Best Collars For Dogs Stress Tested For Durability and Style
Regardless of how well behaved your dog is, and despite how much you’d want him to run wild and free, your dog should be wearing a collar. This guide will look at the best collars for dogs available on the market today. Every dog needs a collar primarily because they need something on which to hang their license, ID and rabies vaccine tag. Dog collars play a vital role not only in helping identify your dog, but also keeping it safe for when you need to hold the dog away from potential danger. In case your pup gets lost, the ID and contact tags on the collar can be used to help them find their way back to you.
Overview of the top 10 dog collars
| Image | Product Name | Type of collar | Sizes | Price | Rating |
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Regular flat collar | Extra small, small, large and extra large | $$$ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Small, medium, large and extra large | $$ | ||
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Regular head collar | Extra small, small, medium and large | $$ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Small, medium, large and extra large | $$$ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Small – extra large | $$ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Extra small, small, medium and large | $ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Small, medium, large and extra large | $$ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Large and extra large | $$ | ||
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Regular flat collar | Small, medium and large | $ | ||
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Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Multicolored Stripe Dog Collar |
Regular flat collar | Small, medium and large | $ |
The best dog collar brands
If you are shopping for a new dog collar, you should consider buying from reputable brands like:
Lupine
Dog collars manufactured by this company are reliable and adjustable. They are available in up to seven colors and feature a wide variety of designs like flowers and fish. The company offers a great replacement package, which is valid even when your pooch chews it up. They come in various sizes and are therefore ideal for every breed.
UpCountry
Dog collars by this brand are anything but dull. They come in plenty of fun designs ranging from cute squirrels to classic houndstooth. There are also holiday-themed collars so that your dog looks stylish during special occasions. The brand’s collars are all made in the US and are fray resistant as well as machine washable.
PetMate
It is another reputable collar company that also makes other pet products like leashes and beds. And while some may be skeptical about products from a brand that manufactures various types of products, you can rest assured that PetMate products are of high quality. PetMate makes sturdy nylon dog collars of different sizes, colors, shapes and designs that are meant for different dog breeds.
Ruffwear
Ruffwear collars are specially designed for overly active dogs that love the outdoors and who abuse their gear. They are a great option for dog owners who like to bring their pets along for a mountain climb or hikes. And while the designs are simple, Ruffwear collars are very tough and durable. The company produces various types of collars along with other pet products.
The Good Dog Company
This company produces beautiful collars made from hemp, a strong, durable and environment-friendly fiber. The collars come in incredible designs, textures and colors making it easy for you to find something that suits your dog. Some of them even come with dog bones for the playful pet.
Harry Barker
The leopard print dog collars designed and manufactured by Harry Barker are quite cute. Don’t worry if leopard print isn’t your kind of thing because there are other designs too. Harry Barker collars are designed with quick release to ensure that in case your dog gets snagged or loose, the collar will come loose protecting your pooch from harm. The company uses webbing that’s made from 100% certified plastic bottles, and this earned Harry Barker a sustainability award.
Types of dog collars
Dog collars come in various types and styles that choosing one that reflects your dog’s personality. They are widely classified into regular, aversive and special-use collar.
Regular collars
Flat collar: It is the standard dog collar and features a plastic snap or buckle closure as well as a ring that can be used for attaching the leash and identification tags.
Head collar: It uses the same principle as a horse’s halter in that one strap sits high on the head and around your pet’s neck while the other strap forms a loop around the muzzle. It is a great option for energetic dogs that are always jumping up and down. It’s also excellent for controlling a dog that is constantly pulling.
Martingale collar: Otherwise known as a limited-slip collar, this collar is specially designed for dogs that are adept at slipping out of their collars or have a narrow neck. It features a length material with a metal ring at all ends. A separate material passes through the ring such that the collar tightens each time the dog tries to back out of the collar.
Aversive collars
These are designed to train difficult dogs with punishment and correction. They rely on pain and physical discomfort to teach dogs what they shouldn’t do. They may cause your dog to become aggressive and sometimes bite you and at best, they are unpleasant for dogs.
Choke chain: It is made of metal links and specially designed to sit high up on the dog’s neck just behind the ears such that it can tighten around the neck when need arises. It can easily choke your dog since there is no way of controlling the degree to which it tightens around the neck. It can also cause other problems like neck sprains, injured blood vessels and more. It’s not recommended for use on dogs.
Shock collar: It relies on electric current to give your dog a signal that can range from a tingle to a full on painful shock. They are mainly sold to stop barking and as training devices. The electric shock can be administered using a remote control by dog trainers. They are thought to instill anxiety and fear in to your dog and we wouldn’t recommend them either.
Special-use collars
Bark control: They are used to control unwanted barking but they don’t do much in the way of identifying or solving underlying issues that cause consistent barking.
Flea/tick collars: They are impregnated with medical chemicals that protect and treat your dog for fleas and ticks. It has to be replaced regularly as it’s only effective for a short time and can be worn alongside the regular collar.
GPS collar: It uses global positioning technology to pinpoint your dog’s location in case he’s lost.
Elizabethan collar: It is a wide, plastic cone shaped collar that helps prevent your dog from licking wounds as they heal. They’re also known as lampshade collars.
