Best Dog Collars
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Finding the Best Dog Collar
Every dog owner wants a collar that will last a long time and look good on their dog. We've consulted with dog owners and experts to select the top dog collars from a variety of categories. Trust us and allow us to answer your shopping questions.
Check out the FAQS

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.

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Our Top Pick
Chewy
Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar, Brown Pink, Medium
What Dogs Love:

This well-padded collar will rest comfortably around the neck of most any dog, large or small.

What Humans Love:

This attractive collar comes in a multitude of colors and sizes, fitting nicely on necks ranging from 11 to 25 inches in diameter.

What You'll Love:
  • High-Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This well-padded collar will rest comfortably around the neck of most any dog, large or small.

What Humans Love:

This attractive collar comes in a multitude of colors and sizes, fitting nicely on necks ranging from 11 to 25 inches in diameter.

    What You'll Love:
  • High-Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
2
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar, Brown, Medium: 12 to 14-in neck, 1/2-in wide
What Dogs Love:

The rolled leather design is especially good for dogs with medium-length or longer coats, as it helps prevent hair from matting.

What Humans Love:

This wallet-friendly collar is available in 13 different colors and shades, plus seven different sizes to fit necks from 6 to 21 inches.

What You'll Love:
  • Affordable
  • Simple
  • Adaptable
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The rolled leather design is especially good for dogs with medium-length or longer coats, as it helps prevent hair from matting.

What Humans Love:

This wallet-friendly collar is available in 13 different colors and shades, plus seven different sizes to fit necks from 6 to 21 inches.

    What You'll Love:
  • Affordable
  • Simple
  • Adaptable
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Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Riparo Genuine Leather Padded Dog Heavy Duty K-9 Adjustable Collar (M, Orange)
What Dogs Love:

This leather dog collar has sheepskin padding, which can help reduce chafing.

What Humans Love:

Made from 100% cowhide leather, this collar is strong, durable, and attractive.

What You'll Love:
  • sheepskin padding
  • matching leashes available
  • solid construction
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This leather dog collar has sheepskin padding, which can help reduce chafing.

What Humans Love:

Made from 100% cowhide leather, this collar is strong, durable, and attractive.

    What You'll Love:
  • sheepskin padding
  • matching leashes available
  • solid construction
The Bottom Line on Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a great choice for owners looking to outfit their dogs with a sturdy, stylish collar that will last a long time with the proper care. All three of our top picks feature quality leather that comes in a variety of sizes and colors for dogs of any breed. You can’t go wrong with any of our choices, but the Soft Touch Collars Luxury Padded Leather Collar gets our top nod due to its combination of comfort, affordability, sturdiness, and style.

The Bottom Line on Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a great choice for owners looking to outfit their dogs with a sturdy, stylish collar that will last a long time with the proper care. All three of our top picks feature quality leather that comes in a variety of sizes and colors for dogs of any breed. You can’t go wrong with any of our choices, but the Soft Touch Collars Luxury Padded Leather Collar gets our top nod due to its combination of comfort, affordability, sturdiness, and style.

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.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker, Gray
What Dogs Love:

This waterproof activity tracker will keep working while dogs swim, and it sends helpful alerts to keep owners informed.

What Humans Love:

Reviewers appreciate features like scratch and lick alerts, real-time location tracking, and three-mode night light.

What You'll Love:
  • Smart
  • lots of features
  • Customizable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This waterproof activity tracker will keep working while dogs swim, and it sends helpful alerts to keep owners informed.

What Humans Love:

Reviewers appreciate features like scratch and lick alerts, real-time location tracking, and three-mode night light.

    What You'll Love:
  • Smart
  • lots of features
  • Customizable
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor | Health & Fitness Tracker for Dogs | Waterproof, Small & Leightweight (10 g) | Not a GPS Tracker
What Dogs Love:

This lightweight, waterproof tracker can comfortably keep up with your dog in any terrain.

