Ancol Collar/Harness Information & Size Guide
Choosing An Ancol Collar/Harness
Whether you are selecting a collar/harness for the first time, seeking a replacement or looking for something that little bit different you will notice that VioVet.co.uk has more than enough choice to help in the confusion. Questions of size, fit, comfort and choice of material are sometimes difficult to answer, especially when faced with the large list of colours and finishes now available. These are some helpful pointers to make selection a little easier!
What size collar/harness do I need?
Ancol have produced a new-collar/harness size guide that helps identify the collar/harness for your dog and it is simple enough to remember when looking for a replacement. The new sizing is 1-10 with 10 being the largest. The conversion chart below will help you recognise the imperial/metric size for each collar. The new sizing is relevant to all types of Ancol collars/harness whether it is made from nylon, leather or an adjustable product.
Muzzle & Harness Sizes
Nylon Harnesses
| Harness Size | Dog Size (only a guide) |
| Size 1-2 (Small) | Fits 12-16" girth i.e Jack Russell |
| Size 3-5 (Medium) | Fits 16-22" girth i.e Border Terrier |
| Size 6-8 (Large) | Fits 20-25" girth i.e Spaniel |
| Size 8-9 (Extra Large) | Fits 24-31" girth i.e Labrador |
Leather Harness
| Harness Size | Dog Size (only a guide) |
| Size 0 | Fits 16" girth |
| Size 2 | Fits 18" girth |
| Size 4 | Fits 21" girth |
| Size 6 | Fits 25" girth |
| Size 8 | Fits 29" girth |
| Size 10 | Fits 34" girth |
| Size 12 | Fits 39" girth |
Car Harnesses
| Harness Size | Dog Size (only a guide) |
| Size 1-2 | Fits 16"-22" girth |
| Size 3-5 | Fits 20-25" girth |
| Size 6-8 | Fits 24-31" girth |
| Size 7-9 | Fits 38" girth |
Mesh Muzzles
| Muzzle Size | Dog Size (only a guide) |
| Size 1-2 (Small) | i.e Yorkies |
| Size 2-3 (Small) | i.e King Charles Spaniel |
| Size 3-4 (Medium) | i.e Beagle |
| Size 4-6 (Medium) | i.e Labrador |
| Size 5-6 (Large) | i.e Rotweiler |
| Size 7-8 (Large) | i.e Large Rotweiler |
| Size 8-9 (Extra Large) | i.e Great Dane |
| Size 9+ (Extra Large) | i.e Large Great Dane |
Collar Sizes
|
New number |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
|
Standard size |
12" |
14" |
16" |
18" |
20" |
22" |
24" |
26" |
28" |
30" |
|
New number |
1-2 |
2-5 |
5-9 |
|
Adjustable collar/harness |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
|
New number |
1 |
1-2 |
2-4 |
4-7 |
5-9 |
7-10 |
|
Check chain |
8-12" |
10-14" |
14-18" |
18-24" |
20-28" |
22-30" |
As a general guide the following breeds of dog show the new -collar sizes based on an average size and weight of the mature dog. For crossbreeds choose the type your dog most resembles by size comparison. The highlighted breed is illustrated for easy recognition.
|
Collar Size1 |
|
Bichon Frize, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier |
|
Collar Size 2 |
|
Dachshund[miniature], Jack Russell, Pekingese, Poodle [toy] |
|
Collar Size 3 |
|
Cairn Terrier, Dachshund, Poodle [miniature], Welsh Corgi |
|
Collar Size 4 |
|
Beagle, Cavalier K. Charles, Fox Terrier, Pug, Sheltie, West Highland |
|
Collar Size 5 |
|
Cocker Spaniel, Poodle [standard], Saluki, Springer Spaniel |
|
Collar Size 6 |
|
Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Border Collie, Boxer, Collie, Dalmatian |
|
Collar Size 7 |
|
Basset, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Doberman, Irish/English Setter, Pointer, Weirmarner |
|
Collar Size 8 |
|
German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Labrador, Old English Sheepdog |
|
Collar Size 9 |
|
Bloodhound, Bull Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pyrenean, St. Bernard, Rottweiler |
How do I fit the collar/harness?
Do not fasten the collar/harness too tightly. You should be able to place two fingers under the collar/harness when fastened. It is important that your dog feels comfortable when the collar/harness is on, and different collar/harness types suit different breeds of dog. For example a "round" sewn dog collar/harness is particularly good for long- haired breeds of dog, and a soft air-cushion collar useful for older dogs or for ones prone to irritation around the neck area.
What type of collar/harness should I buy?
Ancol make a wide range of collars/harness from high quality bridle leather to ones making a colourful fashion statement! The choice of material and style is left to you - and your pet, but here are some useful guidelines.
Leather
There are many leather collars/harness and leads on the market but there are very few made to the same quality standards as the Ancol range. Each one is made from the best bridle leather that has a consistent grain and thickness and uses natural vegetable tanning processes. Some inferior products will crack when folded, and split after very little use. The natural oils of a good quality leather provides an excellent water barrier, but if the product is dry and brittle then it will quickly be damaged by the elements and need replacing after a short period of time. Ancol's top of the range is the Timberwolf with soft textured leather, for comfort and durability. It is also specially treated with a water repellent chemical [similar to Scotchguard®] to enhance it's durability in adverse weather conditions.
Leather is commonly used for the production of special lines for certain breeds of dog. The Bull Terrier is one of the most popular examples of beautifully handcrafted leather using a combination of bridle leather with brass decoration made to traditional patterns. Other breeds including Mastiffs, Boxers, Doberman and Rottweillers are favouring this type of collar/harness and lead.
Other unique shaped products are made especially for whippet and greyhound collars.
Nylon
Ancol has four varieties of material to select from. The basic Ancol nylon is made to a high manufacturing standard with brass eyelets, washers and heavy gauge die-cast buckle. There is also a range of softweave, with a soft textured finish designed for the tongue of the buckle to penetrate the fabric in any required position for a comfortable fit.
The Nylon Air -Cushion fabric encapsulates thousands of tiny air pockets giving a remarkable soft cushion effect for the dog and the owner. This new technology is proving very popular for dogs constantly pulling or older pets that welcome the softer feel of the material around its neck. Nylon Ribbon leads offers the benefits of strength with the fashion colours and patterns available on the printed fabrics.
Chain
Choke collars are good for training larger dogs to walk to heel without constant pulling or straining at the leash. Used inexpertly this type of collar can cause neck or throat injuries so please take due care when using this collar.
For training purposes the Nylon and check chain collars have a lot of advantages and provid a safeguard to prevent too much pressure being put on the dogs neck. The Ancol chain collar looks very smart with the tongue section finished in bridle leather, and the collar in a choice of two or three row chain.
Adjustable collars/harnesses
Reflective collars/harnesses
Ancol make a range of collars, harnesses, leads and rope leads incorporating this special reflective safety fabric.











