Anyone who loves dogs is aware that breeds like Whippets and Greyhounds are known for their beautiful sleek and athletic builds, as well as their amazing speed! Sighthounds like these have a natural combination of grace and power which makes them a popular choice for a pet, but it is important to have an understanding of their distinct and unique physical structure. They have very long and slender necks with narrower heads, and this can sometimes make the choice of collar a challenging one.
Making sure that you have the right collar for your dog is a crucial part of their overall safety and comfort. An accessory that fits poorly can risk causing injury, or even slip off entirely in an unsafe environment. Traditional narrow collars are deemed unsuitable for dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets, because they concentrate too much pressure on a small area and can be very dangerous for their delicate tracheas.
Don’t worry though, we have the solution! The best option for a long necked breed is a wide vegetable-tanned leather collar, for so many reasons. From better pressure distribution to slippage prevention to superior comfort, a wide leather collar gives you everything you need.
Let’s take a closer look at all of the ways we think this particular collar option is the best for your long necked friend!
Why Wide Collars Are Ideal for Whippets and Greyhounds
Pressure Distribution
The main concern when choosing a collar for a long necked dog is pressure distribution. In contrast to other breeds, sighthounds have hardly any fat around their necks, and this means that traditional collars can put too much pressure on a single small area which leads to discomfort or injury. A wider collar can spread this pressure out much more evenly, reducing the risk of damage to skin and muscle.
If your pup has a tendency to pull on its lead, then a narrow collar will concentrate force on the throat, which poses great risk of tracheal damage. In contrast, a wider collar can minimize this risk by dispersing the pressure.
Prevention of Slipping
Both Whippets and Greyhounds have a unique head shape that is actually narrower than their necks, which makes it very difficult for traditional collars to stay on. If your pup pulls backwards, it could even slip off entirely. To prevent this, a properly fitted wide collar will provide the best coverage, reducing the risk of a daring escape! For this particular purpose, martingale style side collars are great because they gently tighten when a dog pulls, but not in such a way that will hurt them.
Support for Delicate Tracheas
As we’ve already discussed, tracheal sensitivity is a real hot topic for long necked pups. Using the wrong design of collar can place way too much pressure on that area, resulting in anything from slight discomfort to serious breathing difficulties. A wide collar sits much lower on the neck, well away from the trachea, and this guarantees a much safer and more comfortable fit. If your Whippet or Greyhound has had any previous respiratory issues, then a wide collar is a no brainer.
The Benefits of Vegetable-Tanned Leather for Dog Collars
Natural and Non-Toxic
Vegetable-tanned leather is great for dog collars, especially if your pup has sensitive skin. Unlike chemically treated leather or synthetic materials, vegetable-tanned leather uses natural plant based tannins, which eliminates exposure to toxins or harsh chemicals that could irritate.
You need to be on the lookout for cheaper collars that contain lots of synthetic dyes, because they have the potential to cause rashes that can turn into discomfort. With vegetable-tanned leather, this isn’t something you have to worry about.
Durability and Strength
This kind of lather is also known for its impressive durability and strength, as opposed to synthetic materials that will degrade and crack over time. Vegetable-tanned leather actually improves with age, developing a lovely patina that matches your dog’s elegance!
This is especially important for active, lively dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets because you want to ensure that the collar you are using can stand up to their enthusiasm. The good news is veg-tanned leather is supple and comfortable whilst retaining its original sturdiness.
Breathability and Comfort
One of our favourite things about vegetable-tanned leather is its natural breathability. Synthetic materials do their best to trap all and any moisture, which can lead to nasty odor and bacteria buildup, but vegetable-tanned leather works against this and keeps a collar fresh for extended periods of wearing.
In terms of comfort, you can’t do much better, because the leather softens over time to mold to the unique shape of your pup’s neck. Ideal for a long necked breed that might have short fur and delicate skin.
Aesthetic Appeal
We all want to look great at the dog park, right!? Alongside all of the practical benefits, there is also the simple fact that vegetable-tanned leather has the most visual appeal of the bunch. The beautiful patina that we have already mentioned helps to give the collar a distinguished and elegant look over time, and vegetable-tanned leather can also be selected in a number of different natural hues to suit all kinds of coats.
What to Look for in a Wide Leather Collar for Whippets and Greyhounds
Width of the Collar
The perfect width of collar for a breed like a Whippet or Greyhounds is between 4cm and 5cm. This width is enough to ensure that pressure is distributed evenly to reduce any chance of discomfort. Avoid a narrow collar at all costs, because it is much more likely to dig into delicate skin.
High-Quality Leather
It’s always best to opt for the best quality leather that you can, and we have already sung the praises of full-grain vegetable tanned leather! It is strong enough, durable enough and won’t crack and wear over time when properly taken care of. It might be more of an investment initially, but you will find that the longevity it provides saves you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace it frequently.
Solid Brass Hardware
The best pairing with a vegetable-tanned wide collar is a sturdy brass buckle with a D-ring; the perfect combination for durability and style. Lesser quality hardware can rust and break over time, which leaves your dog in potential danger when out on an adventure. Always make sure that the hardware is securely attached to the collar to prevent the chance of unexpected detachment.
Adjustable Fit
Because Greyhounds and Whippets have such unique neck shapes, the ability to adjust a collar is absolutely essential. Seek out a collar that features a good number of adjustment holes that you can find the notch that provides the snuggest and most comfortable fit for your own pup. You don’t need us to tell you that an ill-fitting collar can be uncomfortable and dangerous!
Soft Interior Lining
An added feature that can help to prevent irritation and rubbing is a good quality lined or padded interior. This is particularly important for any breeds for short fur because their delicate skin is much more exposed and prone to chafing and rashes. A lot of vegetable-tanned leather collars are fitted with a softer leather lining, which makes them so much more comfortable than cheaper alternatives.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right collar for your long necked furry friend is one of the most crucial parts of ensuring their comfort, safety and well being. We have no doubts that wide vegetable-tanned leather collars are the best solution in this department, giving you all of the pressure distribution, slip prevention and trachea support that your canine companion needs.
Alongside all of the clear functional benefits, the fact that vegetable-tanned leather is completely natural and non-toxic, breathable and visually appealing all add to the desirability. The rich patina that develops over time is super charming, and you never have to worry about longevity or your pup’s comfort!
When you come to picking a new collar for your furry friend, the combination of width, leather quality, durability, adjustability and interior lining all need to be considered to guarantee that you are making the best choice possible for your pet.
Head over to The Lille Bjorn to check out the range of wonderful collars that we have in stock, we are positive that you will find something that suits all of your long necked pup’s needs. Your precious pet deserves nothing but the best, and we are happy to be able to provide that for you. Let’s make every daily walk an enjoyable and safe experience for the both of you!
