A sighthound collar is measured at the top of the neck, just behind the ears and under the chin, not at the middle of the neck. It should sit snugly there with two fingers of clearance, not rotate freely or slide down. A correctly fitted wide-profile collar prevents the most common failure: a dog reversing out when startled.
Sighthounds are built like elegance on stilts. Long neck, narrow head, and a special talent for slipping out of anything that is even slightly the wrong shape.
That is why sighthound collars exist. Not for fashion, for fit, comfort and security.
This guide covers whippet collars, lurcher collars and sighthound collars more broadly, including how to measure correctly, what width is needed, and which materials make sense for real life.
Why sighthound collars are wider
A wider collar distributes pressure more comfortably across the neck, and it sits more securely on breeds with slim heads and long necks. Standard buckle collars sized for the neck will often slip over a whippet or greyhound's head when the dog backs up, spooks or reverses. The width of a proper sighthound collar, combined with correct measurement, prevents that.
That width is a number rather than a vague idea: 38mm across the centre on the BioThane® Cotswold Rambler and 43mm on the wool collars, tapering towards the buckle so the collar still fastens comfortably. The collars I cut on that shape run across BioThane®, leather and British wool, and apart from the fitted leather they are made to the measurement you send me.
For breed-specific equipment guidance, rescue organisations often publish fitting advice. The Greyhound Trust is a useful reference for greyhound-type collar fitting.
How to measure a whippet or sighthound collar correctly
Standard dog collar fitting measures around the middle of the neck. A sighthound collar does not sit there. Run a soft tape around the top of the neck, just behind the ears and under the chin, snug but not tight. The neck is wider than the head on these breeds, so a collar measured further down can pull off over the ears. That is how a sighthound backs out of a collar.
Use the Green Dog measuring guide for step-by-step instructions specific to each collar type.
How a whippet collar should fit
- Sit snugly behind the ears, not down the neck
- Allow two fingers underneath at the front
- Not spin freely around the neck
- Not slide down easily when the dog dips their head
Fit is everything. If the collar is loose, it is not more comfortable, it is more likely to come off.
Materials for sighthound collars
| Material | Best for | Maintenance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioThane® | Daily use, wet walks, water dogs | Wipe clean | Stays stable in width and shape, ideal for active sighthounds |
| Leather | Classic look, dry conditions | Occasional conditioning | Softens and shapes over time, excellent long-term fit |
| British wool | Mild conditions, sensitive coats | Spot clean | Soft against the coat, not recommended for swimming |
| Paracord & BioThane® | Daily use, precise fit needed | Spot clean | Adjustable strap allows very precise neck measurement |
The Cotswold Rambler, designed for sighthounds
The Cotswold Rambler is Green Dog's BioThane® sighthound collar, made to the wide profile required for secure fit on narrow-headed breeds. Available in every BioThane® colour combination, made to your dog's individual measurement.
Shop sighthound and whippet collars
Cotswold Rambler BioThane® →Heritage leather sighthound collar →All sighthound collars →Measuring guide →Frequently asked questions
What size collar does a whippet need?
Whippet neck circumferences typically fall between 28-38cm, but the measurement that matters is taken at the top of the neck, just behind the ears and under the chin. A sighthound collar sits higher than an ordinary one because the neck is wider than the head. The Green Dog measuring guide has specific instructions for this.
Can a whippet slip out of a regular collar?
Yes, very easily. Standard buckle collars sized for the neck can slip over a whippet's narrow head when the dog backs up or spooks. A wide-profile sighthound collar, measured at the top of the neck just behind the ears and under the chin, is the reliable way to prevent this.
What is the best collar for a greyhound?
A wide-profile BioThane® or leather sighthound collar, measured at the top of the neck just behind the ears and under the chin. BioThane® is the most practical material for daily use, wipe-clean, waterproof and stays stable in shape. Leather is the classic choice and softens to the dog's shape over time. Both options are available in the Green Dog sighthound collar range.
Do lurchers need special collars?
Yes. Like greyhounds and whippets, lurchers have a narrow skull relative to their neck circumference. A standard collar sized for the neck will often slip over the head. A wide-profile sighthound collar, measured at the top of the neck just behind the ears and under the chin, is essential for security.
How wide should a sighthound collar be?
Green Dog's sighthound collars run 38mm to 43mm wide. The width serves two purposes: distributing pressure comfortably across the neck, and creating a profile wide enough that the collar cannot slide over the skull. The exact width depends on the individual dog, a larger greyhound benefits from a wider profile than a smaller whippet.
0 comments