Posted by Margaret Outridge
Do you have a Labrador Retriever (or are you welcoming one into your family?) and wondering what collar is going to be best for them?
You’re not alone.
Labradors are one of Australia’s most beloved dog breeds (#7), and there are literally THOUSANDS of collar options to choose from!
We’re here to help sort through some of the options, and take the daunting out of choosing a collar for your bestie.
This article covers some of the top considerations you should be thinking of when choosing a collar for your Lab.
From size to weight, thickness and collar material - we’re taking a deep dive into the best dog collars for Labradors…
Size
Standard Sizing for an Adult Labrador
The average adult Labrador has a neck measurement of approximately 46-60cm (18-24”). So any collar that fits that size range will work for a Labrador.
Keep in mind that all collar brands have different sizing, and a large in one brand will not necessarily mean a large in another. Check our Size Guide for exact measurements across the ST ARGO range.
Sizing a Collar for a Puppy Labrador
If you’re looking at purchasing a collar for a Labrador puppy, your best bet is going to be to try and attain a measurement.
A 12 week old Labrador puppy’s neck will be approximately 20-30cm large (8-12”). This is the age where your puppy will be able to go outside after their first round of vaccinations, and so will be looking at wearing a collar.
Need help with sizing your Labrador for a collar? Reach out to the team and we will be happy to help! We’ve got years of experience and aim to reply same day!
Best Adjustable Dog Collars for Labradors
Always choose an adjustable collar for a Labrador, especially if they're still growing.
This matters most for puppies and adolescents: a typical Labrador puppy's neck grows roughly 2x every 3 months, so a fixed-size collar will be too small within weeks. An adjustable design with multiple holes gives you room to keep up with that growth without needing to buy a new collar every month.
💡 Pro-Tip: The entire range of ST ARGO collars are adjustable with 5 holes, so there's plenty of room to grow.
How to Size Your Labrador for a Dog Collar
Now you’ve got all the info you need, you might want to try sizing your dog for a collar. The first step is to measure their neck. Take a tape measure and place it around your dog’s neck. Place 1 finger (if a puppy) or two (if an adult or adolescent) between the neck and the tape so that you get a measurement that has a little movement and room for growth!
That is your dog’s neck circumference.
The Best Dog Collar Thickness For Labradors
The ideal collar width for a Labrador is roughly 2.5-3cm.
Too thin, and the pressure isn't distributed well if your dog pulls on the leash, which can be uncomfortable or even risky. Too thick, and it becomes bulky and awkward for your dog to wear comfortably. That 2.5-3cm range hits the sweet spot for most adult Labs.
How Much Should a Dog Collar Weigh?
A collar for a Labrador shouldn't exceed 200g.
Weight matters more for smaller breeds, but even for a larger dog like a Lab, a heavier collar can get uncomfortable over a full day of wear. The XL ST ARGO collar, sized for a standard adult Labrador, weighs just 150g, comfortably under that threshold while still being sturdy.
Best Colour Collar for a Labrador
When you're selecting a collar for your Lab, of course you're going to be thinking about how it'll look on them! Based on styling hundreds of dogs (and plenty of Labs) over the years, plus a bit of colour theory, here's what tends to work best for each coat:
| Coat Colour | Recommended Collar Colours | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde | Ruby Red, Powder Blue | Bold tones stand out and pop against a lighter coat |
| Chocolate | Bottle Green | Green complements brown beautifully, makes the coat shine |
| Black | Neutrals look classy and elegant against a dark coat |
Of course, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, this is just a head start if you're stuck.
A blonde Lab puppy wears our size medium Ruby Red collar
An 8 week old chocolate Lab puppy wears our size small Bottle Green collar
A black Lab puppy wears our size medium Cream collar
Collar Material - Best for Labrador Retrievers
You want a material that's comfortable, durable, and won't irritate their skin. Here's how the main options stack up:
| Material | Comfort | Durability | Best For |
| Vegan leather | High, soft without irritating skin | High, resists tearing | All-round wear, active Labs |
| Fabric | High, very soft | Lower, prone to tearing | Lower-energy dogs, lighter use |
| Rope | Medium | High, especially water-resistant | Labs who love to swim |
| Chain | Low | High, but can rust | Not recommended for swimmers |
Our entire ST ARGO range is made from durable vegan leather. A well-fitted, single-layer flat collar with a quick-release buckle is generally recommended by the RSPCA as the safest everyday option for most dogs, Labradors included.
❓ FAQs
What is the best size collar for a Labrador?
Most adult Labradors need a collar sized for a 46-60cm neck (18-24"). Always measure your individual dog rather than going by breed averages, as sizing varies between brands.
What is the best collar material for a Labrador?
Vegan or real leather is best for Labradors, as it's strong and comfortable without irritating their skin. Rope is a solid waterproof alternative for dogs that swim often.
How tight should a Labrador's collar be?
You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and an adult Labrador's neck, or one finger for a puppy. Check the fit regularly, especially while they're still growing.
Should I get an adjustable collar for a Labrador puppy?
Yes. A Labrador puppy's neck can double in size every three months, so an adjustable collar is essential. Look for collars with multiple adjustment holes to grow with your pup.
What colour collar suits my Labrador's coat?
Blonde Labs tend to suit bold colours like ruby red or powder blue, chocolate Labs suit greens like sage or bottle green, and black Labs suit neutrals like cream or marshmallow. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
How much should a dog collar weigh for a Labrador?
A collar for an adult Labrador shouldn't exceed 200g. Lightweight materials like vegan leather keep even a wider collar comfortable for all-day wear.