What Humans Love:

The long-lasting battery life, ease of use, and versatility make for an all-around solid activity-tracking choice.

What You'll Love:
  • Sleek
  • Versatile
  • Affordable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This lightweight, waterproof tracker can comfortably keep up with your dog in any terrain.

What Humans Love:

The long-lasting battery life, ease of use, and versatility make for an all-around solid activity-tracking choice.

    What You'll Love:
  • Sleek
  • Versatile
  • Affordable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
What Dogs Love:

It can attach to dog collars that measure up to 1 1/4 inches wide.

What Humans Love:

This dog tracker can help you monitor calories and sleep, as well as the development of certain health issues or how your dog is responding to a particular treatment. 

What You'll Love:
  • long battery life
  • provides helpful feedback
  • tracks calories burned
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

It can attach to dog collars that measure up to 1 1/4 inches wide.

What Humans Love:

This dog tracker can help you monitor calories and sleep, as well as the development of certain health issues or how your dog is responding to a particular treatment. 

    What You'll Love:
  • long battery life
  • provides helpful feedback
  • tracks calories burned
The Bottom Line on Dog Activity Trackers

Dog activity trackers are an increasingly popular way to keep tabs on your dog’s fitness needs and goals. Many activity trackers are lightweight and attach directly to any dog’s existing collar. The durable and waterproof Whistle Go is our top dog activity tracker, offering a handful of useful features, insights, and alerts to help your dog stay in shape.

The Bottom Line on Dog Activity Trackers

Dog activity trackers are an increasingly popular way to keep tabs on your dog’s fitness needs and goals. Many activity trackers are lightweight and attach directly to any dog’s existing collar. The durable and waterproof Whistle Go is our top dog activity tracker, offering a handful of useful features, insights, and alerts to help your dog stay in shape.

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.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Adaptil Calming Adjustable Dog Collar, Medium & Large
What Dogs Love:

Odorless pheromones released by this collar offer a strong sense of security and comfort to anxious dogs.

What Humans Love:

A proven non-drug solution for dog anxiety, this adjustable collar works well and lasts for up to four weeks.

What You'll Love:
  • Vet-Recommended
  • Comforting
  • Effective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Odorless pheromones released by this collar offer a strong sense of security and comfort to anxious dogs.

What Humans Love:

A proven non-drug solution for dog anxiety, this adjustable collar works well and lasts for up to four weeks.

    What You'll Love:
  • Vet-Recommended
  • Comforting
  • Effective
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Dog Calming Collar, 1 count (new)
What Dogs Love:

This collar is infused with pheromones that mimic the ones mother dogs use to calm puppies. Plus, the collar has a lavender-and-chamomile fragrance.

What Humans Love:

Each calming collar in this three-pack lasts approximately 30 days each, meaning you get roughly three months of calming effects.

What You'll Love:
  • durable
  • effective
  • calming fragrance
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This collar is infused with pheromones that mimic the ones mother dogs use to calm puppies. Plus, the collar has a lavender-and-chamomile fragrance.

What Humans Love:

Each calming collar in this three-pack lasts approximately 30 days each, meaning you get roughly three months of calming effects.

    What You'll Love:
  • durable
  • effective
  • calming fragrance
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
bSerene Calming Collar for Dogs, Puppy to Small |3-Month Supply of Calming pheromones in 1 Collar | Always-on Stress Reliever | Helps Reduce Barking, Chewing, Anxiety, trembling and Shaking (500100)
What Dogs Love:

The collar's pheromones mimic the signals mother dogs give off to make their puppies feel safe.

What Humans Love:

Each adjustable bSerene collar lasts 90 days, so no need to swap out your dog’s calming collar every 30 days.

What You'll Love:
  • long-lasting
  • drug-free
  • effective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The collar's pheromones mimic the signals mother dogs give off to make their puppies feel safe.

What Humans Love:

Each adjustable bSerene collar lasts 90 days, so no need to swap out your dog’s calming collar every 30 days.

