Small Dog Collars UK 2026

Small dogs have big personalities. They are the ones trotting proudly into cafés, bouncing around the park, and somehow managing to look adorable even when they are covered in mud. The right collar for a small dog should feel just as effortless as it looks: lightweight, comfy, and secure, with a fit that stays neat whether your dog is a tiny puppy or fully grown.

In 2026, many UK owners are searching for a small dog collar that does two things at once: sits comfortably all day without rubbing, and looks gorgeous for everyday life. This guide is here to make choosing simple, with clear fit tips, breed notes, and a sizing chart you can screenshot.

What is the best collar for small dogs?

Quick answer: for most small breeds, the best option is an adjustable flat collar that sits flat, feels soft, and stays secure without twisting. Small dogs often do best with a collar that is lightweight, with a width that suits their neck so it does not feel bulky or heavy.

When you are choosing a collar for a small dog, focus on three things:

• Comfort against fur: small breeds often have delicate necks and finer fur, so softness matters.
• A neat fit: a collar that twists or slides invites scratching, chewing, and slipping.
• Secure hardware: the collar should fasten cleanly and stay put on walks and outings.

Small dog collar vs harness: what should you use?

Most small dog owners use both. A collar is perfect for everyday ID tags and quick moments out the door. A harness can be a more comfortable choice for lead walking, especially if your dog pulls, spins with excitement, or has a sensitive neck.

If you want help deciding, you can read: the great debate: dog harnesses vs collars (UK).

And if you are building a full walking set, you can explore our harnesses here: shop dog harnesses.

Which small dog breeds is this guide for?

This guide is useful for the small breeds we see most across the UK, including Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzers, Jack Russells, and smaller Cockapoos and Cavapoos. If your dog is a puppy now, this is also helpful: Best Puppy Collar UK.

Coming up: fit and sizing. This is the bit that makes small dog collar shopping feel easy, because once you know what “good fit” looks like, everything else clicks into place.

How tight should a small dog collar be?

Quick answer: your small dog’s collar should sit snugly without squeezing. You should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and their neck. If it is tighter than that, it may rub. If it is looser than that, it can slip or twist.

What is the 2 finger collar rule?

The two-finger rule is the easiest way to check comfort. Slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. It should feel comfortable, not tight, and the collar should not wobble or rotate constantly when your dog moves around.

How do I measure my small dog for a collar?

1. Measure the neck where the collar will sit (usually a little higher on the neck, not down on the shoulders).
2. Use a soft tape, or use string and then measure the string.
3. Choose a size range that includes your measurement with room to adjust.
4. Fit the collar and do the two-finger check once it is on.

If you want the full measuring walkthrough with extra tips, read: Dog Collar Size Guide UK 2026.

Small dog collar sizing chart (UK)

Here are the collar sizes we use across our main collar range. Many small dogs are typically in Extra Small or Small, depending on breed and fluff level.

My small dog is between sizes. What should I do?

If your dog is between sizes, choose the size that gives a secure fit now without leaving loads of excess strap. For very tiny dogs (like Chihuahuas and some miniature Dachshunds), a neat, tidy fit usually feels best. For fluffy breeds (like Pomeranians), you may need a touch more room for coat volume, then adjust once it is sitting comfortably.

Next: the best collar styles for small dogs, including what to choose if your dog hates the rain, fusses with tags, or has very fine fur that marks easily.

Best collar styles for small dogs (UK)

1) Adjustable flat collar for small dogs

This is the everyday favourite for a reason. It is simple, comfortable, and perfect for ID tags. For small dogs, the biggest win is that a flat collar stays tidy when it is fitted properly, which helps prevent twisting and rubbing.

2) Waterproof collars for small dogs who love puddles

If your small dog is the type to find every muddy patch, a waterproof collar is brilliant. It is easy to wipe clean and stays fresher after wet-weather walks.

If you want waterproof options, you can browse them here: shop waterproof dog collars.

3) Tweed collars for small dogs (smart and classic)

Tweed collars are a gorgeous choice for small dogs because they look premium while still feeling soft and wearable for everyday life. They are especially popular for Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Spaniels, and Dachshunds when you want that classic countryside look for walks, weekends away, and family visits.

If you want to shop this style, you can browse here: shop tweed dog collars.

Breed notes: what small dogs tend to prefer

• Dachshund: many do best with a neat, lightweight collar for ID, and a harness for lead walking if they pull.
• Chihuahua: keep everything light and tidy so the collar feels comfortable and does not overwhelm their little neck.
• Yorkie: choose a soft feel and check fit often, especially if the collar twists in fine fur.
• Pomeranian: allow for fluff volume, then adjust so the collar sits flat and does not disappear into the coat.
• Shih Tzu and Maltese: keep it soft and stable so it does not matt around the neck.
• Jack Russell: choose a secure fastening and a collar that sits flat, because they love to move fast.

Small dog collar vs harness for pulling

If your small dog pulls, a harness can make walks feel more comfortable and controlled. Many owners keep a collar on for ID and use a harness for lead walking, especially during training stages.

You can browse our harnesses here: shop dog harnesses.

Next: the most common small dog collar problems, including slipping, rubbing, scratching, and how to fix each one quickly so your dog stays comfy.

Why does my small dog collar keep slipping?

Quick answer: slipping is usually caused by a collar that is too loose, sitting too low, or not adjusted evenly. Small dogs can wriggle out of loose collars more easily, especially tiny breeds with narrower heads.

Try these quick fixes:

• Re-check the two-finger rule: tighten slightly so it sits snugly without squeezing.
• Position: the collar should sit comfortably on the neck, not sliding down towards the shoulders.
• Check symmetry: make sure the adjustment is even so the collar sits flat.

My small dog keeps scratching their collar. What does it mean?

Some scratching is normal when a collar is new. If it continues, it can mean the collar is twisting, sitting awkwardly, or feeling tight. A tidy fit that sits flat usually solves most scratching.

Dog collar rubbing fur on small dogs: how to prevent it

Rubbing is often caused by friction from a collar that rotates or a buckle that sits in the wrong spot. This is especially common in fine fur. For breeds like Yorkies and Maltese, a soft feel and neat fit makes a huge difference.

These simple tweaks help:

• Adjust for stability: collars that wobble invite rubbing.
• Check buckle placement: if the buckle sits under the jaw or hits a sensitive spot, re-adjust.
• Take breaks indoors: many small dog owners pop collars off for naps and pop them back on before walks.

Should small dogs wear collars at home?

Quick answer: a collar is most important when you’re heading out, because it is the easiest place to keep an ID tag. At home, it depends on comfort and routine. Some small dogs keep their collar on all day, while others have it off for naps and then back on for outings.

Small dog collar checklist (one minute)

1. Choose an adjustable flat collar as your everyday base.
2. Measure neck size and use the two-finger rule.
3. Pick a collar that stays neat and stable without twisting.
4. If your dog pulls, use a harness for lead walking and keep the collar for ID.

If you want the full collar overview too, you can read: Dog Collars in 2026 UK.