no need to turn it into a collar vs harness. Think of it as choosing the right setup for the moment.
5. Your puppy will probably get messy
This one is less glamorous, but fairly inevitable.
Puppies roll, splash, dig, chew, investigate and occasionally make extremely questionable decisions.
A collar that is easy to clean makes life simpler.
Fur Sie collars are machine washable, which makes them easy to clean after muddy walks, wet grass, and everyday puppy mess.
6. When can a puppy wear a Fur Sie collar?
This comes down to measurement, not age.
Our collars start at a neck circumference of 23 cm in size Small, so measure your puppy before ordering rather than choosing based on breed or age alone.
Fur Sie collar sizes are:
Small: 23–32 cm
Medium: 30–45 cm
Large: 40–65 cm
If your puppy’s neck is smaller than 23 cm, a Fur Sie collar will not yet provide the secure fit we would want. They can grow into the style later.
Common questions about puppy collars
What size collar should I get for a puppy?
Measure your puppy’s neck and choose a collar that fits securely now while still allowing adjustment. Do not choose a much larger collar purely for growing room.
How often should I check my puppy’s collar?
Frequently. Puppies can grow quickly, so regularly make sure the collar has not become too tight.
Should a puppy wear a collar or harness?
Many puppies use both. A collar can carry identification, while a harness can be used for the lead during walks.
Can a puppy wear an adult dog collar?
Yes, if the collar fits correctly and is comfortable. What matters is the actual neck measurement and fit, rather than whether the product is labelled specifically for puppies.
Our take
A puppy’s first collar should be simple: comfortable, secure, adjustable, and easy to live with.
After that, you can have some fun with it.
Color, pattern, a matching lead, maybe a little charm.
Because they might be small now.
Their personality probably is not.
