What type of collar should I get for my dog? There are many different styles and materials of dog collars available for use from nylon, leather, fabric, to chain or martingale style. Dog collars can be used to express their owners' tastes and interests with the many colors and patterns available, and can be color coordinated for people with multi-dog households.
Martingale collars
Martingale collars are collars that typically do not have a buckle or clasp as they are meant to tighten around the dog's neck when tension is applied. These collars are used in a variety of ways - for dogs that can slip out of a regular sized collar, for dogs whose neck size may vary (like after a fresh haircut), and is commonly used with sighthound breeds such as greyhounds, whippets, or salukis. These dogs have very slender necks and heads which can make it easy for them to slip out of a typical collar.
An added benefit of martingale collars is that they are easy to remove since they are worn loose around a dog's neck and are slipped over a dog's head. Below is a greyhound wearing a martingale style collar. The collar has a d-ring on the side of it where it allows the black portion of the collar to slide back and forth so the collar can tighten and loosen when tension is applied or lessened.
Buckle collars
Buckle collars are widely available in many stores from your local pet store to even grocery stores and gas stations. They can come in many different colors and materials such as nylon, leather, or fabric. Buckle collars are attached to a dog similarly to a belt, where the end of the collar is fed through the buckle and the tongue of the metal buckle slots into pre-punched holes.
A buckle collar may be more difficult to put on as compared to a quick release or clip collar, but this can also ensure that your dog is safer when out on the town or in the backyard.
Quick Release or Clip Collars
Quick release or clip collars are another popular option for dog owners that want an easy-to-use collar. Quick release collars are appropriately named as they have two interlocking parts that snap together when the collar is fastened and they are easy to remove. To release the collar, you simply press the sides of the buckle, causing the two parts to disengage. This feature is especially useful in emergencies where the collar needs to be removed quickly to prevent injury or entanglement.
Quick release collars are commonly made to be adjustable through a variety of sizes which can make them good options for dogs that frequently get haircuts where their neck sizes may vary.
However, quick release collars can come undone when tension is applied or the clip is pressed just right. This can be dangerous for both the dog and owner when in high traffic or highly populated areas.
Rolled Leather Collars
Rolled leather collars are a great option for dogs with very long hair such as golden retrievers, malamutes, great pyraneese, or samoyeds. These collars are designed to slip easily through the long hairs and do not tangle easily with the dog's coat.
Image taken from Central Kentucky Tack & Leather
These collars are also very sophisticated-looking which can make them a great option for dogs wanting to look their evening best!
What width of collar do I need?
The width of a collar can vary depending on the type of dog you have. Collars typically are available in a 1" width, but can be found as small as 1/2" to as large as 2". Thinner, 1/2" collars are recommended for smaller dogs under 20lbs, but it doesn't mean that a larger collar won't work for them. It is common to use a thick, 2" collar for very large and strong dogs such as Great Danes, Cane Corsos, Rottweilers, or Dogo Argentinos as these dogs can be very strong and a 2" collar can help distribute the pressure on their necks much better than a 1/2" or 1" collar.
Ultimately, when choosing a collar for your dog, the style you pick reflects your personal taste and preferences. What type of collar do you like to use with your dog?
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I like to use...
Martingale Collars
Buckle Collars
Quick Release Collars
Rolled Leather Collars
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