A guide for Chihuahuas and small dogs
Collars and harnesses for Chihuahuas
The right harness or collar for a Chihuahua should give a delicate fit without restricting your dog's movement. Here we help you measure correctly, compare the options and find products with proportions that suit smaller dogs.
Fit comes first
What suits a Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua is a small breed with a slender neck, a compact chest and large individual differences in body shape. That's why simply choosing the smallest size isn't enough. The collar's width, the harness's adjustment options and your dog's actual measurements need to work together.
Delicate proportions
Collars and buckles should suit a smaller neck and not feel clumsy against your dog's body.
Adjustable fit
An adjustable harness makes it easier to fine-tune the fit around both the neck and chest.
Room to move
The harness should sit securely without rubbing in the armpits or restricting the natural movement of the front legs.
Two different functions
Collar or harness for a Chihuahua?
Many small dogs use both a collar and a harness. Which option works best depends on the situation, your dog's body and how it moves on the leash.
Dog collars
A delicate dog collar works well for the ID tag, shorter walks and dogs that walk calmly on the leash.
- Choose a width that suits your dog's neck
- Check that the buckle doesn't feel too big
- Leave the right amount of room between neck and collar
Dog harnesses
A well-fitting dog harness spreads the contact over a larger part of the body and can be a good choice on longer walks.
- Measure both the base of the neck and the chest
- Check that the harness doesn't sit in the armpit
- Make sure your dog can't back out of the harness
How to measure
Measure your dog before choosing a size
Sizes can differ between models. Always start from the product's size table and your dog's current measurements.
Open the dog harness measuring guideMeasure the neck
For a collar, measure where the collar normally sits. For a harness, measure where the harness's neck strap will sit – this may be a different place. The tape should rest close to the body without being pulled tight.
Measure the chest
Pass the tape measure around the widest part of the chest, usually just behind the front legs.
Compare with the right model
Compare the neck measurement with the collar's table. For a harness, both neck and chest must fit within the same size in the product's table.
Check the fit
Try the product indoors and check that your dog can stand, walk and move naturally.
Tip: Measure your dog again even if you know its usual size. Coat, weight and different product models can affect the fit.
Don Lorino Petit
Developed for the smallest dogs
Petit brings together delicate dog collars, harnesses and leashes for Chihuahuas and other small dogs. The proportions are smaller than in Don Lorino's regular models, while the colours make it possible to create a personal, matching set.
Start with the piece you need: the Petit Soft Black collar for the ID tag and calm walks, the Petit Soft Black harness when you want to spread the contact over the body, or the light 180 cm Petit leash. Always measure your dog and check the measurements on each product page.
If Petit doesn't fit your dog's measurements, compare with Click and check both measurements again. A bigger size doesn't automatically fit: the harness also needs to sit securely on your dog. Read about the difference between Click and Petit or check the neck and chest measurements in the size finder.
See the full Petit rangeExplore further
More for Chihuahuas and small dogs
FAQ
Collars and harnesses for Chihuahuas
What size harness fits a Chihuahua?
You can't choose a size based on breed alone. Measure where the harness's neck strap will sit and around the widest part of the chest. Both measurements must fit within the same size in the harness's table. If Petit doesn't fit, compare with Click or another model without choosing based on just one of the measurements.
Is a collar or a harness best for a Chihuahua?
Both can work well. A collar suits, for example, the ID tag and calm walks, while a well-fitting harness can be a good option on longer walks. The choice needs to suit your dog's body and behaviour.
How should a dog harness fit on a small dog?
The harness should sit securely without rubbing, pressing or restricting the movement of the front legs. Also check that your dog can't back out of it.
How tight should a collar be on a Chihuahua?
The collar should sit securely enough that your dog can't get out of it, but without pressing against the neck. Always follow the product's measurements and fit recommendations.
Which breeds suit the Petit range?
Petit is designed for smaller dogs and can suit, for example, Chihuahuas and other small breeds. Your dog's own measurements are always more important than the breed when choosing a size.