Are Dog Collars Better Than Harnesses? Comparing Leather Dog Collars and Harnesses for Safety and Comfort

in Jan 13, 2025

If you are the kind of pet parent who likes to question whether dog collars or harnesses are better for your pup, you’re not alone! It’s one of the most debated questions among dog parents, and the truth is that the answer is always going to depend on your furry friend’s individual needs. Considerations like size, specific breed and walking habits all play a big role in pointing you in the direction of which option is the safest and most comfortable.

When choosing between collars and harnesses, the material is just as important as the design. Vegetable tanned leather, for example, offers the perfect balance of durability, comfort, and eco friendliness. Whether you’re looking for a stylish leather collar for everyday wear or a reliable leather harness for longer walks, you can feel confident knowing you are spending your money on quality gear for your furry friend.

Let’s take a more indepth look at the potential positives and negatives of collars and harnesses to help you make the best choice for your dog!

Are Dog Collars Better Than Harnesses?

Dog collars and harnesses each have their strengths, but choosing the right one will always be down to the details of your very own pup, from breed to behaavior to health needs and more.

It’s important to remember that no two dogs are the same, even two of a similar breed and size. You need to think about your furry friend’s personality and temperament just as much as their physical measurements! Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh your options.

Dog Collars

Pros

  1. Perfect for well trained dogs who walk calmly on a leash.
  2. Easy to put on and take off, which means they are a really ideal choice for quick outings.
  3. Great for holding ID tags, which are essential for your dog’s safety.

Cons

  1. Not the most sensible or suitable option for dogs prone to pulling or tracheal issues, as they can put pressure on the neck and windpipe.
  2. Can cause levels of discomfort and/or irritation if not properly fitted or made from low quality materials.

Dog Harnesses

Pros

  1. Distribute pressure across the chest, minimizing the potential chance of any strain on the neck.
  2. Provide better control for dogs that pull or are still leash training.
  3. Safer for breeds prone to tracheal collapse or breathing problems, such as pugs, greyhounds, and chihuahuas.

Cons

  1. Can take a little longer to fit properly, especially for first time users.
  2. May not be the most convenient choice for quick walks or outings.

Ultimately, the choice is always going to be dictated by your dog’s specific needs. Many owners find that pairing a collar for ID purposes with a harness for walking strikes the perfect balance between safety and practicality. At the end of the day, it doesn’t have to be a case of making a permanent choice between the two. It’s all about finding the right balance of accessories that works best for you and your precious pup’s routine.

Leather dog harness in red - details

Benefits Of Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are an evergreen choice for their style, comfort, and durability. There is a reason why they have been the number one choice for dog owners all this time! Here’s a few reasons why they have always been a favorite among dog parents.

Style And Durability

Vegetable tanned leather collars offer a sophisticated, natural look that’s hard to beat. They’re designed to stand the test of time, softening with use while maintaining their strength. Unlike synthetic materials, high quality leather resists cracking and fraying, ensuring long lasting wear for your pup. When you put the two options up against one another, there really is no contest in our opinion.

Comfort For All Breeds

The soft, flexible nature of vegetable tanned leather pretty much guarantees a comfortable fit for dogs of all shapes and sizes. For breeds with long necks like whippets and greyhounds, wide collars (3 - 5 cm) provide extra support and eliminate the potential of strain that could lead to injury. Smaller breeds or those with shorter necks, like dachshunds and pugs, do best with narrower collars (2 - 3 cm) that won’t overwhelm their proportions.

Eco Friendly And Hypoallergenic

Vegetable tanned leather is treated using plant based tannins rather than harsh chemicals, which means that it is a much safer choice for dogs with sensitive skin. It’s also known for being biodegradable and environmentally friendly, so you can feel good about your purchase. We’ve noticed that this is becoming more and more of a concern among responsible pet owners, and when there are great options on the eco friendly side of things, there is no excuse not to make an effort to be kinder to the environment whilst being kind to your pup at the same time!

