There's nothing quite like welcoming a Whippet puppy into your home! Those long legs, floppy ears, ridiculously cute faces and, of course, the occasional burst of complete chaos.
But when it comes to choosing their first collar, things can get a little confusing. Whippets have such unique proportions, and finding a collar that's both comfortable and secure can be a little trickier than you might expect.
I've been making dog collars since 2018, and over the years I've helped countless Whippet owners find the right fit for their growing hounds. One of the most common questions I receive is, "What size collar should I order for my Whippet puppy?"
The answer? It really depends on your puppy's individual measurements, rather than just their age.
Here's a little advice to help you get started.
What Size Collar Does a Whippet Puppy Need?
Whippet puppies grow incredibly quickly, and two puppies of exactly the same age can have surprisingly different measurements.
I've made collars for Whippets with all sorts of measurements, so I always recommend measuring your own hound and ordering a custom size rather than relying my standard sizes.
Some very young whippet puppies may fit into my XS martingale collars, whereas others will find it too tight to fit over their heads. Selecting a custom size will take the guess work out.
How to Measure Your Whippet Puppy for a Collar
This is where things get particularly important, especially if you're considering a martingale collar.
Unlike a traditional buckle collar, a slip-on martingale needs to fit over your puppy's head before being adjusted around their neck.
You'll need two measurements:
1. Around the widest part of the head
Using a soft measuring tape, measure around the widest part of your puppy's head, including the ears where the collar needs to pass over.
2. Around the neck
Measure around the part of the neck where the collar will naturally sit. The tape should be comfortably snug without squeezing.
The head measurement tells me how large the collar needs to open, while the neck measurement helps me work out the correct adjustment range.
I usually allow approximately 2cm extra when considering the head measurement to help the collar slide over the ears comfortably, although the final fit depends on the collar design and your puppy's proportions.
And here's a little tip: if your puppy thinks the measuring tape is a wonderful new toy, try measuring while they're sleepy or distracted by a treat!
Is a Martingale Collar Suitable for a Whippet Puppy?
Martingale collars are incredibly popular with Whippets, and for good reason.
Whippets have long, slender necks and relatively narrow heads, which can make traditional flat collars easier to slip out of.
A martingale collar has a small control loop that tightens the main collar when tension is applied to the lead. When correctly fitted, this helps reduce the chance of your Whippet backing out of their collar.
However, with very young puppies, there are a few things to consider.
Because martingale collars include additional hardware, stitching and a control loop, they need enough room for everything to function correctly.
On a particularly tiny collar, this can mean there isn't a great deal of adjustability available.
I've made some very small martingales over the years, but I always explain to owners that their puppy may outgrow the collar fairly quickly.
For very young puppies, a lightweight, appropriately fitted harness may be a more practical option for early walks, particularly while they're still learning to walk calmly on a lead.
And remember, martingale collars should only be worn during supervised activities, never left on while your puppy is unattended or playing with other dogs.
What Width Collar Is Best for a Whippet Puppy?
Another question I receive regularly is whether a Whippet puppy should wear a 25 mm, 38 mm or even 50 mm wide collar.
While those lovely wide martingales look beautiful on adult Whippets, they can be a little overwhelming on a tiny puppy!
Here's my general advice:
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20 mm: A lovely lightweight option for very small puppies, where suitable for their measurements.
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25 mm: Often a practical starting point for a growing Whippet puppy.
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38 mm: A popular choice as Whippets grow and their necks become longer and stronger.
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50 mm: Usually not recommended however may be better suited to larger, mature hounds with enough neck length to wear the extra width comfortably.
These are general suggestions rather than strict rules. The best width depends on your puppy's neck length, size, comfort and the collar's construction.
At Fido Creative, my standard martingale widths include 25 mm, 38 mm and 50 mm, but I can also make selected designs in a narrower 20 mm width.
If you're unsure, I'm always happy to help you choose.
Should I Buy a Bigger Collar So My Puppy Can Grow Into It?
I completely understand the temptation!
Whippet puppies seem to grow overnight, and nobody wants to purchase a beautiful collar only to find it's too small a few weeks later.
But buying a collar that's too large isn't something I'd recommend.
An oversized collar may not tighten sufficiently to prevent your puppy from slipping out, particularly if they're startled and suddenly pull backwards.
It's much better to choose a collar that fits properly now, with a sensible amount of adjustment for growth.
And sometimes, particularly with very young puppies, that means accepting that their first collar might only be suitable for a relatively short time.
Think of it as their first little puppy outfit!
What About the Weight of the Collar Hardware?
Something that's easy to overlook when buying a puppy collar is the weight of the hardware.
For a tiny Whippet puppy, a large metal buckle can feel quite bulky. My standard martingale collars do not have a clip so they are worth considering for a lighter weight alternative.
My Advice for Your Whippet Puppy's First Collar
After years of making collars for Whippets of all ages, my biggest piece of advice is to buy for the puppy you have now, not the adult dog they're going to become.
Take accurate measurements, choose a comfortable width and don't worry if their first collar doesn't last forever.
As they grow, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore those beautiful wider martingale collars that Whippets wear so well.
And if you're ever unsure about sizing, please reach out before ordering. Every Fido Creative collar is handmade to order here in Brisbane, and I'm always happy to discuss custom measurements or help you find something suitable.
After all, those little necks deserve just as much attention as the big ones!
Explore my handmade Whippet and martingale collars at Fido Creative.
Made with love in Brisbane, Australia.
Melissa
Fido Creative 🐾