Every dog owner knows how important a dog collar is. Not only is it used to show that the dog has an owner, but it also allows the owner to hook on a dog leash so that he can take the dog for a walk.
Of course, you can’t just buy any collar. You need to buy a quality collar so that your dog won’t bite it to pieces. This is why you need to buy the best dog collar you can find. But how to choose the best one for your dog?
We’ve compiled a list of the best dog collars you can find in the market. Let’s check them out along with some additional information.
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Last update on 2023-12-04 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Dog Collar
When you go to a pet store, you’ll probably encounter a number of collars on the shelf. There are so many different kinds of collars that you might be a little confused on which one to choose. To make the process easier, you just have to consider the following factors:
Material
The material isn’t very crucial when you make your buying decision; however, it will make a difference in the overall feel of the collar. The three commonly used materials for making a collar are leather, cotton, and nylon.
Obviously, leather is very durable but can easily get bite marks from your dog. Nylon, on the other hand, has more flexibility and is less susceptible to bite marks. Lastly, cotton is the most comfortable but not the most durable. The material you choose will really depend on your dog’s size, behavior, and preference.
Type
A collar’s type is a more important factor as it determines its structure and design. The standard type is the most common which usually uses buckles as fasteners. It’s very secure and usually comes with a safety clip to keep the strap in place.
Another type is the slip or choke chain collar. This type is made of either nylon or metal and would have a metal ring at one end. This is where you attach your dog’s leash. It is because of this feature that collars of this type are likewise known as dog training collars.
There’s also the halters and dog harness type. Such collars are attached to the body of your dog and are considered the best dog collars for large dogs. It’s also easier for you to pull your dog back whenever he wants to run off. Moreover, it won’t choke your dog since it’s firmly strapped to his body.
Size
Size is actually an important factor because you don’t want the collar to be too tight on your dog’s neck. In order to measure whether a standard collar is a good fit, try fitting two fingers inside. If it’s too tight on your fingers, then the collar is too small.
However, if it’s pretty loose and your dog seems pretty comfortable, then it’s okay. If you’re buying a choke chain or slip collar, the benchmark is a space of 2.5 to 3 inches between the neck and the collar.
Other Considerations
While the above-mentioned factors are the main ones to look at, you should also take note of other considerations. For example, you should take into account the age of your dog. If he’s still young, then you can’t use a choke chain because it might damage your dog’s throat.
Another factor is the dye in the collar. Some dogs are allergic to the dye and might get skin allergies if the dye comes off. If your dog happens to have a very sensitive skin, then it’s not recommended that you buy nylon collars since nylon types lose dye the most. It is recommended to buy a leather type without any dye so that your dog won’t be exposed to that.
You may also want to consider the buckle on your dog’s collar. This isn’t that important, but a collar with an easy-to-use buckle will be much easier to use when you want to slip the collar on your dog. We prefer plastic buckles since they’re quite durable, are mostly scratch-resistant, and rust-proof. They’re also usually clip-on types, so they’re pretty easy to use.
15 Best Dog Collars
Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar
This beautifully designed collar is made of nylon fabric which makes it very durable. The buckle is also made to be durable as it is chrome-coated, thus making it both scratch and bite-proof. It also comes in many different colors like royal blue, florence orange, turquoise, french pink, neon green, and dark orchid.
What We Like:
- Highly durable buckle and strap
- Comes in many different colors
- A bite and scratch-proof buckle
- Features a chrome coated buckle
- Available in customizable sizes
- Suitable for almost any dog breed
What We Don’t Like:
- Not very flexible unlike other materials
- Can be torn apart if the dog bites it too much
Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
Superbly Crafted Collar for Your Furry Friend
If you’re looking for perfect craftsmanship, this collar is the one you’re looking for. It is made of a naturally tanned sheepskin leather padding which makes it very soft and comfortable for your dog. It also has a solid brass buckle and D-ring to complete the whole look. It has a very beautiful color combination of brown and cream that goes with any fur color.
