Your dog’s collar is more than just an accessory. It’s also something that plays a role in safety, comfort, and their overall wellbeing. When you think about the best dog collars, think about your pet’s personality, size, breed, and activity level. Size, style and material are some of the biggest considerations when choosing accessories, including collars, dog leashes and dog harnesses. This guide will help you make the right decision for your beloved animal.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Collar
Your dog’s collar has many uses. It’s a place to attach identification tags and their dog leash. It’s also something that reflects yours and your dog’s personality. Choosing the wrong collar will leave your pet uncomfortable and can even be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to take the time to find the ideal collar type and accompanying accessories for your best friend. Let’s find out more.
Select the Right Size
If your dog’s collar is too tight, it can restrict breathing and be quite uncomfortable. Over time, this can lead to health issues that you certainly don’t want your dog having to live with. On the other hand, a collar that is too loose allows your pet to slip out, which can be dangerous if you’re on a walk and there are cars and other dogs around.
Measuring for a Dog Collar
It’s important to determine the right size when buying a dog collar. Keep in mind that if your dog isn’t done growing, you will have to buy a new collar several times as they get bigger. Monitor your dog’s collar closely so you know when it’s time to move up to a new size. Use these steps to get the job done right:
- Use a flexible measuring tape at the base of your dog’s neck. Measure snugly around the middle of your dog’s neck where the collar will naturally rest. Be sure the tape is snug against the neck but not too tight, and don’t leave extra space. The collar should fit comfortably without pinching.
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Our collars are true to size, so it’s important to measure correctly to ensure a proper fit. Each collar size reflects its inner circumference range. For example Size S (27-32 cm) аits necks measured between 27-32 cm. If your dog’s neck measurement falls within a specific range, choose the collar size that corresponds to that range.
- Check for breed recommendations because some dogs have special sizing needs, such as bulldogs with their thick necks or Greyhounds, who generally have very thin necks.
Understanding the common sizes for various sized dogs gives you a good place to start. Consider the following general recommendations, then use that as a guide to help you find the best fit for your beloved pet.
- Toy Breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers): 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
- Small Breeds (Shih Tzus, Dachshunds): 10-14 inches (25-36 cm)
- Medium Breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies): 14-20 inches (30-46 cm)
- Large Breeds (Golden Retrievers, Labradors): 18-24 inches (40-56 cm)
- Giant Breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs): 22-30 inches (51-76 cm)
Make sure you try the collar on your dog to ensure the best fit, regardless of what the recommendations say. That’s the only way to know if it will truly fit your dog or not.
Choosing the Right Style
Design is definitely a great way to showcase your dog’s personality (and your own), but you should also take function and comfort into consideration when making your choice.
Width
Narrow collars are usually a good choice for puppies or small breeds. Dogs with delicate necks will also do better with a collar that is narrow in width. That’s because they are lightweight and won’t be too heavy or bulky for your dog’s comfort and lifestyle.
Wider collars are best for large dog breeds and dogs that tend to pull a lot when on the dog lead. The wider width distributes pressure evenly, reducing the risk of injury for dogs who pull or are very active. Wide leather dog collars are also a great choice for Greyhounds, as their slim, long necks benefit from the added support and reduced pressure points. Additionally, when choosing a wide collar, it’s important to consider how long your dog’s neck is, as wider collars are particularly well-suited for dogs with longer necks.
Martingale collars are another excellent choice for breeds with thin necks, such as Greyhounds, as they prevent the collar from slipping off. Similarly, wide leather dog collars are a great option for Greyhounds, offering comfort and even pressure distribution for their delicate necks.
Other considerations include the following:
- Flat collars are best for everyday wear.
- Breakaway collars make sense for dogs who might get caught in fences or tree branches, ensuring they don’t get stuck or hurt.
- Head collars work well for training and are especially useful for dogs who tend to pull when attached to dog leads or their harness. Proper fitting and training are essential to ensure comfort and safety.
Select the Right Material
There are several materials that are commonly used to make dog collars and their accessories, such as leashes and harnesses. Understanding each of them is a good way to decide which might be best for your furry friend.
Nylon
Nylon is inexpensive and lightweight. It’s also quite durable and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It’s a good choice for short-haired dogs, but may cause tangles and matting in dogs with longer hair.
Neoprene
If your dog loves swimming and getting wet, or is generally very active, neoprene makes a good choice. The material is durable and water resistant and can handle a high activity lifestyle.
Metal Chains
Metal collars are best left for training purposes only. They are not safe to wear all the time as they can injure your dog and are very uncomfortable for extended wear.
Leather
Leather dog collars are an outstanding choice for several reasons. Among them are durability, longevity and an attractive style. We’ll focus on leather for the rest of this article. Check out the beautiful and functional options at The Lille Björn to find out why leather is the best choice for your best friend’s collar.
The Case for Vegetable Tanned Leather
What is Vegetable Tanned Leather?
