About the Herm Sprenger Micro-Plus 1.5mm
Herm Sprenger has manufactured prong collars in Germany for over 100 years and is widely regarded as the standard among professional balanced trainers. The Micro-Plus is the smallest gauge in their range, with a 1.5mm wire — built specifically for breeds where the standard 2.25mm is disproportionate to the dog's neck.
It's made from high-grade stainless steel for corrosion resistance and dimensional accuracy, with rounded prong tips, even pressure distribution, and the same precision-cast components used across the rest of the Herm Sprenger line. Each collar weighs less than 1.5oz.
Which breeds and sizes suit the 1.5mm gauge
The Micro-Plus is designed for dogs under 15 lb (around 7 kg) with necks up to 8 inches (20 cm). Breeds Herm Sprenger names directly include:
- Toy and miniature breeds: Chihuahua, Toy Fox Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Maltese, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Japanese Chin, Havanese
- Small terriers: West Highland White Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer
- Sighthound types: Italian Greyhound, Whippet (under 15 lb)
- Smaller-framed working/spitz types: Shiba Inu (small frame)
If your dog sits between the 1.5mm and 2.25mm thresholds — typically 13-20 lb — measure the neck before deciding. A 2.25mm prong on a dog with a 9-10 inch neck can be too coarse; a 1.5mm on a heavier dog can collapse pressure onto too few contact points.
Fitting and introducing the collar
Three principles, drawn from the Herm Sprenger usage guide and the consensus of balanced trainers:
- Position high on the neck — behind the ears, just below the jawline. Never low against the shoulder or trachea.
- Two-finger fit — snug enough that the collar stays in place when relaxed, loose enough that two fingers slide flat between the collar and the neck.
- Resize with links, not slack — add or remove individual links so the chain has no looseness when the leash is unweighted. The Micro-Plus ships with spare links; replacement links are also available individually.
Introduce the collar in a low-stimulus environment first, paired with a flat collar and back-clip harness as a safety. Most experienced trainers recommend two to three short, neutral wear sessions before any leash work, so the collar's presence becomes uneventful.
When not to use a Micro-Plus
The Micro-Plus is a training tool, not a permanent walking collar. It should not be used:
- On dogs under approximately 7-9 months of age (breed-dependent)
- For off-leash work, in crates, or during travel
- On dogs with neck, throat, or thyroid conditions without veterinary clearance
- Outside the intended weight class — under 15 lb only. Heavier dogs should use the 2.25mm gauge.
If you're new to prong collars, work with an experienced balanced trainer for the first few sessions before progressing to solo handling.
Care and longevity
Stainless steel construction means the Micro-Plus needs minimal upkeep — rinse and dry after wet-weather sessions, and inspect prong tips every few months for wear. Looked after, a Herm Sprenger collar will outlast almost any other piece of training kit you own. Which is why professional trainers reach for it first.
