Gentle Leader headcollar size chart: weight, neck and nose loop
PetSafe sizes the Gentle Leader by weight, then asks you to check two measurements: the neck and the nose loop.
Short answer: start with your dog’s weight on PetSafe’s chart, then measure the neck and nose loop to confirm. If two sizes match, PetSafe says to choose the larger one.
Key takeaways
- PetSafe sizes run Petite, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.
- PetSafe says the Gentle Leader will not work for short-snouted breeds like bulldogs and pugs.
- Measure the neck at its highest point, then the loop from under the chin, over the snout where the fleshy part of the nose starts, and back down.
Gentle Leader size chart (PetSafe)
| Size | Dog weight | PetSafe’s sample breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Petite | under 5 lb | Tiny toy breeds, puppies |
| Small | up to 25 lb | Beagles, Jack Russells, Shelties |
| Medium | 25–60 lb | Dalmatians, Pointers, Spaniels, Hounds |
| Large | 60–130 lb | Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labs, German Shepherds |
| Extra Large | over 130 lb | Giant breeds, dogs with larger heads |
How to measure
- Neck: wrap the tape around the highest point of the neck.
- Nose loop: start at the neck under the chin, go up and over the snout where the fleshy part of the nose begins, and back down to the neck.
- Compare both numbers with the chart on the product page. If they point to two sizes, take the larger.
If your dog has a short snout
PetSafe points owners of bulldogs, pugs and other short-snouted dogs to a no-pull harness instead. Size a harness by chest girth; see our puppy harness guide for how to measure.
Sources: PetSafe Gentle Leader headcollar; PetSafe support, How to measure for a Gentle Leader.
Terms used here
- Budget, mid, premium: picks grouped by the maker's own list price, lowest to highest. Budget is everyday basics (a crate, collars, a light harness, boots), mid is padded walking and lift-assist harnesses, premium is specialty gear (a life jacket, a car harness, travel beds). No store prices are shown.
- Chest girth: the distance around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. Harnesses are sized by it.
- Back length: base of the neck to base of the tail. A crate should be at least 4 in longer.
- Paw width: the widest part of the front paw while standing. Boots are sized by it.
- Weight band: the weight range a crate or bed size is made for on the maker's chart.