We love our Frenchies like family, but they can be hard to shop for when it comes to finding the right collar. Overall, it can be difficult to figure out what size collar to get a French Bulldog, and if you’re not prepared, then you may end up buying a few before finding the right one. On average, a French Bulldog will fit in a size small collar, but each one is different. Your Frenchie may not have the same neck size as another one because their breed tends to vary in size. Many owners start out with a small collar and work their way up if needed. This list of tips and tricks can help you find the right French Bulldog collar size and avoid unnecessary purchasing so you get it right the first time. So, let’s look at some things that may help you figure out what size collar to get your Frenchie.
Dangers of not having the right size collar
Not having the right size collar for your Frenchie can be dangerous for multiple reasons. First, your dog will be more likely to escape from you if they have a loose-fitting collar. Escaping is not a risk we take lightly as it puts them at danger. So, be sure to get the right size collar. However, escaping is not the only risk we have to worry about when it comes to getting the wrong size collar for our dog. There are many ways that we can harm them or they can harm themselves by not getting them the proper size collar. So, let’s go into some details as to why it is so important to find the right size collar for your french bulldog.
Neck Injury Due To a Collar
Your Frenchie is at risk for injury with a collar that is too large. If there is too much room between their skin and the collar, then you are putting them at risk for getting their collar stuck in places. For example, if your dog tries to jump a short fence (let’s face it, most Frenchies can’t jump very high), then a loose collar might get stuck in the fence causing them to choke. This can happen with objects other than a fence too, like a tree branch, stick or anything on your dog’s level.
There are other bodily injuries to consider with a collar that is too large. Your dog can get their leg stuck in their leash when they scratch if it is too loose. This may seem redundant, but it could be dangerous depending on how they react. In their reaction to having a leg trapped might put them at greater harm. The collar can even get stuck in their mouth if it is too loose which can cause choking or mouth damage.
Collar Irritation
Having a collar that is too tight can cause skin irritation. Anything being tight on their skin can affect hair growth which can cause irritation and even skin infections. A collar that is too tight may even cause hair loss in the spot their collar rests. Either way, having a collar that is too tight can very easily cause skin issues. So, it is best to try to avoid this by getting the right size.
Collar Choking Hazards To Be Aware Of
Collars that are too loose can be a choking hazard, but the same goes for collars that are too tight. If their collar is too tight and there is any extra tightness from pulling, then your dog is far more likely to choke or possibly develop breathing issues. If they are constantly scratching their neck with their hind leg it might be an indication that it is too tight.
Measuring Your French Bulldog’s neck
One of the most accurate ways to figure out what size collar to get for your French Bulldog is to measure their necks. To do this, be sure to measure just above their shoulders where the collar should sit. In order to get an accurate measure, make sure your dog is standing on a flat surface. If your dog is laying down or standing on uneven pavement, then you may not get an accurate measurement. Using treats can help encourage your furry friend stand at attention and make it easier to get a measurement.
The easiest way to measure your Frenchie’s neck is to use a tailor tape measure. Of course, we all don’t have access to one, and it can be difficult to use a regular tape measure for this. So, consider using a cord from a phone charger or something similar. Gently wrap the cord around their neck, keeping your fingers locked in place for accurate measuring.
Another alternative that I happened to have in my house due to my interest in fitness was a Myotape measure. It is especially useful in measuring progress in my weight loss journey but I found it also worked very well to get an accurate neck measurement on my Frenchie.
Then, simply measure the wire distance between your fingers. This will allow you to get an accurate measurement with little effort and keep your dog comfortable.
French Bulldog Puppy Collar Preferences
It can be a challenge to find the right French Bulldog puppy collar size. Puppies are different from adult dogs in the way that they are far less patient. This can make a collar difficult to use. It’s difficult to size for a puppy as they aren’t done growing yet. It is best to go a little bigger with puppy collars to make sure they last, but you don’t want too much room because of the dangers listed above. Protecting your pooch is the number one priority. So, while it is important to consider that your puppy will still grow, don’t forget that safety comes first.
