There’s more to choosing your dog collar than its looks and durability. You also want to be sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and generally healthy. Leather dog collars have been a top choice for years. That’s due to their strength, versatility and timeless appeal. It’s important to know that not all leather is the same.
The kind of leather and how it’s tanned plays a big role in how strong, durable, and safe the collar is. It also plays a role in the environmental impact of the collar. The same is true for dog leashes and dog harnesses. This article will compare vegetable tanned leather and chrome tanned leather, as you look for the best dog collar for your beloved pet.
Understanding Leather Tanning Options
Tanning is how leather is treated. It uses animal hides for this process and the type of tanning process influences the nature of the leather. That includes its longevity, durability, texture and environmental impact. There are two primary types of leather tanning: vegetable tanning and chrome tanning.
Keep reading for more information about both methods.
Chrome Tanning
This is a modern tanning process that uses chromium salts to treat the animal hides and produce leather. It’s the most common and accounts for 90 percent of the leather that’s created globally. It’s popular because it’s fast and efficient and costs less than other methods. Chrome tanning produces a finished product in just a couple of days.
Some of the characteristics to chrome tanned leather include:
- Durable: resistant to water and heat.
- Cost effective: faster and cheaper than vegetable tanning.
- Soft: softer and more pliable than vegetable tanned leather.
Considerations that go with chrome tanning include:
- Non-biodegradable: the chemicals used to make chrome tanned leather are not environmentally friendly and hard to dispose of safely.
- Toxicity: chromium salts might leave residue in the leather, which can be harmful to dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin.
- Odor: chromed tanned leather does not have antibacterial properties so it may take on an unpleasant odor with time.
Vegetable Tanning
Vegetable tanning is a process that has been used for centuries. It involves using plant tannins to treat leather. These tannins come from tree bark, fruit and leaves. The process takes several weeks, much longer than chrome tanning, but results in a biodegradable and comfortable product for making leather dog collars.
Some of the characteristics to vegetable tanned leather include:
- Durable: vegetable tanned leather is a bit stiff at first, but gets more supple over time, without compromising its quality.
- Eco-friendly: there are no chemicals used for vegetable tanning, so it’s an eco-friendly choice for dog owners looking for a dog collar, dog lead or dog harness that aligns with those values.
- Natural style: the color of vegetable tanned leather gives it character and the natural aging process complements this as your dog wears its collar.
Advantages of vegetable tanning include:
- Safe and non-toxic: vegetable tanned leather is free from chemicals and is the ideal choice for dogs with sensitive skin because there’s less risk of irritation and allergies.
- Antibacterial: natural tannins repel bacteria, which means a vegetable tanned leather collar stays fresh and odor free, even with daily wear.
- Biodegradable: vegetable tanned leather degrades naturally, which reduces the impact it has on the environment.
Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Stands Out for Dog Collars
High quality leather dog collars, like those from The Lille Bjorn are the best choice for dog collars, as well as dog leads and other accessories your pet uses. That’s because it offers a pleasing combination of durability, looks and safety. Let’s look at each of the characteristics in detail.
Antibacterial and Odor-Resistant
Tannins are naturally antibacterial. This is great for dog collars, and the accompanying dog leash, because it can withstand dirt, sweat and moisture. Active dogs do very well with vegetable tanned leather for this reason. Synthetic materials and chrome tanned leather doesn't resist bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors, something you won’t need to worry about when you choose vegetable tanned leather collars.
Comfortable
If your dog has sensitive skin, you’ll love the comfort provided by vegetable tanned leather. Synthetic and chemically treated materials often irritate your pet’s skin, leading to pain and discomfort. Vegetable tanned leather is breathable and optimizes air flow, which reduces chafing and keeps your furry friend comfortable, even with daily wear.
Durability
Vegetable tanned leather lasts for a long time because it’s so durable. It typically feels a bit stiff when it’s brand new but will soften nicely over time. That allows it to mold to your dog’s neck, providing a customized and comfortable fit. This is perfect for active dogs who wear their collar often.