Vegetable tanning is done using natural tannins, found in tree bark and other plant matter. These tannins take the place of chemicals that are used in other tanning techniques. The result is an eco-friendly process that lends sustainability and character to your dog’s collar.
Benefits of Vegetable Tanned Leather
There are quite a few reasons to choose vegetable tanned leather, as it creates premium leather dog collars.
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Highly durable
- Odor resistant
- Timeless style
Vegetable tanned leather dog collars are ideal for everyday wear and can withstand an active lifestyle. The material is comfortable and tends to soften and take on the shape of your dog’s neck, cutting down on irritation. Leather looks fantastic with many kinds of hardware, allowing you to choose one that fits your pet’s personality.
Best Uses for Genuine Leather Dog Collars
Leather is comfortable and breathable enough to be worn on a daily basis. It will hold up well to the elements. While it’s best not to get the leather wet, if your dog ends up in the water, let the leather collar air dry, out of the sun.
Leather is also the premier choice for large, active dogs, as well as those who have sensitive skin.
Matching Collar Type to Dog Breed
Different dog breeds have different needs when it comes to choosing the best collar. That includes their size, hair length, hair type, and activity level. Let’s find out more about this.
Small Breeds
This category includes Pugs, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Maltese. For dogs with petite necks, thin leather collars are a wonderful option. Opt for a lightweight buckle to ensure the collar doesn’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable. Soft, adjustable designs are also great for preventing chafing and ensuring your little companion stays happy and stylish.
Medium Breeds
Popular medium-sized breeds include Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls, Australian Shepherds, and Beagles. These dogs need collars with a moderate width to balance comfort and durability. Vegetable-tanned leather is an excellent choice, as it’s both sturdy and gentle for active breeds. The length of your dog’s neck is also worth considering—Labradors, for example, are well-suited to collars around 3 cm wide, as this size offers a perfect mix of support and comfort.
Large Breeds
Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Dobermans fall into this group. For these strong and active dogs, a sturdy, wide collar is a must. Wide leather collars are ideal for large breeds, as they evenly distribute pressure, making them both comfortable and practical. Dogs with longer necks, like German Shepherds, particularly benefit from the added support that a wide collar provides.
Giant Breeds
Giant breeds, including St. Bernards, Great Danes, and Newfoundlands, need collars that can match their size and strength. An extra-wide leather collar is the perfect solution, offering both safety and comfort during walks and playtime. The wider design helps to evenly distribute pressure and ensures the collar can handle the demands of these powerful breeds.
Active and Sporting Breeds
An active breed will do best with vegetable tanned leather collars, ideally with a water resistant finish. This allows for outdoor adventures that larger dogs love. Among the most active breeds are border collies, Vizlas, and labradors.
Maintenance Tips for Your Dog’s Collar
When you choose a leather dog collar, you choose a durable and long lasting option that will age with your pet. However, to keep it in top shape, you should practice proper care and maintenance on a regular basis. Follow these steps for the best results:
Taking care of your leather dog collar is simple and helps keep it looking great and lasting longer. Here are a few easy tips to maintain its quality and durability:
- Clean it regularly: Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and debris. If needed, you can use a small amount of mild detergent diluted in water to clean the collar, but avoid soaking it or scrubbing too hard. Harsh cleaners should be avoided, as they can damage the leather. A quick wipe-down every so often is usually all it needs to stay fresh.
- Condition the leather: Leather can dry out over time, so applying a leather conditioner once a month (or as needed) helps keep it soft and prevents cracking. This will ensure the collar stays comfortable for your pet and keeps its beautiful appearance.
- Keep it dry: While a little water won’t harm leather, too much can weaken it. If your dog loves swimming or playing in the rain, it’s a good idea to remove the collar first. For extra protection, you can use a water-resistant coating. If the collar does get wet, let it air dry naturally—don’t use direct heat or sunlight.
- Check the hardware: The buckle and other hardware are just as important as the leather itself. Brass hardware is an excellent choice because it doesn’t rust, while stainless steel is highly resistant to rust but might develop small spots over time with frequent water exposure. Regularly inspect the hardware and attachment points to ensure everything is secure and safe for your dog.
With a little care and attention, your dog’s leather collar will stay in great condition for years. A clean, conditioned, and well-maintained collar not only looks good but also keeps your furry friend safe and comfortable.
Final Thoughts on Collar Selection
When choosing a collar for your dog, it’s important to think about their lifestyle as well as their comfort and safety. For most dogs, vegetable-tanned leather collars are a great option—they’re durable, stylish, and gentle on sensitive skin. But if your dog loves to swim or play in the water, a waterproof collar might be a better fit. Waterproof collars are designed to handle wet adventures without getting damaged, making them perfect for dogs who can’t resist a splash.
At the end of the day, your dog’s collar should be both functional and a reflection of their personality. Taking the time to choose the right collar ensures it’s comfortable, safe, and practical while also suiting your dog’s unique style. Whether it’s a classic leather collar for everyday use or a waterproof one for water-loving pups, the perfect collar helps your dog look great and feel great, no matter where life takes you both.