If you are reading this, you have chosen GSD over all other dog breeds available and made a terrific choice. There are 100 things you need to get done while awaiting your new GSD puppy. Puppy pads (yes? or no?), a bed, finding the best food, and setting up vet visits are among them. One of the most frequently asked questions is if there is a suitable collar for your pup and what German Shepherd puppy collar size to buy? 

Dog collars come in all shapes and sizes, some with colors and bling. But it's important to remember that the collar isn't simply a fashion statement; it's a meticulous tool. Collars prevent a dog from being lost and are used for restraint, identification, fashion, or protection. If a collar is too big, it slips off. If it's too small, it may rub your puppy's neck. And puppies grow out of their first collar pretty quickly. By law, dogs must have a collar with identification in most areas, so the sooner your GSD starts wearing their collar, the better. 

How soon should I get a collar?

Getting your puppy familiarized with wearing a collar from day one is advisable. It is a law that all dogs (with a few exceptions) must wear a collar with identification. And the sooner your puppy starts wearing a collar, the quicker it will get used to it. So that means you must get a collar for your puppy before they arrive home and before you've had a chance to measure them!

How to shop for an 8-week-old puppy collar? 

The collar you must buy depends on the german shepherd puppy's neck size. Well, some say that a collar for German Shepherds is 1" more than the dog's age. So a five-month-old puppy will need a 6" collar. A more scientific approach is measuring using a measuring tape. Place the measuring tape behind the puppy's neck, just behind the ears. A little wiggle room makes for comfort, but a bigger collar can slip off. Using that measurement, buy a collar not more than 2 inches longer.

Your GSD puppy's first collar 

The breeder may give your puppy a soft, lightweight colored collar to distinguish them from the rest of the litter. This collar is unique and will differ from their future collars. And you must have a special "coming home" collar ready! Your GSD may grow considerably in the first few weeks and months and outgrow its first collar within the first six months. Wondering what your german shepherd puppy collar size is? Keep reading to find out! 

What size collar for an 8-week-old german shepherd puppy? 

German Shepherd puppy neck size usually varies from 11 to 14 inches in circumference. The circumference of a German Shepherd's neck will differ from one puppy to another, depending on their age and individual differences. However, the average measurement is around 11 to 14 inches, so you should pick the collar size accordingly while adding about 0.5 to a 1-inch room for comfort. Hence, a 12 to 16 inches collar should be good enough for a 2-month-old german shepherd's neck size.

In conclusion, the world of canines does not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Puppies of the same breed can have different measurements depending on how fast they grow. It is best to consult your breeder before buying your dog's collar. Even better, if you have a pet shop where you can take your dog and check the collar size up close and personal. You can make sure it doesn't press on your GSD's windpipe. 

The second best way is to use a measuring tape at home, and then buying accordingly.

Pro tip: If you buy online, choose a site that offers returns and refunds and get the puppy collars in two different sizes, so you can keep the best fit and return the other. 

Choosing a German Shepherd Puppy with TopShepherd

Our German Shepherds puppies are purebred, trained, and registered with AKC. We shelter only the absolute best GSDs that are naturally bred. We have over 27 years of experience breeding and training GSDs. Get guaranteed champion bloodlines imported directly from Germany as your companions and protectors.