What We Like:
- Beautiful color combination of cream and brown
- Made of sheepskin leather for maximum comfort
- Very soft texture for your dog
- Beautiful and elegant design
- Comes with rust-resistant buckles
- Comes with a ring for attaching the leash
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite pricey for a collar
- A bit too bulky for smaller dogs
Black Rhino Ultra Soft Neoprene Padded Dog Collar
The Perfect Dog Collar For All Times Of Day, All Weather
The Black Rhino neoprene dog collar has a lot to offer pet owners looking for a hardwearing, all weather collar. It’s incredibly durable, with a lot of safety features to enhance your pups protection during a walk. It is also super-soft and lightweight, ensuring complete comfort and practicality, all in one well-made product.
Owners who like to walk their dogs at dawn or dusk when it is dark will appreciate the reflective stitching, making the dog more visible to vehicles. If it rains or you just have a particularly messy dog, the collar stands up well. It’s neoprene so it dries really quickly, and it resists stinky odors dogs are prone to picking up too. With all these features, you’d think the collar is heavy and uncomfortable for your pooch. Through thorough testing and design, the collar is actually very lightweight and soft, so there’s no compromise on comfort for the sake of durability and quality.
For active dogs, this collar is a really great choice. It’s incredibly durable without being heavy and irritating. It also holds up well to large breed use as a great alternative to chains and other uncomfortable options.
Why We Like It:
- Reflective stitching
- Lightweight and soft
- Quick-dry
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not stand up well to chewing
- Buckle clasp may not be favoured by all owners
Wolfgang Man & Beast Webbing Puppy Dog Collar
Snazzy Dog Collar For Medium-Large Stylish Pets
If you’re looking for a dog collar that truly makes your dog stand out from the crowd, Wolfgang Man & Beast could well have the answer. They’ve created a truly gorgeous collar that’s not just a practical wear for your dog, but a true accessory that is stylish, expressive, and also incredibly well made.
Despite the obvious beauty of the Wolfgang Man & Beast collar, it also has a lot of great practical features too. It’s incredibly durable as it is made with abrasion-resistant polyester webbing with hot-cut ends to help slow fraying. It is also very easy to clean with warm water and dish soap, and it is resistant to mildew, stains, and water soakage. With features like these, you can hopefully enjoy the attractive look of this collar on your pooch for many, many walks.
Owners with strong dogs will love the fact this collar has been pull tested to over 800 pounds. This makes it fantastic for keeping your pet on a leash, particularly with the powder-coated, heavy-duty steel D-ring with a welded seam to keep your leash clip securely in place.
Why We Like It:
- Tough & durable
- Beautiful design
- Easy to clean
- Mildew and water resistant
What We Don’t Like:
- Colour vibrancy may not be as long-lasting as expected
- Clasp may not be durable enough for very strong dogs
Kurgo Waterproof Dog Collar
Ideal for a Water-Loving Canine
If your dog likes to swim a lot, then the Kurgo Waterproof dog collar is perfect. Unlike most dog collars, this one is made to withstand any effects of being wet. Aside from it being resistant to getting soaked, it also doesn’t let any odor stick since the collar doesn’t absorb any type of bacteria. It’s also very durable as it’s made of a special webbing material.
What We Like:
- Features a lifetime warranty in case of defects
- Waterproof, dirt proof, and odor proof
- The best collar for hunting dogs who are always in the forests or hiking trails with their owners
- Made of a rust-proof and PVC-free material
- Very easy to clean
- Comes in various designs
What We Don’t Like:
- The thick build prompts the buckle to stick out which may be a problem for your dog
PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
A Gentle Collar to Keep your Pet Safe
This collar is one of the best dog collars for walking. It has the No-Pull Headcollar feature which allows you to control your dog with just a light tug. This allows you to pull your dog back from barking and running at people with just a gentle movement. It’s also really comfortable as it’s made of nylon and neoprene.
