As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry friend, from the food they eat to the toys they play with. This includes the all-important dog collar and dog leash. Not only do you want it to look stylish and feel comfortable, but you probably also care about the materials it’s made from.
Among the many choices available, leather happens to be the best. That’s especially true if you choose vegetable tanned leather. The combination of comfort, durability and sustainability just makes sense.
Keep reading to find out
Why Investing in a Leather Dog Collar is Such a Great Idea.
Longevity and Durability
There aren’t many materials that come close to the longevity and durability offered by leather. Vegetable tanned leather is even better. Unlike synthetic materials, leather dog collars won’t fray, crack, or tear for many years. In fact, high quality leather dog collars will last for decades, even if they are worn every day.
Vegetable tanning uses the tannins in plants, such as oak or chestnut. The process creates more robust dog collars by making the material strong and flexible so it ages well over time. The process is also ideal for use on dog leashes and dog harnesses. With each walk, the leather evolves, developing a patina that narrates its journey and adds unique character. At the same time, the leather softens, becoming more supple and comfortable, offering both style and lasting durability.
If you have an active dog, thick leather dog collars are going to be very useful. Whether your dog loves rolling in the grass, walking around your neighborhood, or running around on the hiking trails, leather will hold up. Because it softens over time, your dog’s movements will help the leather mold to a custom and comfortable fit for your furry friend.
Ideal for Sensitive Skin
When you choose quality leather dog collars from The Lille Bjorn, durability is important. But it’s also vital to consider your dog’s skin. Synthetic materials can irritate, causing redness, itching, blistering and other uncomfortable issues. Choosing leather means more comfort and safety for your pet’s skin, especially for those with allergies.
Vegetable tanned leather is gentle on a dog’s skin. There are no harsh chemicals used and the natural tanning process creates a smooth and breathable collar that won’t chafe or irritate your pet’s skin. Any other products that come into contact with your dog’s body, such as a dog harness should be made from leather too.
As your dog wears their collar, the material will break in, which means it will mold to their body shape and be as comfortable as possible. This keeps the material from rubbing the skin and causing discomfort. Leather is ideal for everyday wear and makes the most sense for your pet.
Fresh and Hygienic
Another often overlooked perk to choosing vegetable tanned leather for dog collars and dog leads is that it resists odor and bacteria. Your dog’s collar is probably exposed to dirt, saliva, sweat and sometimes water, all of which can make synthetic materials stinky and unhygienic. That’s not the case with leather, as long as it’s maintained and well cared for.
The natural tannins contained in vegetable tanned leather enhances this benefit even more. They are naturally antimicrobial, which means treated leather will repel fungi and bacteria, keeping your pet’s collar, dog lead, and harness fresh. Breathability is optimized with vegetable tanned leather, another way it prevents the buildup of unpleasant smells. Keep in mind that this decreases with time, so you may need to replace the collar with a new leather version at some point.
Vegetable tanned materials are great for your dog leash and collar if you spend a lot of time outdoors. It holds up well, even for the most active dog. While you should try to avoid letting your dog get their collar wet, if it happens, be sure to let it air dry, out of the sun.
Timeless Style
The best leather dog collars are those that look fantastic, while also serving their intended purpose. Sure, synthetic collars may come in a variety of bright colors, but vegetable-tanned leather offers stunning hues while exuding unmatched quality. Its premium look and feel not only enhance your pet's style but also complement your own, making it a best choice for pets and their humans.
The great thing about leather, especially vegetable tanned leather, is that it gains a lovely patina over time. This natural aging of the materials gives your dog personality and holds up to all of your adventures.
One of the great things about leather is how beautifully it pairs with brass, a top choice for its durability and timeless appeal. Brass hardware adds a touch of elegance and strength, and leather collars can also be personalized with name embossing, making them unique and special.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is becoming a priority for more and more people, including responsible dog owners. While some synthetic materials are petroleum-based, which are harmful to the environment and contribute to pollution when thrown away. Leather is much more eco-friendly.
Vegetable tanning is done with natural materials, such as tree bark and plant extracts, which means there aren’t harsh chemicals like in other tanning methods. Not only is the collar biodegradable, but it also has a smaller environmental impact during production. Also, since leather is so durable, there’s less waste involved because they won’t need to be replaced as often as synthetic dog collars.
When you choose leather, especially vegetable tanned leather, you can align your personal eco-conscious values with your purchase. At the same time, you’re investing in a high-quality collar that will last for many years.
Keep in mind that chrome tanned leather is another option. However, the process uses harsh chemicals that can be toxic for dogs. If your pet likes to chew or bite their leash, collar or harness, this won’t be a safe choice.
Leather for Everyday Wear
Your dog wears its collar every day. For that reason, you want it to be durable and comfortable, while also being able to match up with the leash, dog ID tags and harness that you use when you walk your pet.
In addition to comfort leather is naturally strong and durable, making it ideal for daily wear, even for active dogs. While it withstands wear and tear better than synthetic materials, both can be affected by prolonged sun exposure. Harsh sunlight can dry out leather's natural oils, leading to stiffness or cracking, while synthetic materials may dry out and develop cracks or tears over time. Unlike synthetics, leather can be conditioned to restore its flexibility and ensure long-lasting performance, even in challenging conditions.
With proper care, vegetable tanned leather can also withstand time in the water. If your dog gets its collar wet, be sure to let it air dry and then apply a good quality leather conditioner to keep it in good shape.
Caring for Your Leather Dog Collar
In addition to choosing the most premium leather dog collar, you’ve got to take good care of it so it lasts a long time. Fortunately, there’s not a lot of maintenance required to keep it in tip top shape. Consider the following steps:
- Clean regularly - your dog’s leather collar needs to be cleaned with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt and other debris. Every so often, do a deep clean, with a leather cleaner that’s made for vegetable tanned leather.
- Condition - to keep leather from cracking and becoming brittle, apply a leather conditioner every few months, and anytime the collar gets wet.
- Avoid too much water - while leather can withstand some water exposure, it’s best to remove the collar for longer times spent swimming or splashing around . When your dog’s collar does get wet, let it air dry.
- Mud should also be avoided as much as possible as dried on mud will degrade the leather.
- Store properly - when your dog isn’t wearing its collar or you’re not using its leather leash or harness, keep it a cool, dry place, away from sun and heat, which prevents fading and other damage.
These easy steps ensure that your dog’s collar lasts for many years and is clean, safe and comfortable for your furry friend to wear all day, every day.
Why Leather is Worth the Investment
You’ll probably pay more for a leather collar up front than you will a synthetic one. However, you won’t be replacing the collar as often, saving you money in the long run. A well-made vegetable tanned leather collar will last a decade, if not more, as long as you care for it properly. At the same time, its timeless appearance means it won’t go out of style.
At the same time, your dog will be safe, clean and comfortable when the collar is around its neck. The hygienic benefits of vegetable tanned leather means you won’t have to spend too much time worrying about bacteria and fungi that can lead to irritation or illness. And you can feel good about making an eco-conscious choice since leather is sustainable and biodegradable. There’s never been a better option for your beloved dog than a leather collar.
Conclusion
And, if that wasn’t great enough, you’re also contributing to sustainability efforts and leaving a smaller carbon footprint. There’s never been a better time to treat your dog to the luxury and beauty of a well-made vegetable tanned leather dog collar.