Puppy bandana size: 15–18 in square

How do I measure the neck?

1. Stand the dog square. Use a soft tape where a flat collar sits, on the skin, not over the coat.
2. Snug the tape, then leave room for two fingers. That reading is the neck.
3. Add about 8 inches on the long edge for the knot. Pick the smallest square that covers it.
4. Fold corner to corner. The point rests on the chest, and the knot sits at the side or the back.

What fit notes matter here?

A puppy bandana only has to fit the neck the puppy has this week. Many small and medium pups land between 8 and 14 inches while they are still growing, which is the extra small 15 in square (long edge about 21.2 in) through the small 18 in square (long edge about 25.5 in). A mastiff pup will already be outside that example. Measure yours.

Do not buy the adult square and cinch it. A knot pulled tight to use up extra fabric sits on the throat, and the long point drags. Cut or buy the square that matches today's tape.

Remeasure every few weeks until the neck stops changing. The same puppy can move from an extra-small square to a small one before the first adult coat comes in. Write the date next to the number so the next bandana is not cut from memory.

Check the fit with the chin down. Pups dig and sleep in a pile, and a throat knot that felt fine while they were standing can pinch once the head drops. Two fingers under the knot is the same rule as for an adult.

Measure where a flat collar sits and leave room for two fingers, as in common dog-apparel measuring guidance from theAmerican Kennel Club. Then use this site'ssquare chartrather than a clothing size label.