How to Choose the Right Size Dog Recovery Collar

The most common reason an inflatable recovery collar fails is the wrong size. Too small, and the dog can still reach the wound. Too large, and it slips and shifts. Getting the right fit takes two minutes and one measuring tape. Here's how.

Step 1: Measure the Neck Circumference

Use a soft measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler). Place it around the base of your dog's neck — the widest part, right where the collar sits. Hold it snugly but not tight. Record the measurement in inches.

Add half an inch. This gives the collar room to close cleanly with the velcro strap without being too loose to hold position.

Step 2: Match to the Size Chart

BENCMATE recovery collars are available in the following sizes:

• Small: Neck 7–10"
• Medium: Neck 10–13"
• Medium+: Neck 11–14" (for dogs between Medium and Large)
• Large: Neck 13–16"
• Large+: Neck 14–17" (for dogs between Large and X-Large)
• X-Large: Neck 16–19"
• XX-Large: Neck 19–22"

When between two sizes, always size up. A slightly larger collar protects the wound reliably. A slightly small one may allow access.

Common Sizing Scenarios

Chihuahuas, small terriers, cats: Typically Small (7–10"). Check neck measurement — some small breeds have thicker necks than expected.

Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs: Usually Medium or Medium+ (10–14"). The Medium+ size exists specifically for the thick-necked medium breed.

Border Collies, Huskies, mid-size mixed breeds: Typically Large or Large+ (13–17").

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers: Usually X-Large (16–19"). Large dogs with broader necks may need XX-Large.

Great Danes, Mastiffs, large working breeds: XX-Large (19–22") or measure carefully to confirm.

The Width Factor

In addition to neck circumference, consider the collar's inflated width relative to your dog's proportions. The collar needs to be wide enough that the dog can't bend their neck far enough to reach the wound site. For very small dogs with short necks, a Small collar provides adequate coverage. For long-necked dogs, confirm that the collar's inflated width is sufficient — if in doubt, a size up adds width as well as circumference coverage.

If the First Size Doesn't Work

BENCMATE offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If the size you ordered doesn't fit correctly, the return process is straightforward. Most sizing questions can be resolved by remeasuring with the tape held snugly at the base of the neck — not at the middle of the neck, which reads narrower.

Browse the full range of BENCMATE sizes and patterns at bencmateworld.com/collections/all. For the classic option, the Blue recovery collar covers XS through XL. Patterns like Shark and Police Officer include Medium+ and Large+ for precise in-between fits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I size up or size down if I'm between sizes?

Always size up. A collar that's slightly too large will still prevent wound access. A collar that's slightly too small may allow the dog to reach the wound, especially in flexible, agile breeds.

How tight should the collar be?

Snug enough that you can fit two fingers between the collar and the neck, but no more. The velcro closure should lie flat and hold without gaps. If you can easily slide the collar sideways or forward, it needs to be tighter or you need a smaller size.

My dog has a very thick neck for their body size — what do I do?

Measure the neck and go by that number alone, regardless of overall body size. A compact, muscular dog with a 14" neck needs a Large+ or Large, not the Small that their body weight might suggest.

Can one collar fit multiple dogs?

Only if their neck circumferences fall within the same size range. The velcro closure does adjust within a size, but it can't bridge two different sizes reliably.

Does BENCMATE make collars for cats?

Yes — BENCMATE recovery collars are suitable for cats as well as dogs. Browse the cat-friendly options in our cat collection. Measure your cat's neck snugly, add half an inch, and match the size chart just as you would for a dog.

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