The Top 5 Best Dog Collars for Every Type of Pup

While many people believe that a collar’s primary purpose is to walk their dog, its true function is to provide safety. The identification tags on a dog’s collar are essential in emergency situations, as they offer the quickest and easiest way for someone to return your dog to you. 

When choosing a collar, it’s important to find one that can withstand your dog’s adventures while still being comfortable enough for everyday use. If you prefer to walk your dog without a harness, ensure that the collar has sturdy hardware and fits well without causing any irritation or chafing. Additionally, prioritize your dog’s physical safety and avoid using choke and prong collars, as outlined at the end of this guide. 

To identify the best dog collars on the market, this guide combines over a decade of certified professional dog training experience with expert advice from Melissa Bain, DVM, a veterinarian and professor of clinical animal behavior at UC Davis, and Carlo Siracusa, DVM, a veterinarian and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Lupine Original Designs Dog Collar

The Lupine Original Designs Dog Collar is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable and comfortable collar for your dog. With a plethora of hues and patterns to choose from, this collar is made of a flexible nylon material that doesn’t irritate your dog’s neck. It is also quite resilient, containing a custom-made quick-release YKK buckle and a rust-resistant steel D-ring attachment for ID tags and leashes.

This collar has over 80 different colors and patterns, including reflective collars, holiday patterns, solid colors, and limited “MicroBatch” designs, allowing it to be highly customizable. Additionally, the collar comes in three widths and nine different adjustable sizes, ensuring the perfect fit for your dog’s neck.

Besides the standard collar, Lupine Pet provides a range of eco-collars constructed from recycled plastic bottles, as well as martingale collars that are ideal for leash training by slipping tighter.

Matching leashes and harnesses are also available, guaranteeing a complete ensemble for your puppy. The best part? The Lupine Original Designs Dog Collar comes with a lifetime guarantee, even if your pup chews right through it.

There are no significant downsides to the Lupine Original Designs Dog Collar. It’s a top-rated collar that addresses all your dog’s collar needs.

Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar

Perri’s model is our favorite choice when it comes to leather collars. Crafted by skilled Amish artisans in the U.S., this collar is made of smooth lambskin that is gentle on your pet’s skin. To ensure superior comfort, it features padding for extra cushioning. The stainless steel hardware, featuring a secure buckle, is sturdy but lightweight. Though it requires hand washing, this leather collar with padding is well worth the effort. While the color selection may be limited like most leather collars, the two-toned options available are fashionable and stylish.

PetSafe Martingale Quick Snap

Martingale collars provide additional control for dogs while they’re on a leash. Featuring a self-cinching design, the collar gently tightens to prevent your pet from pulling too hard and also stops them from slipping out of it. For pet owners who desire this feature, we recommend the PetSafe Martingale Quick Snap, an affordable option. Our team found the collar easy to adjust, with a convenient plastic buckle for quick removal. The collar also became odor-free after just one wash.

While we did not have any serious complaints during our testing of the Quick Snap, we didn’t find anything particularly extraordinary about it either. The collar’s appearance is very basic, so those seeking a more stylish option will need to spend more money. Moreover, with less stitching than more robust collars, the Quick Snap might not be as durable for dogs who are active during playtime. Nevertheless, it is a dependable choice for those looking for an inexpensive Martingale collar.

Kong Chew Resistant Dog Collar

Dogs are known to be tough on their collars. But Kong, the brand that produces durable dog toys, offers a collar that lives up to its name. The chew-resistant collar can be used throughout your dog’s life, from their puppyhood to adulthood. It’s also adjustable so that you can resize it as your furry friend grows. The collar secures with a snap buckle, making it easy to put on and take off, and includes a D-ring for quick leashing. You can select from an array of black, camo, red, blue, green, pink, or tan colors.

EzyDog Neo Classic Wide Dog Collar

Why it’s great: Finding the perfect collar for a large dog can be challenging, but EzyDog’s collar comes in sizes up to 3XL, accommodating neck sizes up to 32 inches. 

Specifications: The LARGE size fits dogs with 18″ to 21″ necks, X-LARGE fits 21″ to 24″ necks, 2X-LARGE fits 24.5″ to 28.5″ necks, and 3X-LARGE fits 28.5” to 32” necks. The collar is constructed with durable polyester and neoprene rubber and is priced at $32.

Pros: – Suitable for even the largest dogs

– Strong construction ensures longevity

– 1.5-inch width does not cause discomfort to the dog’s neck

– Secure attachment to leashes with sturdy D-ring

– Safety features include reflective piping on all colors

Cons: Only appropriate for larger dogs. 

EzyDog’s wide dog collar is the ideal accessory for larger breeds. The collar is 1.75 inches wide and is made of soft polyester and waterproof neoprene rubber. The collar features a non-rusting stainless steel D-ring, a clip for attaching ID tags, and reflective piping for enhanced visibility at night. With four size options, accommodating neck sizes from 18 to 32 inches, EzyDog’s collar is a durable and practical option for your large furry friend.

How we chose the best small dog collar

The BetterPet Lab conducted real-world tests using a set of criteria to evaluate small dog collars. These included factors such as fit, where we compared manufacturer sizing charts to dogs to determine whether the collar ran too small, too large or as advertised. We also assessed collar features, such as durability and ease of adjustment, while taking into account how well the collars performed overall. Furthermore, we evaluated durability so that pet owners could make an informed decision based on how long the product would last. Finally, we considered maintenance, evaluating whether the collar was easy to clean or prone to fading and discoloration after prolonged use. Our tests also assessed whether the collar was purely a showpiece or could be worn on a daily basis.

FAQs

What is the safest collar for small dogs?

Many pet experts believe that the safest small dog collar is the martingale collar as it tightens when pups pull, preventing them from slipping out, but not so much that the dog will choke.

Are thick or thin collars better for dogs?

While larger and medium-sized breeds need thicker collars, thinner dog collars are ideal for small dogs. They don’t provide as much support as thicker collars, but small dogs need to wear lightweight collars, so thinner collars are the best choice.

Is it better to walk a dog on a collar or harness?

Collars are generally more comfortable for dog walks, but harnesses are usually recommended for walks because they offer more support. Consider both a small dog collar and harness for walks with your small dog to ensure they stay comfortable and safe.