A lot of them may look the same on pet store shelves, but the truth is that there is much more dog collar diversity in quality and design than you might think. For any long-necked breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets and Pharoah Hounds in particular, generic ‘one size fits all’ designs can actually do more harm than good.
These beautifully sleek dogs have very unique features that can make finding the best collar for a long-necked dog a tricky proposition. Not just one of style, but also of health and safety.
Collars that are too narrow, ill fitting or made from synthetic materials can slip off too easily, rub away at sensitive skin and in the worst cases, even push down too hard on the windpipe area. Any seasoned sighthound owner will already know this, but a long-necked pup requires more thought when it comes to appropriate collar design!
The good news is that this is where The Lille Björn can step in to help! We have a specialized range of wide dog collar styles that are designed specifically with slender necks in mind. Handcrafted from quality materials and with anatomy as the key concern, our collars offer the best possible blend of elegance and support.
Whether you’re looking to find the perfect walking leash for a Whippet, or want to train your Pharoah Hound with the perfect gear, we’ve got you covered.
What Makes Long-Necked Breeds Unique
Long-necked breeds like the aforementioned Whippets, Greyhounds, Pharoah Hounds and more stand apart from their canine cousins, both literally and figuratively! They boast tall statures with slender builds, and have remarkably graceful posture. Of course, their defining feature is their wonderfully extended necks that are very lean and elegant.
Being much longer than an average breed’s neck, more attention needs to be paid on the kind of accessories that you are making your pup wear on a daily basis.
Their fur is typically thin, with not much fat beneath the surface, and this can leave them more prone to things like skin irritation, hair loss and pressure sores. The smaller, slimmer nature of their heads means that conventional collars are often easy to slip out of, and their tracheal area is particularly exposed which means that any pressure from a wrongly placed collar can cause serious damage.
All of these reasons make it essential to pay close attention to Greyhound collar fit, any collar for a Whippet, and also any Pharaoh Hound types.
Why Wide Collars Are the Right Choice
The perfect solution for this problem is finding a great wide dog collar, one that prioritizes anatomical comfort over simple style.
Here are some of the biggest ways that wide collars make the difference:
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Even Pressure Distribution
Thanks to a greater surface area, wide collars can spread out tension from the leash, reducing strain on the sensitive trachea area as well as protecting tendons and other delicate parts of the neck structure.
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Slip Resistance
Many sighthounds have heads that are actually narrower than their necks, and a wide leather dog collar is able to wrap more securely around this anatomy to lower the risk of unexpected slips.
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Less Friction, More Stability
The wider a collar is, the less likely it is to twist, slide around and dig into skin. This stability also helps to prevent matting and rubbing, which is crucial for pups with shorter coats.
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Aesthetic Alignment
In terms of style, the truth is that a narrow strap can look awkward and disproportionate when placed on an elegant swan-like dog neck! In contrast, a wider collar enhances the beauty of the silhouette and helps to promote good posture.
The Lille Björn Difference
At The Lille Björn, all of our collars are designed with form and function in mind first. Our signature wide width of 4.5cm offers the ideal balance, enough width to protect, but also light enough to be breathable and comfortable all day.
Each wide leather dog collar is crafted to follow the precise curvature of a long neck, without adding any bulk or stiffness. The firm inner structure offers great support, but is still gentle and flexible to allow freedom of movement.
From strolling through an urban city to running freely in the fields, this is the kind of collar that feels weightless and stays secure, offering both pet and owner peace of mind.
Vero Wide vs. Aeris Wide - Which Style to Choose
So, now that you are at the stage of picking the best collar for a long-necked dog, let’s take a look at the two main contenders that The Lille Björn has to offer. Both are perfect for catering to long-necked pups, but each offers its own appeal in terms of design.
Aeris Wide Collar
A beautiful example of sleek, minimalist design, the Aeris features a long, central slit that helps to break up the leather band and provide some flexibility and breathability. The collar sits flat and low along the neck which is perfect for Whippets and Pharoah Hounds whose accessories need to lie close without too much bulk.
The Aeris is a great choice if you love elegance as much as you love keeping your pooch comfortable. It provides important full coverage with a little refined subtlety, and its lightweight nature ensures help for sensitive skin.
Vero Wide Collar
The Vero Wide is a collar that offers a structured, solid leather band. The width is the same 4.5cm, but the feel is more substantial and provides identical coverage and comfort whilst adding a touch of visual weight. This makes it a perfect choice for active Greyhounds who have a larger than life personality! Of course, there is always the option for personalization with the addition of an important dog brass tag.
Why Material Matters for Long-Necked Dogs
Alongside style and width, material is also something that plays a crucial role in securing the comfort and health of your dog, especially when dealing with shorter coats and sensitive skin.
Vegetable-tanned leather is at the center of The Lille Björn collection, offering so many great benefits for long-necked pups.
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Breathability
Synthetic collars tend to trap moisture and heat close to the skin, but vegetable-tanned leather lets air circulate and reduces the risk of sweat buildup when on long walks.
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Gentle on Skin
No harsh chemicals or synthetic coatings are used in the making of vegetable-tanned leather, which means that our collars are kind on delicate skin. This is so important for the likes of Greyhounds and Pharoah Hounds whose skin can chafe so easily.
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Durability and Elegance
Leather naturally softens over time whilst still keeping its original strength and shape. It also resists bacteria and odor to help it keep maximum elegance and hygiene.
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Sustainable and Biodegradable
If you happen to be concerned with environmental impact as well as product longevity, then vegetable-tanned leather is the naturally smart choice for any wide dog collar.
In short, leather is absolutely the best material for long-necked breeds, thanks to a combination of luxury, safety, breathability and skin kindness.
How to Measure for a Wide Collar
The key to choosing the perfect collar for Whippet, Greyhound or Pharoah Hound breeds is achieving the proper fit. Don’t worry, the steps to ensuring the best fit are simple!
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Use a Soft Measuring Tape
Wrap the tape around the base of your pet’s neck and measure where the collar would naturally sit. Remember that this should be lower than a ‘typical’ breed because of the elongated physique.
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Avoid High or Tight Placement
Wide collars work best when they are positioned lower, therefore distributing the weight away from the upper spine and trachea.
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Record the Measurement in Centimeters
When you have the right measurement, you can then go about picking the most appropriate collar size.
Our Top Collar Picks for Long-Necked Breeds
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Whippet
A lightweight, elegant collar with a width of 4.5cm, the Aeris Wide.
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Greyhound
A bold, wide collar that can be personalized to match a big personality, the Vero Wide.
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Pharoah Hound
Either the Aeris Wide or the Vero Wide are appropriate, it depends entirely on your preference as the owner.
The good news is that both styles offer a great balance of control, comfort and expert designs. Something that might help you to decide is the fact that the Vero Wide currently comes with free name embossing, along with the option to complete the look with a matching lead!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, if you have a long-necked furry friend, you really do have to pay a little more attention to making sure you pick out the best accessories for their unique needs. A wide dog collar is an essential part of this collection, helping with everything from potential slippages to sensitive tracheas to thin coats and more.
Head over to The Lille Björn to take a look at all of the luxurious vegetable-tanned leather items that we have to offer. You won’t find a better blend of sophistication and utility anywhere else, and we can guarantee that either the Aeris Wide or Vero Wide will fit the bill for your previous pup.
Our pets deserve the very best, and the good news is that you are already in the right place to find the best!
