Best GPS collar for small dogs: sizes that actually fit

Your small dog can slip the gate before you reach the door, and the wrong tracker won't fit him. Check the minimum weight first. Tractive DOG 6 is our pick: a 39 g clip-on onto the collar he already wears, made for dogs above 4 kg (about 9 lb). Under that, check Fi's smallest collar band.

Here is the quick version by dog:

• Small dog, keep the current collar: Tractive DOG 6 Smart GPS Tracker
• Small dog, want one collar with tracking built in: Fi Series 3 Smart GPS Collar
• Small dog in town with an iPhone home: WhoseID AirTag holder

What to check before you buy a GPS tracker for a small dog

• Minimum dog weight. Tractive says the DOG 6 is only for dogs above 4 kg. Under that, skip it.
• Tracker weight. Tractive lists the DOG 6 at 39 g and the XL at 70 g.
• Collar or clip-on. A clip-on needs a collar strong enough to carry it. A built-in collar replaces the one your dog wears now.
• Neck fit. Measure the neck with a soft tape, then match it to the maker's size chart. Fi says you should be able to slide two fingers under a fitted collar.

Check the minimum dog weight before anything else: it decides which of these fits.

Best GPS collar for small dogs: Tractive DOG 6

Why we picked it: at 39 g it is a light clip-on, and Tractive states a clear minimum weight, so you know before you order.

• 39 g and 71 x 29 x 17 mm
• Made for dogs above 4 kg (about 9 lb)
• Battery up to 14 days with Power Saving Zones, up to 6 days without
• Live Tracking and a Virtual Fence alert you when your dog leaves a safe zone
• Best for: Small dogs that wear a sturdy collar and bolt.
• The catch: It needs a Tractive plan.
• Skip it if: Your dog is under 4 kg.

Small dog, one collar: Fi Series 3

Fi Series 3 Smart GPS

Best for: Escape-prone dogs

Check price at Amazon

Fi sizes its collar by weight. Its chart starts at Extra Small for dogs under 10 lb (a 9.5 to 11 inch collar), then Small for 10 to 19 lb. Check the chart for your dog, then get the Fi Series 3 Smart GPS Collar.

• Best for: Small dogs that bolt, with a neck that fits Fi's smallest band.
• The catch: It needs a Fi membership and replaces your dog's collar.
• Skip it if: His neck measures under 9.5 inches. That is below Fi's smallest collar.

Small dog, iPhone home, low risk: WhoseID AirTag holder

WhoseID Waterproof AirTag Dog Collar

Best for: Households with iPhones

Check price at Amazon

Town dog that rarely slips out? The WhoseID AirTag holder is a plan-free backup. Check the holder's listing against your dog's collar width before you order.

• Best for: Small dogs in busy towns, as a backup.
• The catch: It is not live GPS. It reports when an Apple device passes.
• Skip it if: Your home is Android-only, or the dog slips out of the yard.

Plan costs matter too: see GPS dog collar monthly cost. Compare every pick in the best GPS dog collars and trackers.