Sustainability
If you’re eco-conscious, it makes sense that you want your dog’s collar to align with your values. Vegetable tanned leather is the superior choice in this case, as well as those listed above. That’s because it uses renewable resources and is biodegradable. When you choose such quality leather dog collars you practice sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint.
How to Choose the Best Leather for Your Dog Collar
When you choose high quality leather dog collars, you must balance function with safety and style. With that in mind, below you will find a step-by-step guide to help you find the right collar for your furry friend.
Step 1: Safety
Vegetable tanned leather is the top choice for dogs with sensitive skin. Without the chemicals used in other dog collars, it won’t itch and irritate your dog’s skin. Additionally, if your dog makes a habit of chewing on their collar, vegetable tanned leather is safe and won’t make them sick since it’s free of harmful residue.
Step 2: Durability
Active dogs, those who enjoy hiking, swimming or playing outside, will benefit from the water-resistant qualities of a vegetable tanned leather collar. Keep in mind that you should remove the collar when your pet goes in the water, but if it does get wet, be sure to let it air dry out of the sun. Consider also treating it with a water-resistant finish. Larger breeds of dogs will do better with wide leather dog collars or braided leather dog collars, both of which are sturdy and durable for their lifestyle.
Step 3: Aesthetics
The earthy, natural look of vegetable tanned leather is appealing because it pairs well with any kind of hardware, including brass and stainless steel. At the same time, vegetable tanned leather can be customized so you can have your pet’s name engraved on their collar or choose decorative stitching for a unique look.
Step 4: Maintenance
Since vegetable tanned leather is antibacterial, it’s fairly easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is gently wipe the material with a damp cloth to get rid of debris, dirt, slobber and sweat. You should also condition the leather on a regular basis, which helps preserve its softness and prevents cracking.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather vs. Other Leather Types
Have a look at this comparison chart to help you see why vegetable tanned leather is the best choice for your furry friend.
|
Feature |
Vegetable Tanned Leather |
Chrome Tanned Leather |
|
Safety |
Non-toxic |
Contains chemicals |
|
Durability |
Long lasting |
Possible chemical degradation |
|
Environmental Impact |
Biodegradable |
Non-biodegradable |
|
Antibacterial |
Yes |
No |
|
Odor Resistant |
Resists odors |
Retains odors |
|
Aesthetics |
Natural look |
Polished look |
Popular Vegetable-Tanned Leather Collars for Everyday Use
Below are some common types of collars made from vegetable tanned leather. Each is functional, but also eco-friendly and good looking.
Classic Flat Collars
This type of collar is ideal for everyday wear and features a simple design with a D-buckle closure. You can easily attach ID tags and a leash to a flat leather collar. This option is comfortable for most breeds and sizes of dogs.
Rolled Leather Collars
Rolled leather collars are best for dogs with long hair. They prevent matting and tangles due to the design. This is a great choice for your dog’s comfort, but also to maintain the look and feel of their fur.
Decorative Collars
If you want your dog to wear a stylish collar, there are decorative choices that work for many dogs. Look for decorative stitching, embossing or engraving. This lets you display your personal style when you are out and about with your dog.
Heavy Duty Collars
A heavy-duty leather collar is perfect for large and strong dogs, as well those who pull a lot on their leash. They feature heavier hardware and reinforced stitching so they can withstand active pets and powerful breeds.
Caring for Your Vegetable-Tanned Leather Collar
You can expect vegetable tanned leather to last for many years, but you can prolong its lifespan by taking good care of it. Check out these tips for doing just that.
- Clean regularly: use a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Condition: apply leather conditioner every couple of months, but don’t over condition.
- Limit moisture: to avoid weakening the leather, limit water exposure to make the collar last longer.
- Check for wear and tear: inspect the collar regularly to be sure it’s not getting worn out and posing safety risks.
Final Thoughts
The right dog collar prioritizes safety and comfort. If you also want to take care of the environment, vegetable tanned leather is the clear winner. It’s non-toxic, eco-friendly and attractive, while also being functional and safe to wear. You will love the timeless appeal of your dog’s collar and your pet will love how comfortable it feels to wear it.