What We Like:
- Allows gentle tugging instead of hard pulling
- Comes with nylon straps and a nose loop for optimum comfort
- The package comes with an instruction manual and DVD
- The maker has a really good and quick customer support for any concerns or queries
What We Don’t Like:
- It may snap if your dog is big or very strong
Custom Embroidered Dog Collar for the Wandering Pet
If your dog likes to run away and roam around a lot, this personalized dog collar is the perfect solution. The GoTags collar is one of the best reflective dog collars you can find in the market since it has a very bright color which anyone can see at night. It also has your dog’s name and phone number stitched on it so that anyone who finds your dog can give your house a call and return your pet to you.
What We Like:
- Comes with very visible and bright colors
- Has your dog’s name and phone number stitched to it
- Made of very durable nylon and has a stainless steel D-ring
- Comes in various colors depending on your preference
What We Don’t Like:
- The buckle is rather flimsy for big and strong dogs
Illumiseen LED Dog Collar
A Fancy Collar that Glows
This is a favorite among a lot of dog owners because it allows them to see their dogs at night. Even if your dog hides in the bushes or somewhere in your front yard, you’ll be able to spot him easily from your window due to the glow in the dark LED light. It can also save your dog’s life if ever he crosses the street at night.
What We Like:
- It helps increase your dog’s safety
- Comes with adjustable lights
- Features several modes of flashing lights within your control
- Includes a USB battery pack that’s rechargeable and long-lasting
- Easy to put on
What We Don’t Like:
- The charging port is a bit flimsy and may break from the collar
Mighty Paw Neoprene Padded Dog Collar
A Mighty Collar for Your Mighty Paw
The Mighty Paw Padded collar is like a piece of sports equipment for your dog. It was built for dogs who like to run, hike, and play frisbee with their owners. It’s made of a very tough and premium quality material that can’t be torn easily. It’s also made of a reflective material so that the collar can be seen around your dog even at night.
What We Like:
- Made of strong nylon and neoprene padding
- Features a reflective stitch for night time exercise
- Includes a money back guarantee
- Weatherproof and bite-proof
What We Don’t Like:
- Its hook and loop lock feature sometimes gets stuck in your dog’s hair
OneTigris Military Adjustable Dog Collar with Metal D Ring & Buckle
Perfect for Dogs Who Look or Want to Look Tough
The OneTigris collar is all about style. With its thick military design, it’s designed to make your dog look tough. Its design especially goes with the bigger and more muscular dogs like the German shepherd or Doberman. Aside from looks, it’s also very durable and comfortable at the same time with its interior cushion pad.
What We Like:
- A military style design with a big buckle
- Features a nylon strap and padded cushion
- Comes with a big metal D-ring and buckle
- The D-ring is big enough to easily attach any heavy duty leash
What We Don’t Like:
- The buckle is not rust proof
- The nylon can get chewed up if your dog is strong
Lionet Paws Dog And Cat Collar With Bowtie
Strut Your Dog in Style and Class
If bow ties are your thing, then you’d probably like this collar. The great thing about it is that it’s very comfortable as it’s made of a very soft cotton fabric. Compared to other collars made of leather or nylon, your dog might like this the most as it has a really nice feel to it.
What We Like:
- Made of 100% soft cotton fabric
- A wide range of styles
- Buckles are made of stainless steel
- Looks really cute
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s not very durable
StrawberryEC Puppy Collars for Small Dogs
A Cute Collar for a Cute Size Pup
This one goes well with both cats and dogs. It’s made of a very soft polyester fabric material that’s very durable and long-lasting. It also has a really trendy look because it looks exactly like a bandana. It’s great for small dogs who like to stay outdoors most of the time.
