It is probably fair to say that choosing the right collar for your dog is one of the most fundamental tasks of any pet owner, but something that appears rather simple on the surface can actually end up being quite an overwhelming job!
There are so many choices both online and on the pet store shelves that it can be hard to know where to start, and what to avoid. Something that we have noticed is that it tends to come down to a battle between flat collars and rolled collars for many, but which of these is really the preferable option?
Flat collars versus rolled collars, which is the better choice for your precious pup? It’s a seemingly simple question that has sparked a lot of fierce debate among pet owners, with plenty of factors to consider from comfort to safety to practicality and even style. Whilst there is no doubt that a rolled collar has a certain stylish appeal, the general consensus seems to be that flat collars are the superior choice for normal everyday activities.
We’ve put together a handy guide for you to look through, laying out all of the information that we think you need in order to make the best decision on rolled versus flat collar for your own dog. We all want to make the best decisions for the animals we love!
Key Comparisons and Benefits
Safety
When thinking about safety, there is no doubt that flat collars are the winning choice. The design of flat collars means that they work to distribute pressure much more evenly across your dog’s neck, and this helps to greatly reduce the risk of throat and trachea injuries in the event of any pulling issues on the leash. Something about rolled leather dog collars is that they create more localized pressure points that can cause a lot of discomfort or even choking for smaller breeds and puppies. Rolled collars are also much more likely to get caught and snagged on things like furniture, fences and tree branches etc., and we don’t need to tell you how much of a danger that can be if it happens unsupervised.
Whilst rolled collars might be suitable in certain circumstances like for show dogs, we strongly feel that a flat collar is the safer choice for casual everyday wear, especially for growing or active pups.
Comfort
Just like with us humans, comfort is a crucial element of anything that your dog is going to be wearing every single day! Again, flat collars come out on top in this argument. They provide a snug, comfortable fit that doesn’t dig into a dog’s neck. Something we want to address is that there is a common misconception that a rolled collar helps to prevent tangling and matting in the fur of long haired dogs, but that just isn’t true. The great thing about flat collars is that are available in pretty much every kind of material, including out preferred soft vegetable tanned leather and padded options. These soft, supple materials go a long way towards helping your pup enjoy maximum comfort no matter its breed or size.
Durability and Functionality
It is essential for any dog collar you choose to be able to withstand all of the rough and tough of daily wear and tear. Again, flat collars are the choice that absolutely excel in this category. They are designed with the utmost durability in mind, more often than not lasting much longer than a rolled collar bought at the same time thanks to the superior, sturdier build quality. Most flat collars come with adjustable straps which means that you only have to buy the one item to grow along with your small puppy and they age and expand! The ease of adding features like D-rings for attaching name and info tags, as well as a leash of your choice, makes them far and away the most functional and adaptable choice on the market.
On the other side of the spectrum, whilst rolled collars might have a certain advantage in the style department, in our experience they lack the robustness needed to cater to a really active and excitable dog.
Health Considerations
We’re not the only ones who spend every minute of every day thinking about the health and well being of our furry friends, right!? When considering the choice between these two types of collars, these are the main areas of concern and factors when it comes to health.
- Intraocular Pressure. There have been numerous studies at this point which show that certain types of dog collars can increase intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye), and this can be super dangerous for dogs who have things like thin corneas or glaucoma. To avoid the risks of this, flat collars are the recommended way to go.
- American Kennel Club Recommendations. We think it’s important to note that the AKC does not recommend rolled collars for everyday use, as they are not ideal for dogs that tend to pull excessively on the leash. When such a respected organization holds a view like that, it is really worth paying attention.
- Sensitive Dogs. If you live with a pup who has any existing health issues surrounding respiratory problems, then the more gentle support of a flat collar is something they will benefit greatly from.
Puppy Friendly Features
When precious little puppies are the star of the show, it can be even more important to get the collar choice right! Flat collars, again, are the clear winner for any little fur babies out there. As we hinted at above, the adjustability of a flat collar makes it the perfect accessory for a dog that is going to be growing alongside it. Safety is always a prime concern, and the design of a flat collar reduces risk of injury and choking, especially important when dealing with a young, curious energetic puppy!
And lastly, flat collars have the advantage of being compatible with a number of different leash training techniques. It gives you as an owner much more freedom to make the choice you want to when it comes time to start your training journey.
Maintenance Tips
Of course, the collar choice that you end up making won’t matter much at all unless you commit to taking proper care of it! Don’t worry though, it’s not a hard task once you know the ropes. Follow these maintenance tips to guarantee that your chosen dog collar remains safe and functional for the longest possible time.
Regular Cleaning
For a flat collar, the recommended cleaning routine is to use mild soap and water to get rid of dirt, debris and odors that can build up from regular use. With a rolled collar (and a leather flat collar), go through the extra step of using good quality leather conditions to prevent cracking from occurring, and maintaining the all important flexibility of the accessory.
Inspection for Wear and Tear
Sometimes collars take a real beating without you even noticing. Get into the habit of performing regular inspections for things like cracks, fraying and weakened spots that could compromise your pup’s safety when out on an adventurous walk. If you find anything that looks beyond the wear and tear norm, then it's time to replace it.
Proper Fit
Something we always recommended for achieving a great fit right from the start is performing the two finger rule check. When putting the collar around your dog’s neck, make sure that you can fit two of your fingers snuggly between their skin and the collar. If the fingers fit just right, then the fit is good to go. Of course, it’s important to adjust as needed as your pup grows, and flat collars are perfect for that due to their extreme adjustability.
Check Out The Lille Björn For All Your Dog Collar Needs
So, where do we go from here? It’s pretty clear that here at The Lille Björn we fall on the flat collar side of the fence. In our opinion (as well as the American Kennel Club!) flat collars are the safer, more comfortable and more practical choice for nearly all dogs. From the way they distribute pressure more evenly to their butter leather softness to their adjustable nature and their robust quality, flat collars stand out as the number one choice for puppies and adult canine companions alike.
No responsible dog owner should be making compromises on their precious pup’s safety and comfort, and The Lille Björn provides options for all shapes and sizes that ensure maximum security on a daily basis. If you are looking to upgrade to a beautiful new leather collar today then head over to our online store to take a look at our fantastic collection. You can even take advantage of our discount and bundle offers, saving up to 20% on kits and bundles of free tags and shipping. We can’t wait to match you up with the perfect accessories for you and your dog!