    What You'll Love:
  • long-lasting
  • drug-free
  • effective
The Bottom Line on Calming Collars for Dogs

Anxiety is a common condition among dogs these days, but thanks to the advent of all sorts of effective calming products, there’s no need for your pet to live with anxiety anymore. From calming vests, to supplements, to plug-in air diffusers, there’s a wide range of calming products for dogs on the market. For a simple solution, however, we suggest a calming collar, which is often designed with essential oils and/or pheromones to keep dogs continuously calm for weeks at a time. Our top calming collar choice is the on-the-go collar from Adaptil, which features a proven, odorless, non-drug system to combat canine anxiety safely and effectively.

The Bottom Line on Calming Collars for Dogs

Anxiety is a common condition among dogs these days, but thanks to the advent of all sorts of effective calming products, there’s no need for your pet to live with anxiety anymore. From calming vests, to supplements, to plug-in air diffusers, there’s a wide range of calming products for dogs on the market. For a simple solution, however, we suggest a calming collar, which is often designed with essential oils and/or pheromones to keep dogs continuously calm for weeks at a time. Our top calming collar choice is the on-the-go collar from Adaptil, which features a proven, odorless, non-drug system to combat canine anxiety safely and effectively.

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.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar for Small Dogs, 1 count
What Dogs Love:

This effective, scent-free flea collar will keep your dog free of critters for up to eight months without any noticeable odor.

What Humans Love:

Produced by health giant Bayer, Seresto flea collars have been trusted by dog owners for years.

What You'll Love:
  • Effective
  • Trusted
  • Odorless
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This effective, scent-free flea collar will keep your dog free of critters for up to eight months without any noticeable odor.

What Humans Love:

Produced by health giant Bayer, Seresto flea collars have been trusted by dog owners for years.

    What You'll Love:
  • Effective
  • Trusted
  • Odorless
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs, 26-in
What Dogs Love:

The Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar is also effective against mosquitoes. It features extended-release technology to avoid the mess that comes with some topical solutions.

What Humans Love:

This two-pack of flea and tick collars provides up to six months of protection per collar, giving you peace of mind for up to a full year.

What You'll Love:
  • water-resistant
  • affordable
  • two-pack
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar is also effective against mosquitoes. It features extended-release technology to avoid the mess that comes with some topical solutions.

What Humans Love:

This two-pack of flea and tick collars provides up to six months of protection per collar, giving you peace of mind for up to a full year.

    What You'll Love:
  • water-resistant
  • affordable
  • two-pack
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
What Dogs Love:

The TevraPet Active II Flea and Tick Collar doesn’t irritate dogs’ sensitive skin.

What Humans Love:

Each flea and tick collar offers six months of pest resistance for a total of 12 months of protection.

What You'll Love:
  • two-pack
  • no-mess treatment
  • odor-free
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The TevraPet Active II Flea and Tick Collar doesn’t irritate dogs’ sensitive skin.

What Humans Love:

Each flea and tick collar offers six months of pest resistance for a total of 12 months of protection.

    What You'll Love:
  • two-pack
  • no-mess treatment
  • odor-free

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.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Black Rhino – The Comfort Collar Ultra Soft Neoprene Padded Dog Collar for All Breeds, Dog Collars for Large Dogs – Heavy Duty Adjustable Reflective Weatherproof (XLarge, Sport Blue/Bl)
What Dogs Love:

This padded collar is lightweight enough to be comfortable, but strong enough for dogs of any size and strength.

What Humans Love:

Nylon and neoprene combine with sturdy, reflective stitching in this collar, which is able to fit necks up to 26 inches.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Comfortable
  • Dependable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This padded collar is lightweight enough to be comfortable, but strong enough for dogs of any size and strength.

