What to Look for When Purchasing a New Dog Collar

Searching for a new pet collar can be an exciting, but stressful time. There are many different styles, materials, and features; After a while, they may seem to run together. Luckily, we’ve composed a buyer’s guide just for you! Finding the right style will not only keep your pet safe, but it will also allow them to be more comfortable!

Collar Styles

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  Martingale

  Great for pets that pull away on a leash, obedience training, escape artist pups, and your everyday walk in the park!

  Mostly used as a training collar, this style is widely known for its “no buckle” design... That’s right! No buckle. Because this collar is made without a clasp, it’s meant to be slipped on over the dog’s head. Though it may be different at first to get used to, the benefits are tremendous. Once the collar is sized properly and you attach the leash for a walk, the collar will gently tighten around your dog’s neck. Not only does this teach your dog to not pull away, but it also prevents them from pulling out of the collar and escaping.




• Standard Dog Collar

  

  Can be made for all breeds and all sized pups! Made for daily wear and pairs well with I.D. tags, Vet Tags, and leashes.

  

  The standard dog collar is considered the most basic, but the most used. Featuring a quick release buckle, this collar is great for everyday use and easy on / off. This style is very durable and can be used on the tiniest yorkies to the largest mastiffs. Also, the standard dog collar can be made two different ways. The first type, Deluxe, has a black plastic buckle that makes for a lightweight, but sturdy collar that is compatible for all breeds. The second type, Premium, features a metal buckle that is great for Medium - Extra Large breeds. Due to the added weight of the metal hardware, it’s best not to be put on Small - Tiny pups.




• Martingale with Buckle

  Made for pets that need a training style collar, but also need a quick release for easy on / off.

  

  This style is a mixture of the two styles mentioned above. It is a no-slip out training collar that functions like a martingale, but has an additional clasp for easy on and off. This collar can be created with a plastic buckle (deluxe) or a metal buckle (premium).

  


• 

  Half-Check

  Recommended for Medium - large breeds and used as a leash training collar.

  Widely known for its chain, half-check collars are similar to the martingale in functionality. The only difference is that instead of a material “loop”, this collar has a chain loop. Because this style has a metal chain, it’s best if it’s used by Medium - Extra Large breeds.



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  Traditional

  A daily worn collar made to fit most pups, that does not feature a quick release buckle.

  This style is considered the building blocks of collars today as it has been around the longest. The best comparison would be a belt that keeps your pants up. It has a metal tongue buckle on one end and multiple holes on the other end. Because of the many holes allowed, it has maximum adjusting capabilities.



• 

  Replacement Collar

  Made to replace your dogs existing fence receiver collar if the original gets damaged or worn.

  Like the deluxe collar, the replacement features a black plastic buckle. However, this collar is used when your pups existing receiver collar needs replacing..Hence, “Replacement collar”. You will attach the fence receiver, then adjust it to fit your dog’s neck size. Because this collar is not sewn down, the neck size range is much more than that of other styles.



• 

  Harness

  Made for most breeds and acts as a safe walking mechanism. This device is not to be worn all the time.

  The harness can be used in place of a martingale or other training collar. It allows your pup to be safely walked on a leash, and gives more control with large breeds.



• 

  Head Halter

  Suitable for most breeds, and used as an alternative for collar / leash training.

  Used to go around the dog’s muzzle, this style works well for pups that like to bark a lot while being walked. When attached to a leash, you can control your dog with a “where the nose goes, the body follows” approach.



• 

  Slip lead

  Due to the limitless adjustability, this style works for all breeds and doubles as a collar and leash.

  The slip lead is widely used for grooming, and shelter services. It allows workers to “loop and go” without having to attach a collar and leash when being transported. They are also used for hunting dogs, and dog shows.

Collar Materials

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  Designer / Cloth

  Cloth collars are used for pet fashion and everyday collar wear. They are constructed with a polypro or nylon core and sewn fabric wrapped around. Most cloth collars are washable when they become dirty, but tend to wear faster than other materials.



• 

  Polyester

  Polyester material collars are durable and soft to the touch. Considering they have UV, mold, and mildew resistant fibers throughout, they make for a great outdoor collar. Also, because they are washable, if your pet likes to get into water, they will clean nicely. Polyester comes in multiple thicknesses from Featherweight - Heavy duty to accommodate any size pup! The only downside of polyester is that it can hold smell. If the collar isn’t washed after getting dirty, there is a greater chance that it will trap in bad odor.



• 

  Nylon

  Nylon collars are long lasting and built for rugged pups. It is a soft woven material, but is sturdy enough to withstand pets that pull excessively. You may also see nylon collars with grosgrain ribbon sewn atop to add a colorful flair. Due to its woven nature, nylon material can stretch slightly over time, or if washed on a regular basis.



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  Leather

  Though leather collars may be on the pricey side, they are very strong and are hard to weather. Some leather collars come etched with designs, or may have stones for decoration.



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  Thermo Polymer

  Mostly used for outdoorsy pups, these waterproof collars are some of the newest on the market. Though they are well made and sturdy, the hard plastic design isn’t as comfortable as its woven collar counterparts.



• 

  Chain

  Chain collars are fully metal training collars that are mostly used on larger breeds. Though they are functional and strong, the color / pattern options are almost none.

Which dog collar style and type is the best?

The simple answer is, it depends on the breed and the pet. Though the martingale may be good for one pet, the deluxe may be the perfect fit for another. It’s best to use the info above (and knowing your pet’s behaviour) to choose the correct style and the most comfortable material. No matter which you choose as the most suitable for your pet, be sure to use the company's specific sizing chart to get the proper sizing.