Best Leather Dog Collars
Leather dog collars are a classic, comfortable, and attractive option, although the grommet system may cause sizing issues for some dogs.
Best Dog Activity Trackers
Fitness-focused activity trackers are very popular with humans. Let your dog get in on the action with a dog activity tracker.
Best Calming Dog Collars
Calming dog collars are a gentle, effective way to ease anxiety on-the-go. You can also use at home if your dog gets stressed in certain situations.
Best Flea Collars For Dogs
Fleas and ticks are a plague on dogs for most (if not all) of the year. For owners who prefer to avoid monthly preventative supplements, flea collars for dogs are an ideal alternative.
Best Collars for Large Dogs
When it comes to collars for large dogs, especially heavy pullers, sturdiness and strength are a must, or else your powerful dog might just break free on your next walk.
Best Reflective Dog Collars
When it comes to walks in the dark, a reflective collar is a must. Reflective stitching and stripes help people, cars, and other vehicles see your dog, keeping them (and you) safe!
Best Personalized Dog Collars
Personalizing your dog's collar adds a bit of fun to a staple item. You can include details like their name and breed, as well as your contact info (if you have enough characters).
Finding the Best Dog Collar
With so many different kinds of collars out there for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments, it can be tough to nail down any one “best dog collar.” At AKC, we put the time in so you don’t have to, and we’ve narrowed down top dog collars for all sorts of dogs and situations. Whether it’s a simple leather collar for a petite Pekingese, or a pheromone-based calming collar for a massive Mastiff, we’ve got you covered.
Expert Tips
Even if you prefer a harness over a collar, a collar provides a place to keep your dog's ID tags. Your dog can wear one at lots of different times, even when they're not out for a walk.
While some dog owners prefer to use a harness on walks, many still use collars. Even if you use a harness, a collar provides a place to hang your dog’s identification and rabies tags. While a harness may be a good choice for some dogs, others are more suited for collars, and the classic canine neckwear will surely never go out of style.
The answer to this question depends on many things, from your dog’s breed, to temperament, to how they behave on walks. Some dog collars have dedicated purposes, such as calming collars or flea collars, and those should not function as everyday collars to be attached to a leash for walks.
This, again, will depend on the dog. Some dogs with certain coat types may experience irritation from some materials. Often, dog collars are made from nylon, polyester, or leather. If possible, have your dog test out a collar before purchasing, to see if the material may be an issue.
Sizing is especially important when it comes to choosing a dog collar. A dog collar that’s too tight will be uncomfortable, while one that’s too loose may enable them to escape. If you’re choosing an adjustable dog collar, make sure you set it to the correct size based on your dog’s neck proportions.