Pet parents understand that dog collars are a necessary evil for our pets. In today’s society, dog collars are used as fashion statements and for identity purposes. Collars or harnesses are also used for hooking leashes on our pets because in most states there are leash laws for our animals. Aside from identification and fashion, dog collars are used for training, hunting, restraint, and even to signify status.
While your dog doesn’t need to wear his or her collar when safe at home all the time, you may want to consider leaving it on them anyway. In the event that they slip outside undetected, their collar will help with finding them and bringing them home safe and sound.
Keeping a stock of multiple dog collars for a single dog is a good idea and is also recommended. The dog collar serves various purposes:
- You can attach a leash for your walks with the dog.
- When you are at home or outside, a collar is a point which you can hold to prevent the dog to run into any kind of trouble.
- A collar is also a place where dog’t ID, rabies tags and other such tags can be attached.
In this article, we have reviewed a lot of dog collars available in the market and we shall be giving detailed information about them. Our review methodology was focused around durability, build, availability and affordability. Since you want to own multiple dog collars, affordability can be a concern for some of our readers.
These are the Top 3 Dog Collars
- Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar (click to check current price on Amazon) – It is made of high-quality materials, comes in so many beautiful designs, and is so much comfortable for the dogs. This collar can be purchased in 4 different sizes ranging from Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. These sizes will fit a wide range of dog breeds of various sizes.
- Country Brook Petz Premium Nylon Dog Collar (click to check the current price on Amazon) – This is our second-best choice. This dog collar also comes in 4 different size and is made of soft nylon. It also has an option of 20+ colors. The usage of nylon ensures that it will change its shape as per your dog’s neck shape and hence is more comfortable. The only concern that you may have is about the color used to make this collar as colorful as it looks. You can be assured about the color as it is made using the colorfast dye which means that it will not come off and stick to dog’s fur when it collar gets wet.
- Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar (click to check current price on Amazon) – If you are looking for a budget-friendly dog collar, the Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar Collection is our best recommendation for you. As with Country Brook color covered in previous point, this one is also made using nylon fabric. The cost has been cut by using plastic buckles instead of Aluminium. Speaking about color and size options, this dog collar has the most color and size options out there. The only time when you will opt for this dog collar is when you want to purchase a bunch of collards in various colors for your dog. The colors will go much well with your dog’s new outfit and leash color.
For a LED dog collar, there is also an option on amazon.
Why I Picked the Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar
When you sit down and compare the Blueberry dog collar to the other two, the difference is surprising.
- The Blueberry offers significantly better value for money. The Country Brook is also good but has less size options compared to our best pick which is Blueberry Pet.
- The Blueberry Pet has a slim profile so it is lightweight and is less ridiculous than a Leather padded dog collar, which looks like your dog wearing a phylactory.
- If you want a dog collar similar to Blueberry Pet but with LED light then consider this one on amazon.
History of Dog Collar Use
Today we use collars for identification and as a fashion statement for our dogs, but this wasn’t always the case. History tells us that dog collars date back to Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages. History also tells us that the first dog collars came to be in Ancient Egypt for decorative purposes and identification for highborn families, those with royalty in their blood.
We can thank Ancient Greece for the practical use of dog collars. It is believed that dog collars were made for dogs in order to deter them being killed by wolves. Ancient Greece farmers would make collars with sharp spikes to protect their dogs necks to protect them from being attacked or killed by wolves.
Dog companionship began to evolve as time went on, and dog owners would use their pets to help with daily burdens such as retrieving game, delivering and carrying messages, sled pulling, to track down fugitives, and protection from enemies.
It is also believed that Kings, Queens, and even Pharaohs initiated the first use of dog collars. they were used primarily for status and identification then. As time went on, collars were created to be flashier, more ornate, more decorative, as dog ownership increased and continued. It would often depend on the status of the royal families. Egyptians also created laws against ill treatment of dogs. Some countries gave certain breeds of dog special status, such as China naming the Pekinesee the official dog of the Imperial Palace.
Why Use a Dog Collar?
