French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds for their cute appearance, playful personality, and compact size that makes them great for apartment living. An essential accessory for any French bulldog is a stylish collar that helps keep them safe on walks, provides identification, and looks fashionable. However, with their large heads, short necks, and prone to breathing issues, finding a properly fitted French bulldog collar requires some special considerations. In this article we talk about French Bulldogs Stylish Collars-Size and Safety.
Measuring Your Frenchie’s Neck
Getting an accurate measurement of your French bulldog’s neck is crucial for finding a collar that fits properly. You want the collar to be snug enough that it won’t slip over their head, but loose enough that you can still fit two fingers underneath. Follow these steps:
- Use a soft measuring tape and measure around the middle of your Frenchie’s neck where their collar normally sits. Keep the tape comfortably snug, but not tight.
- Note the measurement in both inches and centimeters. Also measure about an inch below the first measurement to account for any variation in size.
- Take two to three measurements and average them. Frenchies can have loose neck skin that makes getting very precise difficult.
Account for future growth if your Frenchie is still a puppy. It’s a good idea to buy collars that have adjustable straps to accommodate size changes.
Things to Avoid When Measuring
When taking measurements, you’ll want to avoid these common mistakes:
- Measuring too tight around your Frenchie’s neck. This will result in buying a collar that’s too small.
- Letting your dog slouch downward. Always measure with them standing straight in normal collar position.
- Not accounting for a puppy’s future growth by buying a fixed-size collar.
- Ignoring signs your collar is too tight like gagging, coughing, or wheezing sounds.
French Bulldog Collar Sizing Chart
Once you have your Frenchie’s neck measurements, you can use this handy chart to find the best corresponding collar size:
- Neck Size…………Collar Size
- 10 cm…………………XS (Extra Small)
- 12 cm – 14 cm………S (Small)
- 15 cm – 18 cm ………M (Medium)
- 19 cm – 22 cm……….L (Large)
- Over 22 cm……………XL (Extra Large)
Things to Consider When Buying a French Bulldog Collar
Material Nylon or leather collars are best for French bulldogs. Prioritize soft, flexible materials that won’t irritate their skin. Avoid collars with heavy hardware.
Width For daily walks, a 3/8 inch to 1 inch width is ideal. Wider collars distribute pressure better. Martingale collars should be no wider than 1 inch.
Hardware Opt for lightweight plastic or metal buckles and D-rings versus heavy brass or steel hardware. Make sure all edges are smooth.
Comfort Choose padded and cushioned collars to prevent rubbing on your Frenchie’s neck. You can also trim the collar’s edges to minimize irritation.
Adjustability Go with an adjustable collar with extra room for growth, or a martingale collar that tightens slightly when pulled but won’t choke them.
Safety Features Reflective strips and nameplates improve visibility and identification. Grab handles provide extra control. Quick release clasps prevent choking hazards.
Specialty Collar Options
Here are some popular French bulldog specialty collar choices:
- Martingale Collars: Tighten slightly when pulled to prevent escape, but have limits to prevent choking. Great for training and walking.
- Harnesses: Attach to the body instead of the neck for better control and to reduce pressure on throat and trachea. Ideal for Frenchies.
- Head Halters: Guide dog by their muzzle for maximum control without straining the neck. Can take some getting used to.
- Cervical Collars: Support an injured neck and restrict movement. Only use if medically needed.
Avoid Chain Collars Choke chain collars and prong collars should never be used with French bulldogs or dogs with short noses, trachea problems, or eye issues. The pressure can severely injure them.
Tips For Properly Fitting Your French Bulldog’s Collar
Follow these tips to ensure your Frenchie’s collar fits properly for maximum comfort and safety:
- Check the tightness daily, especially during growth spurts. You should be able to easily insert two fingers between the collar and their neck.
- Position the collar high towards the top of their neck near their head versus lower on the throat.
- Often check for signs the collar is too tight like gagging noises, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or skin irritation. Loosen immediately if noted.
- Make sure your Frenchie cannot slip out of the collar over their head when pulling straight up. It should be snug with no more than a finger’s width of space.
- Allow your Frenchie to wear the collar for short periods at first to get them accustomed to wearing it. Gradually increase time worn.
- Carefully monitor your puppy during play with other dogs. Collars can get accidentally caught. Consider removing during rough play.
- Do not leave on martingale collar unsupervised or when crated. Only have your Frenchie wear when you can monitor.
- Rotate between a few different collars to minimize irritation from prolonged pressure in one area.
- Regularly check that the collar is in good condition with no damaged or worn areas. Replace as needed.
- Have your vet periodically examine your Frenchie’s neck area for any signs of injury from their collar.
French Bulldog Collar Safety Starts With You
Owning a collar that properly fits your French bulldog is certainly important. However, vigilantly monitoring for signs of injury or distress while wearing any collar or harness is arguably even more critical. As their owner, take an active role in ensuring your Frenchie’s collar safety by:
- Frequently checking for proper tightness and fit, especially during periods of rapid growth in puppies
- Carefully observing them wearing a new collar for signs of discomfort
- Not leaving on a martingale collar unsupervised
- Removing during overly rambunctious play with other dogs
- Watching for skin irritation, gagging or trouble breathing issues
- Being alert to signs of injury from excessive pressure
- Replacing collars when they show significant wear
Staying attentive to your French bulldog’s tolerance of their collar helps avoid preventable injuries. Ultimately, their collar should be loose enough for comfort, but snug enough to keep them secure. Finding this optimal balance means regularly assessing fit and monitoring for safety.
With their adorable smushed faces, bat ears, and clownish personalities, French bulldogs have charmed their way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Matching their playful spirit with a fashionable collar while keeping their unique physical needs in mind is essential. By following collar measurement, sizing, style and safety tips covered here, French bulldog owners can feel confident they’ve found the perfect collar fit for their beloved Frenchie. I sincerely hope you find this “French Bulldogs Stylish Collars-Size and Safety” article helpful.