Perfect Fit And Reduced Irritation

Over time, leather collars mold to the shape of your dog’s neck, creating a custom fit that greatly reduces any chafing and discomfort. As long as you remember to follow the two finger rule when adjusting the collar, you should be able to fit two snug fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck for the ideal fit.

Aeris Wide Dog Collar in Green

Advantages Of Leather Dog Harnesses

Leather dog harnesses are a fantastic alternative for dogs that might provide a little bit of extra support or safety during walks. Here are just some of the many reasons why we think they are worth considering.

Pressure Distribution For Safety

Unlike collars, harnesses are designed to share pressure and weight more evenly across your dog’s chest and shoulders. This is particularly important for dogs prone to tracheal collapse or breathing issues, as it eliminates neck strain entirely. Harnesses also provide better control for dogs that pull, making walks not only more enjoyable for the both of you, but also much safer.

Ideal for Long Necked And Small Breeds

Breeds like greyhounds, whippets, and Italian greyhounds benefit greatly from harnesses because of their delicate neck structures. Similarly, smaller breeds like pomeranians or chihuahuas, which are more vulnerable to tracheal injuries, can walk comfortably without risk of harm. Some of your pups are so teeny tiny, you can’t even imagine when a small tug to you might feel like to them!

Long Lasting Comfort With Leather

Vegetable tanned leather harnesses combine the durability and softness of leather with an ergonomic design that molds to your dog’s body over time. Adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, while the hypoallergenic properties of the leather keep sensitive skin irritation free.

The ability to be adjustable is something that is really important, especially if you are planning on keeping your accessories for years. It might not be immediately noticeable to the eye, but your pup will gain and lose weight over time, so lasting, adjustable comfort is key.

Durability Meets Sustainability

As with collars, the eco friendly nature of vegetable tanned leather makes harnesses an excellent choice for pet parents who are also concerned with doing their bit to help the environment. A well cared for leather harness can last for years, offering great value for money. It might feel like a bigger cost up front, but when you consider how many time you might have to replace a lesser quality product, it all starts to make sense.

Vero Dog Harness in Brown

Training Tips For Collars And Harnesses

Introducing a new collar or harness to your dog doesn’t have to be stressful. In our experience, it’s all about both the owner and the pup being as relaxed and confident as one another. Follow these simple tips and you will have no problem making the transition!

Start Slow

Allow your dog to get used to their new gear by letting them wear it around the house for short periods. Reward any calm behavior shown with lots of treats to help them foster a positive association.

Use Positive Reinforcement

For leash training, keep treats on hand to encourage your dog to walk calmly by your side. Reward them whenever they stay close without pulling. Even if they only start behaving because they are treat crazy, you are still being successful in your aim!

Stop Pulling In Its Tracks

If your dog starts to pull, stop walking immediately. Wait for them to relax the leash before continuing. Consistency is key to teaching loose leash walking. Your pup won’t enjoy the feeling of a sharp pull when you stop in your tracks, and they will eventually start to match your rhythm.

Stick To Shorter Training Sessions

Training should be fun, not frustrating. Keep sessions between 5 and 10 minutes as the best way to keep up your dog’s focus and enthusiasm. Even humans won’t be on their best behaviour when bored or overworked!

Ensure Proper Fit 

Whether you’re using a collar or harness, a good fit is absolutely essential. For collars, use the two finger rule. For harnesses, ensure the straps fit snuggly, but are not restrictive, allowing room for comfortable movement.

Aeris Wide dog Collar & Classic Dog Leash in Green

Explore Dream Products At The Lille Bjorn

Ready to upgrade your dog’s gear? At The Lille Björn, we offer a premium collection of vegetable tanned leather collars and harnesses designed with your pup’s safety and comfort in mind. From stylish wide collars for long necked breeds to adjustable harnesses for pullers, we’ve got something for every dog.

Visit our shop today to take a look through our range of eco friendly, durable designs. Need help with sizing or fitting? Our team is here to assist you in finding the perfect accessory for your furry friend. Because your dog deserves the best, and so do you!

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