When you and your dog are out for a walk/run, a ‘playgroup’ session or other outdoor experience, you’ve probably put a collar on your dog to help keep it under control.
In this article, you will find a selection of 10 different types of collars depending on what you and your dog require. Whether you need a collar to use with a lead or just to get hold of at the roadside, we’re sure you’ll find the right collar for your dog in this list of the Top 10 Dog Collars.
Table of Contents
When Were Dog Collars First Used?
It’s not actually known who invented the dog collar, however, they were first used as long ago as 6,500 years. According to Petr Sladecek, of Slade Czech leather goods manufacturers, “one of the first illustrations of a master with his dog on a lead dates back to 4 500 years before Christ, on mosaics which were found in Pompei, Italy.” You can read his blog ‘THE HISTORY OF DOG COLLARS’, it’s a fascinating read.
Types of Dog Collars
Basic Collars are also known as ‘flat’ collars, are usually made of leather or nylon webbing. They are generally fastened with a buckle or quick-release fastener and include a loop so that a lead can be attached.
Special Purpose Collars are those that are made for a particular purpose in mind.
- Stud Collars, also known as ‘Wolf’ collars are collars that have been fitted with metal studs, dulled or sharpened points that were originally intended to protect the dog’s neck in the event of attack by another animal. In modern times, stud collars are considered a fashion accessory.
- Light Collars are ones which emit light, making the dog highly visible so that they can be easily seen by their owner or motorists at night. Power is provided by small batteries.
- Reflective Collars normally incorporate reflective stitching or tape, which reflects brightly when light catches them, such as the headlights of a vehicle.
- Flotation Collars provide buoyancy for a dog’s head when in water. They are not lifejackets or life preservers. This type of collar is typically used in hydrotherapy sessions to aid in the recovery of an injured dog.
Medical Collars such as Flea Collars which have been impregnated with flea repellent chemicals and are used in addition to a normal collar. Another type of medical collar is the Elizabethan Collar, commonly called the ‘collar of shame’.
These collars are cone shaped and fitted to the dog to prevent it from irritating a head wound, or reaching other wounds/infections on its body.
Training Collars are used on specific instances of training and not usually left on the dog all the time. There are several types of training collar, each with a different purpose.
- Basic/Flat Collar – used when training a puppy to obey verbal commands such as ‘heel’ as well as training to walk calmly etc.
- Head Collar – similar to a horse’s halter. These collars fit around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, and offer more control over the dog’s direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash than most collars that are fitted around the neck. They aid in preventing the owner being pulled in an unsafe direction by a strong dog. As they prevent pressure being applied to the dog’s windpipe, they are recommended for dogs that pull. The theory behind the utility of head halters is that if you have control of the head, you have control of the body. The head collar generally consists of two loops, one behind the ears and the other over the nose. Whilst a head collar is not strictly a training collar, it is a very viable management collar.
- Martingale Collar – can be used on any breed of dog but were originally designed for dogs where their head is smaller than their neck and prevents them slipping out of the collar. A correctly fitted Martingale collar, will tighten slightly to prevent the dog backing out of the collar.
- Controversial Collars – these are collars that cause distress of some sort to the dog and are intended to correct bad/unacceptable behaviour. We do not agree with the use of these collars and therefore do not include them for review here.
Who Should Buy a Dog Collar?
Anyone who has a dog should have at least one dog collar. Even if you have a fenced yard or a lot of property and you don’t usually leash your dog, a collar is important in case you have to drive somewhere and would need to keep your dog under control.
Also, it serves as a holder for your dog’s license and rabies tag, both of which are required in most areas.
Many dog owners opt to have more than one collar. This is because different collars are used for different things. A nylon buckle or clasp collar is good for everyday use.
A martingale or chain collar can be useful for training. And a smart collar uses GPS technology that can help you locate your dog. This is useful if you go hunting or to a new location where you think your dog might wander off and get lost.
Features to Consider when Buying a Dog Collar
Dog collars all have features that are important. The qualities that need to be considered when choosing a collar for your dog can be summed up as:
- Fit: Probably the most important quality required in a dog collar is its fit. If it’s too big, it’ll slip off, which can be a disaster, especially if it happens at an inappropriate time. Too small and it can choke your dog or cause damage to its fur and skin. A good fit will be neither too large, too heavy, too bulky, nor too tight and above all will be comfortable around your dog’s neck. Use a sizing chart for the brand of collar you plan to purchase.
- Purpose: You may just want a basic collar that you can attach a lead and other items to when going out to enjoy outdoor activities together. You may be training a puppy or own a breed that needs a particular type of collar (in the case of Whippets or Greyhounds). You may be thinking of taking your dog out hunting or mountain trekking, both activities requiring quite a different dog collar than one for a stroll in the park.
- Material: Whether you choose a collar made of leather, nylon, rope or any other type of material, it should be sturdy and durable. It should also, ideally, be washable/cleanable and be able to withstand some chewing (especially if it’s for a young puppy).
- Type: There are several types of collars, which you choose will depend on how well it matches your needs as well as the breed of dog you have and whether it is for training, outdoor pursuits etc.
The following products are aimed at helping you choose the right collar for both you and your dog with the aim of giving you the information you need to help you make the best choice for you both.
The products in this article have been researched by ‘bowwowtech.co.uk’ and the results listed are in no particular order, however, they all fall into the class of Top 10 Dog Collars based on their Best Selling or Highly Rated factors. Clicking on any of the images will take you to an external site where you have the opportunity to purchase or learn more about the product – Enjoy!