Before they are trained, puppies are more likely to pull on their lead while they are in training. So, using a collar can be a risk because they may damage their trachea or irritate their skin by pulling on a collar too much. Some people consider harnesses for puppies, but they tend to not respond well to them due to discomfort. So, a collar may be best for you puppy, just remember to be patient while they learn.
The right French Bulldog puppy collar size is going to depend on your dog, but most younger puppies are safe with an extra small, while older puppies can fit better into a small. This is a general guideline and doesn’t guarantee a fit for you dog as each one is different, but it should help you be able to narrow down your search.
Knowing you have the right Collar fit For Your Frenchie
To test the fit of your dog’s collar, you want to ensure that you can fit 2 fingers between the collar and their neck comfortably. It should not be too tight for you to fit both fingers, nor should it be loose enough that you can fit your whole hand in there. Two fingers is the best way to judge the fit.
Finding the right French Bulldog collar size can be a challenge because their heads are quite small. With the wrong size collar, it may be all too easy for them to back out of a collar and run away. The right size collar will remain on their neck without choking them or making them uncomfortable.
Remember that our dogs usually let us know when they’re uncomfortable. So, if you notice a lot of scratching when you put on your dog’s collar, it may not be the right one for them. Sure, they’ll be irritated by it at first, but if they are used to collars and are just now reacting poorly, then they may be trying to tell you something.
Pondering what size collar to get a French Bulldog can be challenging with how thick their necks are compared to their heads, but if you use the methods above and pay attention to how your dog reacts, then it won’t be hard to figure out when you have the right one.
Tips for buying a collar For Your French Bulldog
Beyond measuring and bringing your dog along, there are some other factors that can help with finding the right sized collar for your Frenchie. There are many different collar options out there to choose from, and you want to make sure you find just the right one.
First, it is always best to find an adjustable collar
This will ensure that you don’t have to find the perfect size. Adjustable collars are great for French Bulldogs because their sizes can vary so vastly. So, try your best to find an adjustable collar to make your life a little easier.
Make sure you pay attention to the fabric of the collar you are buying
Frenchies tend to be prone to allergies.
So, your furry friend may have a bad reaction to certain fabrics. Keep this is mind when buying a new collar and keep an eye on your dog for the first few days they are wearing a new collar. This is the best way to ensure that any allergic reaction is caught quickly.
Be aware of breathing issues
Finally, just remember that French Bulldogs are prone to breathing issues and allergy issues.
So, take your time finding the right collar for your Frenchie and keep their safety and comfort first. If they don’t react well to a certain collar, then don’t be afraid to try another.
Summary – Finding The Right French Bulldog Collar Size
In conclusion, French Bulldogs are wonderful dogs who can be a little difficult to shop for. So, follow our guide for finding the right collar size. Remember that while most Frenchies are going to wear a size small, the size may vary based on your dog and how the collar is made. Be sure to measure their neck if you can in order to get the best possible fit.
Adjustable collars are probably going to be best for Frenchies because it allows you to have some leeway in sizing issues. Maybe a small collar is a little too tight on your dog. That’s okay if it is adjustable.
Finally, just make sure that your dog is comfortable.
Maybe they would do better with a thicker collar or even a harness. No matter what type of collar you choose for your French Bulldog, just make sure they are not having any reactions to the material or tightness of it. A leash that is too loose can be a choking hazard or a way for them to escape. A leash that is too tight can lead to issues with breathing and even hair loss and skin irritation.
The 2 finger rule is the best rule to determine sizing, but don’t forget to listen to your dog as well. If they don’t like something, then they’ll usually let us know. So, keep your eyes and ears open for signs of discomfort or irritation. We love them like family, and we wouldn’t let family wear something around their neck that didn’t fit right.
PS -For other French Bulldog accessories take a look here.