What Humans Love:

Nylon and neoprene combine with sturdy, reflective stitching in this collar, which is able to fit necks up to 26 inches.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Comfortable
  • Dependable
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Blueberry Pet Essentials 22 Colors Classic Dog Collar, Black, Medium, Neck 14.5″-20″, Collars for Dogs
What Dogs Love:

This collar sits easily on your dog's neck and comes in a wide range of sizes, making ideal for larger dogs.

What Humans Love:

This collar is affordable and easy to clean. The buckles are made of eco-friendly plastic, too.

What You'll Love:
  • color and size options
  • nylon material
  • matching leash available
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This collar sits easily on your dog's neck and comes in a wide range of sizes, making ideal for larger dogs.

What Humans Love:

This collar is affordable and easy to clean. The buckles are made of eco-friendly plastic, too.

    What You'll Love:
  • color and size options
  • nylon material
  • matching leash available
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
OneTigris Nylon Military Dog Collar, Black, Large: 17.7 to 20.9-in neck, 1.5-in wide
What Dogs Love:

Thick nylon straps (lined with well-cushioned padding) make this a strong yet comfortable collar for large dogs.

What Humans Love:

This military-style collar for large dogs boasts the strength and durability of a collar designed for working dogs. Plus, it won't break the bank.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Strong
  • Durable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Thick nylon straps (lined with well-cushioned padding) make this a strong yet comfortable collar for large dogs.

What Humans Love:

This military-style collar for large dogs boasts the strength and durability of a collar designed for working dogs. Plus, it won't break the bank.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Strong
  • Durable
The Bottom Line on Collars for Large Dogs

For some large dogs, especially those adept at loose-leash walking, many standard collars will get the job done. However, for especially powerful breeds, or dogs that like to pull, a dedicated collar for large dogs is a smart choice. A number of brands offer collars for large dogs, but the one we’ve determined as our top choice comes from Black Rhino. The Black Rhino collar combines rugged durability with comfortable padding, all in a lightweight, affordable package.

The Bottom Line on Collars for Large Dogs

For some large dogs, especially those adept at loose-leash walking, many standard collars will get the job done. However, for especially powerful breeds, or dogs that like to pull, a dedicated collar for large dogs is a smart choice. A number of brands offer collars for large dogs, but the one we’ve determined as our top choice comes from Black Rhino. The Black Rhino collar combines rugged durability with comfortable padding, all in a lightweight, affordable package.

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!

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Blueberry Pet 3M Multi-Colored Stripe Polyester Reflective Dog Collar, Olive & Blue-Gray, Medium: 14.5 to 20-in neck, 3/4-in wide
What Dogs Love:

The 3M reflective stripes and colorful webbing improve your dog's visibility at nighttime.

What Humans Love:

The durable polyester material and accessory loop allow you to quickly attach your dog's leash and be on your way.

What You'll Love:
  • secure
  • bright colors
  • sturdy material
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The 3M reflective stripes and colorful webbing improve your dog's visibility at nighttime.

What Humans Love:

The durable polyester material and accessory loop allow you to quickly attach your dog's leash and be on your way.

    What You'll Love:
  • secure
  • bright colors
  • sturdy material
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Pawtitas Reflective Dog Collar Adjustable Dog Collars for Small Dogs Puppy Collar Extra Small Dog Collar Teal Dog Collar
What Dogs Love:

This dog collar is adjustable and can grow with your puppy.

What Humans Love:

Each collar has a safety buckle and D-ring with room for your dog's leash and ID tags.

What You'll Love:
  • color choices
  • room for ID tags
  • great price
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This dog collar is adjustable and can grow with your puppy.

What Humans Love:

Each collar has a safety buckle and D-ring with room for your dog's leash and ID tags.

    What You'll Love:
  • color choices
  • room for ID tags
  • great price
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Collar, Berry, 12 to 18-in neck, 1-in wide
What Dogs Love:

When it's safe to let your dog off-leash, press the side-release buckle to let them run and play.

What Humans Love:

Choose from six earth-tone colors and four sizes for the perfect style and fit.