What We Like:
- Nice bandana design
- A 5-hole adjustable width
- Comes in different colors and designs
What We Don’t Like:
- It can tear quite easily
AOLOVE Basic Classic Padded Leather Pet Collar
Classic Design for Your Tiny Buddies
This beautiful dog collar is perfect for smaller dogs and looks exactly like a watch strap. Since it’s made of durable leather, it’s both scratch and bite-proof even if your dog has sharp teeth. It also has a nickel plated buckle and D-ring for added durability.
What We Like:
- Made of durable leather
- Rust and corrosion-proof buckle
- Looks really nice
What We Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for use on bigger dogs
If It Barks 1.5″ Martingale Collar
A Martingale Collar That’s Perfect for Dog Training
It’s probably one of the best martingale dog collars you’ll ever find. Being a slip collar type, it allows you to control your dog without putting too much pressure on its neck. This allows you to use it for training purposes. It’s also available in a variety of colors and designs to suit your dog.
What We Like:
- Gives control of your dog without putting a lot of pressure on him
- Ideally used for training purposes
- Doesn’t get ripped off easily
- Looks very stylish
What We Don’t Like:
- Large breed dogs may break the collar with ease
Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar
Simple Design Yet Fully Functional
This brand combines simplicity with quality. It may not look flashy like the other collars on this list, but it does give off an elegant vibe that will definitely fit any dog. It’s also very strong as it is made of tough leather. Basically, it’s functionality and style combined into one.
What We Like:
- Classy color combinations
- Can be used even during physical activities
- Bite and scratch proof
- Not very expensive
What We Don’t Like:
- The sizes may differ from other collar brands so they’re a bit confusing at first
FAQs
Q: Are dog collars safe?
A: While dog collars are generally safe, it will really depend on how it is used. Even the best leather dog collars aren’t safe from dog collar accidents. The way to prevent any accidents is to always choose high-quality dog collars for your dog.
Choosing the right one based on size, type, and other factors will help lessen the risks of any accidents that may occur when you take your dog outside. We recommend that you always go through the buying guide before you buy a dog collar so that you know how to choose the right one for your buddy.
Q: How do I know what size of a dog collar to get?
A: In the buying guide, we gave a rough idea on how to determine the size of the collar. If you feel like going into the specifics, we can determine the size by using the dog’s neck as a base measurement. There are several sizes you can choose from but mostly they fall into 4 groups: XS, S, M, and L.
If your dog’s neck is somewhere around 8-11 inches, an XS collar with a collar width of ¾ inches will do. If your dog’s neck is around 11-15 inches, you’d best get an S collar with a width of ¾ inches. For necks ranging from 15-22 inches, you have to get an M collar with a collar width of 1.5 inches. Lastly, necks ranging from 19-30 inches need an L size collar with 1.5 inches of collar width.
Q: How tight should a dog collar be?
A: As mentioned in the buying guide, you have to make sure that your two fingers perfectly fit in between the neck and the collar without choking your dog. If your dog feels uncomfortable while your two fingers are there, then it’s too tight.
If you want to be totally safe, then you can also customize the size of your collar. Most pet shops are able to create collars that are an exact fit on your dog’s neck. Of course, you may have to pay a bit more, but it’s worth it anyway.
The best thing is that if you customize the size, you can customize the design too. With this, you can get the best-personalized dog collars for your dog.
Q: How to clean a dog collar?
A: The best way to clean a dog collar is to soak it in dog shampoo so that it won’t cause allergies on your dog. First, boil some warm water and put dog shampoo into the water until bubbles form. Soak the collar in the water for around 15 minutes and then take it out. Rub it against itself a few times to take out any dirt and grime while washing it in the water again. Keep on rubbing until no more grime comes out.
If the collar smells really bad, put baking soda in the water instead of soap. In the same way, rub the collar against itself until the smell goes away. This method also allows you to take out the very hard-to-remove stains and grime.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for the best dog collar for walking or pulling, we can all agree that our dogs need to have the best dog collars there is for them. This is why we compiled the list of the best collars that we know of based on features and overall experience. Your dog definitely deserves the best, so you as an owner have to buy only the best.