Common sense tells us that many dogs can escape from home to end up running in the wild. Do you want to scour the neighborhood or worse, the woods, to find your beloved pet? As all pet parents know, it can happen anytime. By supplying your dog with a collar and identification tags, you’ll have a better chance of them coming back home to your family. In addition to your dog’s collar and tags, it is also a good idea to have them micro-chipped at the vet because this can increase their chances of being found.
Standard collars are great for short walks, but for those longer treks, you might consider getting them a harness instead. A little known fact that we don’t often think about when walking our pets is the possibility of a spine injury due to constant pulling on their leash. If you’re one of the lucky ones and your pets do not pull on their leash, then kudos to you! Many of the shorter and longer breeds may run into this problem such as dachshunds, and corgis.
Senior dogs often won’t need collars, unless going for a walk. Because of their limited mobility, they aren’t likely to run off as quickly as a younger dog would. Along with this, dogs that are kept in kennels will not usually need a collar. The reason for this is that collars or tags on kennel confined dogs, could lead to strangulation should they get it stuck on something in their kennel.
A tip to remember when getting your dog a collar is not to over tighten their collar. You must be able to fit two fingers underneath it comfortably, to help judge if it is too tight or too loose on your dog’s neck.
Features of Quality Dog Collars
Millions of dogs and cats are either lost or stolen every year in the United States, alone. For this reason alone, a collar plays an important role in keeping your dog safe and happy. The type of collar that you choose for your dog is your choice and dependent upon your needs as well as theirs. The information we’ve provided for you should help you decide which type of collar you should choose for your dog.
What Size Collar is Right?
Most collars come in sizes x-small, small, medium, and large. If you buy the wrong size collar they could slip out of it or it could choke them. Start by measuring your pet’s neck with a measuring tape, this will help you decide the correct size. Depending on where you decide to buy it, some stores will let you bring your pet with you inside. Standard collar sizes are below.
*X-Small–neck size 8-11 inches (2 to 11 lbs. average)
Works best for small dogs like Chihuahuas, Mini-dachshunds, Mini- Doberman pinschers, Yorkies, Pomeranians, Maltese, and most toy breeds.
*Small–neck size 11-15 inches (12-40 lbs. average)
Small collars work best for beagles, Boston terriers, Australian shepherds, pugs, Lhasa apsos, french bulldogs, dachshunds, Brittany spaniels, bichon frise, and other small breeds, not toy breeds.
*Medium–neck size 15-22 inches (45-100 lbs. average)
Medium sized collars work best for basset hounds, huskies, Labrador retrievers, bloodhounds, boxers, Doberman pinschers, collies, standard poodles, and other medium-sized breeds.
*Large–neck size 19-30 inches (over 100 lbs. average)
Large sized collars work for breeds over 100 lbs.
The best way to determine your dog’s collar size is to measure their neck around and have an idea of their approximate weight. Once you have an idea of these, finding the right collar will be easier.
Width of Dog Collars
If you have a strong or large breed dog, consider getting them a wider collar since it helps relieve pressure on their necks. On average, collars that are 1-2 inches wide are good for both small and large breed dogs. Judge your dog’s strength, you will know them the best. What works for one dog may not work for another, even if they are the same size.
What Material is Best?
Collars are manufactured with nylon, leather, and hemp. Which material works best for your dog is up to you. Unless of course, they have an allergy to one of the materials, then you’ll need to choose one that will not cause them distress. companies do make hypoallergenic collars also.
Can Dog Collars Be Dangerous?
Unfortunately, there are some dangers to using collars instead of harnesses. Harnesses are a popular item as they are less dangerous to pets. Some of the dangers include:
- Choking
- Strangulation
- Spinal injuries-due to jerking and pulling hard when a leash is attached.
- Herniated Discs-due to jerking and pulling hard on leash, thus straining delicate muscles in the neck and spine.
Manufacturers also make break away or buckle collars instead of the ones the loop like a belt does. Break away collars are recommended to avoid accidental strangulation or choking. As a pet parent, there are several options for our pets, it’s up to you about what kind you are most comfortable putting on your pet.
