Best Dog Collar for an Australian Shepherd: Size, Fit, and Style Guide
June 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Australian Shepherds are athletic working dogs with a thick, beautiful coat, and that coat is the sizing trap. Measure over the fur and the collar will run loose. Here is how to size a collar for your Aussie.
Australian Shepherd collar size at a glance
Aussies span standard and smaller lines, so the range is wide. Measure to the skin for an accurate number.
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Neck circumference | 16-22 in (41-56 cm) |
| Typical weight | 35-75 lbs |
| Recommended Dazey size | L, sizing up to XL for the largest |
How to measure your Australian Shepherd's neck
The number on the size chart only works if you measure first. Wrap a soft tape measure or a piece of string around the base of your Australian Shepherd's neck, where the collar naturally sits, then keep it snug but not tight. The gold standard is the two-finger rule: you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and the neck once it is buckled. For the full walkthrough see our dog collar size chart, or let our sizing calculator do the math for you.
- Measure the base of the neck where the collar sits, not up near the head.
- Keep the tape snug, then add room for two fingers.
- Measure to the skin, not over thick fur, so the collar is not secretly too loose.
- If you land between two sizes, size up and use the adjustment range.
Fit notes for Australian Shepherds
The dense coat hides the real neck size, so a collar fitted over the fur will loosen against the skin. Part the coat at the base of the neck and measure there, then tighten to a true two-finger fit. This matters even more for an active dog that twists and runs.
Aussies range widely in size between lines, so do not assume from looks. A standard Aussie is a solidly built dog that suits a medium-to-wide collar with strong hardware. For intense pulling in training, pair the collar with a harness.
Choosing a style your Australian Shepherd can pull off
A playful, colorful pattern suits an Aussie's energy and often-striking merle coat. A fun look like our Confetti Fun collar adds personality. Browse the rest of the Dazey collars for more durable everyday styles.
Quick fit reminders for Australian Shepherds
Measure to the skin
That dense coat hides the real size, so always measure at the neck, not over the fur.
Secure fit for an athlete
Keep a true two-finger fit so the collar stays put through hard play and work.
Strong hardware
An active, capable dog needs a solid buckle and D-ring that hold up to daily use.
Find the right collar for your Australian Shepherd
Measure to the skin, lock in a secure fit, and pick a pattern with personality. Every Dazey collar is soft, durable, and adjustable. Shop Dazey collars and find the right size for your Australian Shepherd.
Frequently asked questions
What size collar does an Australian Shepherd need?
Most Australian Shepherds measure about 16 to 22 inches at the neck, which is a large, sizing up to extra-large for the biggest dogs. Measure to the skin, since the coat adds bulk.
Why is my Aussie's collar loose even though I measured?
You likely measured over the coat. The dense fur compresses, leaving the collar loose at the skin. Re-measure against the skin and tighten to a true two-finger fit.
What collar suits an active Australian Shepherd?
A secure, medium-to-wide flat collar with strong hardware is great for everyday wear and ID. Add a harness for heavy pulling during training so the collar is not taking the load.
Siobhan Hanak
Head of content
Siobhan leads content at Dazey, telling stories and writing guides for dogs and the people who love them.