Most dogs land squarely inside one of our four size ranges. If yours lands in the gap between two, work out which range’s middle sits closest to the neck measurement and pick that one. A near tie, or a number right on an edge, means size down.
Where do the BohoBarks sizes overlap?
Each strap carries a row of punched holes, so a size covers a span of neck measurements rather than one number. The spans overlap on purpose, which gives a dog in the gap more than one workable choice.
XS covers 8–11” and S spans 10.5–14”, so those two share 10.5–11”. Next, M (13.5–18”) borders S from 13.5” up to 14”. The widest overlap sits where M meets L (16–23”), stretching from 16” to 18”. Anywhere else, a single size fits. Our size guide has the full chart, and how to measure your dog for a collar covers the tape work.
How do I pick a dog collar size in an overlap?
Three steps, no guessing.
- Measure where the buckled strap will rest, and write the number down.
- Find the middle of each range holding that number. XS centers near 9.5”, S near 12.25”, M near 15.75” and the largest size near 19.5”.
- Pick the nearer center. When two are about equally close, go smaller.
Here is how five sample readings come out.
| Neck | Pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 10.75” | XS | Closer to its middle |
| 11” | XS | Dead heat, so down |
| 13.75” | S | Sits nearer S’s center |
| 16.5” | M | Far nearer M than L |
| 17.75” | M | Too close to call; go small |
Notice the trend. Smaller wins almost every time, and the math simply agrees with our own printed advice.
Why not buy the bigger one?
Roomy and safe are different things. Buckle a big collar on its tightest hole and you inherit a long, floppy tail of strap. Pick the smaller one and spare holes remain for later.
A loose band causes a second problem. Imagine a lean dog in a strap sized up just in case: it rides low, rotates a quarter turn whenever the leash tugs, creeps behind the ears, and comes off entirely the moment the dog backs away from something it dislikes. Our measuring guide cites the American Kennel Club on the same point.
Too tight? Also bad. Aim for snug and secure, never squeezing.
When should I break the rule?
Three cases.
Slim neck, narrow head. Greyhounds, whippets and other sighthounds can slip out of gear that looks fine on a rounder dog. Lean small and check often.
A puppy still growing. Measure today, buy for today and plan on a replacement. Weeks can be enough for young dogs to outgrow a strap, so there is little point shopping for next spring’s animal.
A very full or seasonal coat. Fur compresses under a snapped-shut collar, yet a thick coat can still shift the reading from month to month, so press through the fluff until you feel muscle, measure there, and redo it whenever the coat changes.
Does the design change my size?
No. All eight designs follow identical ranges, so switching from a calm weave to a loud one never moves a dog into another bracket. Settle the number first, the pattern second.
Will the neck change later?
Necks shift. Some dogs gain winter weight, lose it by summer, or settle into middle age with a thicker frame, and a strap that fit perfectly in March can feel tight or sloppy by October without anyone noticing until the dog starts scratching at it or wriggling free. Measure again whenever the build changes, and certainly before ordering another collar. An old figure scribbled two years ago is a guess, not a measurement. Should the new reading land in an overlap, repeat the steps above.
Buying blind for a gift?
You will not always have a tape on the recipient. Ask the owner, or lay an old collar flat and measure that for a hint. If neither works, begin with the breed list in our measuring guide, treat the answer as a starting point and not a promise, and lean toward the smaller option, because the exchange window below exists for exactly this sort of educated guess. More present ideas live in unique gifts for dog lovers.
What does the fit check look like?
Buckle it on and slide two flat fingers between leather and neck. That is the entire test.
- Two go in with light resistance. Good. Leave it alone.
- They refuse. Let it out a notch and test again.
- Three fit, or the strap wanders up the neck. Take it in. Already on the last hole? You need the next size down.
Do this before the first walk. Leather softens with wear, so look again after a few outings.
What if I still pick wrong?
It happens, and the fix is simple. Unworn collars can be exchanged for another size within 30 days, which is the reason to run the fit test early. The shipping and returns page lays out the steps and what counts as unworn.
Curious about those holes along the strap? The anatomy of a kilim dog collar shows how leather, band and hardware work together.
Frequently asked questions
My dog sits right on the edge of two sizes. Which wins?
The smaller one. That matches the line on our care card: between sizes, size down for a snug, secure fit. Check it with two fingers, then use another hole if needed.
What happens if the collar turns out wrong?
Swaps are open for 30 days, but only for collars that have not been worn, so try it on right after it arrives. Our returns information explains how to start.
Does a growing puppy change the answer?
Often. Go by today’s measurement, not by the size you hope the neck reaches, and re-measure every few weeks. Treat a youngster’s collar as a short-term purchase.
Why choose the snugger option when it is a coin toss?
Slack invites spinning, slipping and wriggling free. A snug fit still leaves holes for letting out, so a mistake is easy to correct.
Found your number? Every design comes in all four sizes, from the warm zigzags of Desert Dunes to the bold primaries of Arabian Nights. Shop the collection and choose yours.