What You'll Love:
  • various colors and sizes
  • sturdy hardware
  • various colors and sizes
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

When it's safe to let your dog off-leash, press the side-release buckle to let them run and play.

What Humans Love:

Choose from six earth-tone colors and four sizes for the perfect style and fit.

    What You'll Love:
  • various colors and sizes
  • sturdy hardware
  • various colors and sizes
The Bottom Line on Reflective Dog Collars

A reflective collar can keep your dog visible when you’re out for a late-night or early-morning walk. We chose the Blueberry Pet 3M reflective collar as our top pick because of its outstanding reviews, varied color and size choices, and 3M reflective stripes.

The Bottom Line on Reflective Dog Collars

A reflective collar can keep your dog visible when you’re out for a late-night or early-morning walk. We chose the Blueberry Pet 3M reflective collar as our top pick because of its outstanding reviews, varied color and size choices, and 3M reflective stripes.

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).

Our Top Pick
Chewy
GoTags Personalized Nylon Dog Collar, Red, Medium: 14 to 20-in neck, 3/4-in wide
What Dogs Love:

The nylon material is soft but strong, perfect for everyday use.

What Humans Love:

Get up to 25 characters embroidered on this collar (in one of 14 colors).

What You'll Love:
  • side-release buckle
  • various colors and sizes
  • sturdy hardware
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The nylon material is soft but strong, perfect for everyday use.

What Humans Love:

Get up to 25 characters embroidered on this collar (in one of 14 colors).

    What You'll Love:
  • side-release buckle
  • various colors and sizes
  • sturdy hardware
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Blueberry Pet Essentials 30 Colors Personalized Dog Collar, Rouge Red, Medium, Adjustable Customized ID Collars for Medium Dogs Embroidered with Pet Name & Phone Number
What Dogs Love:

This collar is comfortable, with no dangling bits that move around as the dog runs.

What Humans Love:

The high-density webbing makes this collar very durable.

What You'll Love:
  • affordable
  • bright color options
  • customized in the USA
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This collar is comfortable, with no dangling bits that move around as the dog runs.

What Humans Love:

The high-density webbing makes this collar very durable.

    What You'll Love:
  • affordable
  • bright color options
  • customized in the USA
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Buckle-Down Scooby Doo The Mystery Machine Paint Job Personalized Dog Collar, Large
What Dogs Love:

This collar is comfortable and features a side-release buckle (for an easy transition to off-leash time).

What Humans Love:

This collar will bring back lots of fun memories for fans of a certain cartoon Great Dane.

What You'll Love:
  • Scooby Doo theme
  • vivid collars
  • durable hardware
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This collar is comfortable and features a side-release buckle (for an easy transition to off-leash time).

What Humans Love:

This collar will bring back lots of fun memories for fans of a certain cartoon Great Dane.

    What You'll Love:
  • Scooby Doo theme
  • vivid collars
  • durable hardware
The Bottom Line on Personalized Dog Collars

Personalized dog collars can add some flair to your dog’s collar. In addition, you can customize the collar to include important details (like the dog’s name or your cell phone number, in case they get lost). We chose the GoTags Personalized Nylon Collar as our top pick because of the color variety available and strong nylon material.

The Bottom Line on Personalized Dog Collars

Personalized dog collars can add some flair to your dog’s collar. In addition, you can customize the collar to include important details (like the dog’s name or your cell phone number, in case they get lost). We chose the GoTags Personalized Nylon Collar as our top pick because of the color variety available and strong nylon material.

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.

Things to Know

A collar is one of the most important things you’ll buy for your dog. Because it’s used to both to hold your dog’s ID tags and to attach to a leash, it is important to choose a collar that is durable, safe, and comfortable. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s sizing guide, customer reviews, and care instructions before purchasing a collar.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need a collar?

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.

Which dog collar is best for my pet?

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.

What’s the best material for dog collars?

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.

How do I keep my dog from slipping out of a collar?

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.

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