Vibrating collar: It is useful for training deaf dogs and uses vibration, not electric current to get your dog’s attention.
If you are in the market for a new collar, look no further. A good collar is a must-have accessory for every dog owner and while what you choose for your pet depends on plenty of factors, knowing more about the best products in the market can help ensure the best for your pet. Here are our top picks for best dog collars.
Our pick of the best collars for dogs
Masai Leather Beaded Collar By Twiga
These beaded leather collars are made by the Masai women of Kenya and despite their intricate design, they are ideal for daily use. There are various colors to choose from and since they are handmade, each one is unique from the others. The collars feature a stripe pattern design and there are a variety of sizes that can fit all sorts of dog breeds ranging from Golden Retriever to German Shepherd.
Salt Dog Studios Navy Striped PJs Dog Collar
This fabric collar has an incredible pajama-inspired stripes design. It is handmade in Whitstable, Kent, and has a webbing core that keeps it strong enough for active dogs. It also has a velvet lining that gives a luxe look. It’s easily washable and comes in six different sizes.
The Canny Collar
This is a simple, training dog collar that is designed to eliminate pulling on the leash as well as walking your dog fun. Its behind the head design makes this collar fit, simple to use, safe, effective, kind and comfortable; thus helping transform even the worst pullers to well behaved doggies. Shortly after its launch, the Canny Collar was voted best New Product by the UK Pet Product Retail Association.
Bestia Bijou Studded Collar
The handiwork on this studded dog collar is simply stunning. Available in four different sizes, the Bestia Bijou Studded Collar is designed to offer maximum comfort for your dog. It is made of 100% leather on both the inside and outside. It has a real leather cushion on the inside that’s gentle to your pup’s neck. The metal parts are plated either in brass or gold, making for a trully unique design.
Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
This beautiful leather collar is made from durable chocolate-brown saddler leather and features a light blue, soft lining. It comes in different sizes ideal for different types of dogs, and in several color combinations as the lining. We dig it!
Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Nylon Dog Collar
While this collar doesn’t stretch, its simple design is something that most dog owners love. It comes in four sizes and is made of nylon fabric with high density webbing for additional durability. The metal D ring is plated while the buckles are made from environment friendly plastic.
Peri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar
This dog collar comes in two types – the Brown one has solid brass hardware while the Black one comes with stainless steel hardware. It is available in various color combinations and the soft lambskin padding makes it comfortable to wear. The styling is simple, but classic making it a worthy investment for your pup.
Kingston Genuine Leather Padded Dog Collar
This sturdy dog collar is handmade from Ecofriendly Premium Choice Tanned Buffalo Hide, which is known for its minimal stretch, durability and strength. The padded leather interior allows for comfort while the large brass D-ring allows for ease of training. It has a solid brass buckle with lacquer finish, which adds to the uniqueness of the design. It is the perfect collar for medium sized breeds.
Personalized Dog Collar From Custom Catch
If you are in the market for a customizable dog collar, then this is it. You can get yours engraved with whatever details you want including name and phone number. You also get to choose your preferred text styles as well as bone, heart or paw designs. In addition, it is made of leather in Vermont.
Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Multicolored Stripe Dog Collar
Available in three sizes, this collar is made with eco-friendly plastic. It features 3M reflective threads that are embedded in part of the Nylon webbing. It also has a loop that can be used for attaching ID tags, charms, pendants and other accessories.
What to consider when buying a dog collar
Dogs are known to be a man’s best friend and that’s part of the reason why we love them so much. Dog collars are important accessories that every pet owner should get for their dog. It’s not just necessary for training and identification purposes, it also comes in handy when it comes to styling these adorable creatures.
With the huge variety of dog collars available in the market, it is understandable why pet owners often feel overwhelmed when faced with the task of choosing the right collar for their dogs. In addition to the type of collar, there are various factors that one should consider when in the market for a dog collar.
Fit: It should be good enough such that it isn’t too loose or tight. Your dog should feel comfortable while wearing the collar.
Size of the dog: The size of your dog is a critical factor to keep in mind. Be sure to take the measurement of your pooch’s neck before heading to the store because you don’t want to buy a collar that’s either too loose or too tight. If you aren’t sure about the size of your dog’s neck, you can purchase a collar with adjustable ends.
Width of the collar: Many pet owners prefer thinner collars as they are lightweight. You should however avoid these as large dogs can easily snap them. You can opt for nylon collars as they provide a perfect combination of thinness and strength. Collars that are too thin can present a choking hazard while wider collars offer better distribution of pressure from the leash.
Material of the collar: Many collars are made of either nylon or leather. Nylon is a great option as it offers the best mix of convenience and strength. It can be used immediately after washing it. Leather collars, on the other hand, are high maintenance and require conditioning to keep them supple after cleaning.
Decorative collars: These come in all materials and designs. And while they may help style your dog more uniquely, it is important to remember that your dog will be wearing a collar. As such, ensure that the safety and comfort of your dog take precedence when choosing a design.
Budget: This is something that shouldn’t be overlooked when purchasing a dog collar. You want to ensure that you get the best for however much your financial standing can afford you.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, who would have thought there’s so much to think about when considering the best collar for dogs on the market today. Hopefully you’ve found a new stylish dog collar to show off on your next trip to the park