It’s easy to mistake a dog collar for just being another simple accessory in the long list of gear you need for your precious pup, but when you really think about it, it’s one of the most essential items for everything from safety to comfort to training to identification and more!
And there is also another factor to consider, color! Among the dedicated dog community, something of a code has been established to do with collars and the colors that they have. Of course, this isn’t going to be a 100% accurate science, but more and more pet owners are starting to choose colors that might say something about their furry friends, from personality to temperament to signalling that they might have some specific or special needs.
Certain colors can actually act as a silent but strong communicating trick to other dog owners in social settings, so to make sure you know what you are getting into, we’ve put together a rundown of the most common collar colors and what they might mean to others who understand the code!
The Importance of a Well Chosen Dog Collar
First of all, let’s make sure that we are all on the same page when it comes to understanding exactly why dog collars are so important!
A high quality, well chosen dog collar can serve a whole host of functions for both you and your pup. First and foremost, it is the logical spot to attach an ID tag, ensuring that if you should ever get separated from your canine companion, a good Samaritan will know exactly where to return them! Of course, collars also serve as the perfect anchor for a good leash, aiding in training, safety and control when out on your daily walks.
Lots of modern pet owners are turning to vegetable tanned leather because it offers a reassuring blend of durability and style, as well as antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties.
Beyond all of these material considerations, there is the important matter of color. Let’s take a look at some of the most common collar colors, and what they have come to represent to other dog owners and passersby!
What Different Dog Collar Colors Represent
Black - Timeless & Strong
Black is a classic, sophisticated choice that has come to symbolize things like confidence, authority and strength. As we are sure you know, black is a super popular choice among dog owners who are seeking that neutral, timeless look in their pet accessories. A black collar is the perfect choice for any pup that is independent and confident, and there is also the factor of it being a practical choice for everyday wear as black leather is able to mask a lot of dirt and general wear and tear between washes!
Blue - Calm & Trustworthy
Historically, the color blue has been associated with feelings of reliability, tranquility and friendliness, which makes it a great option for a dog that is very gentle and well mannered when out in public. Dogs that serve as emotional support or therapy animals will often be fitted with a blue collar as a way to subtly indicate that they have a calming presence. In general, this color can be a smart and fitting choice for a family pet that has a naturally relaxed manner, it can act as a signal that they are trustworthy, calm and approachable.
Green - Friendly & Adventurous
We all know that green in general is a color that represents harmony, balance and a love for adventure and the great outdoors. It can be an appropriate collar color choice if you have a pup that is highly social and loves nothing more than to get out of the house and see what the world has to offer! A green collar has become a symbol of a dog that is playful and friendly, and will get on with everybody down at the dog park!
Cognac Brown - Classic & Versatile
Cognac brown is a color that can symbolize qualities like warmth and stability, along with being pleasantly traditional. We love it as a choice for calmer dogs that are super loyal, and the plus side is that it compliments pretty much any coat color! There is just something about cognac brown in particular that conveys a vibe of elegance and reliability; perfect for a well behaved pup who has an owner that appreciates the timeless quality of good old fashioned colors and accessories.
Red - Bold & Confident
Red is maybe the most striking collar color choice that you can make, ideal for a dog who has plenty of energy and confidence! However, it can also be used to send the message that you might want to be a little bit cautious. If you have a large dog that is highly spirited and full of enthusiasm, then their desire to play can sometimes come across as a little forceful to strangers at the dog park. The simple addition of a red collar can sometimes be enough to communicate that a little extra space might be needed to avoid unintended incidents!
How to Choose the Right Collar Color for Your Dog
There are few different areas you might want to consider when picking out a color for your own pup’s collar.
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Personality
What is their natural temperament like? Are they confident, playful, shy, prone to being a bit too nervous and reactionary towards strangers? -
Behavioral Signals
As we’ve highlighted above, different colors can be used to help communicate your pup’s temperament to other people in a simple and non combative way. For example, red for a dog that might need some space, or blue for a dog that is calm and friendly. -
Visibility and Safety
There is also the practical safety side of things to think about. Brighter colors like green and red, for example, are always going to be a great option if you want to ensure maximum visibility of your wandering dog from a distance!
All dog’s a different, of course, but in terms of color matching, this simple guide can be helpful:
- Confident, independent dogs = cognac brown or black.
- Friendly, relaxed dogs = green or blue.
- Energetic, adventurous dogs = green or red.
- Strong willed, bold dogs = red.
The key thing to remember is that whilst color can be very important, it is equally as important to make sure that the collar you choose is made from high quality materials so stand the wear and tear that your dog will put it through.
Caring for Your Dog’s Leather Collar
You should treat a leather collar like you would any other investment piece, with the proper care and attention that it deserves. Fortunately, this amounts to just a simple and effective maintenance routine.
Regular Cleaning
Leather collars need to be wiped down with a damp cloth regularly in order to remove the oils and dirt that inevitably build up over time. You should avoid completely soaking them in water, however, as too much moisture can result in the leather drying out and cracking prematurely.
Conditioning
It is a good idea to use a high quality leather condition every few months in order to maintain the natural suppleness of the collar, as well as preventing it from becoming too brittle. All you need to do is apply a small amount of the conditioner and very gently rub it into the leather to keep it nice and soft, and durable!
Storage
When the collar is not in use, it’s a good idea to store it away in a dry, shaded spot at home in order to prevent any exposure to damp and/or direct sunlight. Doing this is a simple way to help maintain that color that you spend so much time thinking about before purchase!
Conclusion
Hopefully we have done our part to show you that a dog collar is so much more than just a simple functional accessory for walks, it can actually provide an insight into the personality and character of your precious pup, offering communication for others and total safety for all!
By choosing the right kinds of high quality materials and potentially opting for a color that can signal something about their behavior and personality, the collar becomes a really important part of the everyday life of your pup, alongside the expected benefits like ID tags and leash connectivity!
For the best collars on the market, head over to The Lille Bjorn store to check out our wonderful collection of vegetable tanned leather accessories. With plenty of colors to choose from, we can guarantee that you will find something that suits your precious pup’s needs down to a tee. After all, man’s best friend deserves nothing but the very best!
