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Quick answer: Measure around the base of your dog’s neck, add room for two fingers, and match the number to the chart below. If your dog lands on a boundary or between two sizes, choose the larger size.
How to measure your dog’s neck
- Use a soft tape measure. A piece of string and a ruler works too.
- Wrap it around the base of the neck, where a collar normally sits, not the narrow part behind the ears.
- Slide two fingers under the tape. That’s the measurement you use.
- Measure twice. If you get two different numbers, use the larger one.
Fluffy dogs: press the tape gently into the coat rather than measuring over the top of it, then still allow two fingers.
No tape measure at home? A soft sewing tape measure costs a few dollars and is handy for collars and harnesses too.
Dog bandana size chart
| Size | Neck (inches) | Neck (cm) | Typical dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | under 10″ | under 25 cm | Young puppies, Chihuahuas, cats |
| XS | 10–12″ | 25–30 cm | Mini Dachshund, Toy Poodle, Yorkie |
| S | 12–14″ | 30–36 cm | Jack Russell, Cavapoo, Shih Tzu |
| M | 14–16″ | 36–41 cm | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Cockapoo |
| L | 16–18″ | 41–46 cm | French Bulldog, Border Collie, Springer Spaniel |
| XL | 18–20″ | 46–51 cm | Staffy, smaller Labradors and Retrievers |
| XXL | 20–22″ | 51–56 cm | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer |
Exactly on a boundary (for example 14″)? Take the larger size. Over 22″ / 56 cm, as with many German Shepherds and giant breeds, look for XXXL or tie-on bandanas, since snap bandanas rarely go bigger.
Found your size? Browse handmade bandanas on Etsy
Sizing differs a little between makers, so always compare the neck measurement in the listing with yours before ordering.
Bandana size by breed
These are typical ranges for adult dogs. Individual dogs vary a lot, so always confirm with a tape measure.
| Breed | Typical neck | Usual size |
|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 8–10″ / 20–25 cm | XXS |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 8–12″ / 20–30 cm | XXS–XS |
| Toy Poodle | 8–12″ / 20–30 cm | XXS–XS |
| Miniature Dachshund | 10–12″ / 25–30 cm | XS |
| Shih Tzu | 12–14″ / 30–36 cm | S |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 12–14″ / 30–36 cm | S |
| Cavapoo | 12–15″ / 30–38 cm | S–M |
| Pug | 12–15″ / 30–38 cm | S–M |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 12–15″ / 30–38 cm | S–M |
| Cockapoo | 12–16″ / 30–41 cm | S–M |
| Beagle | 13–16″ / 33–41 cm | M |
| Cocker Spaniel | 14–16″ / 36–41 cm | M |
| French Bulldog | 14–18″ / 36–46 cm | M–L |
| Border Collie | 15–18″ / 38–46 cm | M–L |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 16–20″ / 41–51 cm | L–XL |
| Boxer | 18–22″ / 46–56 cm | XL–XXL |
| Labrador / Golden Retriever | 18–24″ / 46–61 cm | XL–XXL+ |
| German Shepherd | 20–26″ / 51–66 cm | XXL+ |
Bandana fit FAQ
Should a dog bandana be tight or loose?
Snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers between the bandana and your dog’s neck. Too loose and it twists round or slips off; too tight and it rubs.
My dog is between two sizes. Which one?
The larger one. A slightly roomy bandana sits fine; one that’s too small won’t close comfortably.
What about fluffy or wide-necked breeds?
Thick coats (Pomeranians, Samoyeds, doodles) and wide necks (Bulldogs, Staffies, Pugs) usually need one size up from what their weight would suggest. Measure rather than guess by breed.
What size bandana for a puppy?
Measure the puppy’s current neck and buy for now. Puppies can go up a size within weeks, so cheap or adjustable tie-on bandanas make more sense until they’re fully grown.
Snap-on or tie-on: which fits better?
Tie-on bandanas adjust to almost any neck but can be pulled tight. Snap-on bandanas need the right size but release with a firm tug, which is the safer choice for dogs that play rough or wear them unsupervised.
Compare both styles: snap-on bandanas · tie-on bandanas
Are bandanas safe for dogs?
Generally yes, as long as the fit leaves two fingers of space and your dog doesn’t chew it. Take it off for crate time and unsupervised play.