All products in this article can be found on amazon, any links which are clicked and subsequently purchased may provide us (bowwowtech.co.uk) with a small commission. Any commissions earned are reinvested to enable us to produce more articles and provide educational material to visitors to our site.
TOP 10 DOG COLLARS
1. Premium Personalized Leather Dog Collar
- Genuine cowhide leather
- Custom laser engraving
- Suitable for all dog sizes
- Heavy-duty die-cast hardware
Comfort and Luxury are combined in this finest quality, leather personalised collar. The leather is treated to ensure it is soft, supple and exceptionally strong; water-repellent, with a die-cast ‘D’ ring and buckle for strength and durability.
6 mushroom rivets ensure durability of the buckle, making it strong enough for the most active dogs.
Available in Brown and a range of sizes from 24 cm to 65 cm. A matching 1 m Leather Lead is also available using the same link
PROS
- Distinguished identity collar
- Very good value for money
- The engraved name/number plate is much safer than a dog tag
- Smart looking very attractive product
CONS
- The engraved details have begun to wear off
Read more customer reviews on Amazon here!
2. Reflective Nylon Half Choke Collar
- Strong nylon webbing
- Half choke chain.
- Reflective
- Suitable for larger dogs
This obedience half-check collar from ROGZ brings you the ideal solution when you’re looking for something in between a full choke collar and a standard straight collar – ideal for training!
Made of strong high-grade nylon webbing, it is much gentler on your dog’s fur. Designed to tighten when your dog pulls on the lead, it tightens just enough to remind him/her who is in control and slackens off as soon as the pulling stops.
Available in 10 different colours, this choke collar adjusts for a neck size from 17-inch to 29-inch.
PROS
- Easy and quick to put on
- Way better than an all chain choker
- Very comfortable for our dog to wear
- Good quality
CONS
- None
Read more customer reviews on Amazon here!
3. Rosewood Luxury Leather Dog Collar
- Black leather collar
- Robust fittings
- Contrast stitching
- Decorative Paw charm
Rosewood Pet products has been keeping dogs and their owners happy for over half a century and this luxury leather collar is no exception.
Crafted from fine leather, these collars have attractive contrast stitching and robust fittings.
Classic in style with a modern twist, this collar is finished with a decorative ‘paw’ charm.
Available in 4 different sizes, ranging from 10″ to 26″.
PROS
- Good strong collar
- Very good quality
- Attractive collar and sits comfortably
- Sturdy collar & great value
CONS
- Thread around the collar started to come loose – older purchases
Read more customer reviews on Amazon here!
4. BBD Whippet Deluxe Collar
- High Quality
- Padded and lined in suede
- Welded D-Ring for Safety
- Finest Quality Leathers
Using only the best quality European Leather and Fittings, this Whippet Deluxe Collar by BBD Pet Products has a padded suede lining for extra comfort.
Manufactured in the UK, this is a high-quality product which is also soft, strong and comfortable.
Available in Black, Brown, Pink, Red or Tan. The matching Leather Lead can be found here
PROS
- Good value, good quality. Very pleased with this collar
- Quality dog collar with good price
- Looks great on my whippet, the inner is padded, fine soft leather
- Nicely padded with a sturdy buckle fastening and D ring for the tag
CONS
- Stretched a little but not massively so
Read more customer reviews for Amazon
5. Ancol Extra Heavy Choke Chain
- Strong and Reliable
- Made from mild steel
- Chrome Plated
- Each link is welded
This Extra Heavy Choke Chain from Ancol is made from mild steel, coated in high-quality chrome plating.
The good-sized, heavy links are welded giving you a strong and reliable collar for the times when your dog gets excited and pulls.
Suitable for the following breeds: Bassett Hound, Doberman, Pointer and Weimaraner Sized Dogs
Available in a variety of sizes ranging from 24 inches
PROS
- Very strong chain
- Absolute bargain
- An ideal training chain
- Nice, solid chain wasn’t expecting such heavy-duty, quality chain
CONS
- None
Read more on customer reviews on Amazon here!
6. The Paws Diamante Leather Collar
- Quality genuine leather collar.
- Luxury diamante rhinestones.
- Four sizes to fit most breeds.
- Easy to Clean
This quality leather collar from The Paws comes decorated with between 6 and 9 stones (depending on the collar size).
Attractive, smart and stylish, the Diamante Leather Collar is easy to clean. The top surface is made of good quality, genuine leather, while the lining is of faux leather to provide comfortable cushioning.
Available in Brown or Red, with sizes ranging from 30 cm to 60 cm.
PROS
- Good quality and great price
- The leather is thick but it’s very soft
- Love this collar great value and real leather
- This is a great collar – good looking and tough
CONS
- The outer coating can peel off – this problem appears to have been resolved
Read more customer reviews here!
7. Heritage Nylon Padded Collar
- Air-cushion padding contains thousands of tiny air bubbles
- Provides padded cushion effect for your dog around their neck
- Added Strength and Absolute Comfort
- This padded nylon collar uses neoprene padding
The Heritage Nylon Padded Collar from Ancol is made of super-strong nylon. The neoprene padding/lining gives your pooch a strong, reliable and comfortable collar.
Durable with a cushioned feel, a major benefit for your dog, this collar is fully washable.
Available in Black, Blue or Red; sizes range from 45cm to 65cm. The matching padded webbed Lead can be found here
PROS
- Great price
- Looks very comfortable and nicely padded
- Actually fits properly
- Beefy nylon webbing collar with padding
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs that chew
Read more customer reviews on Amazon here!
8. Padded Safety Collar from Kaka mall
- Nylon padded soft mesh
- Quick safety release
- Duraflex buckle is lightweight
- Reflective dog collar
This dog collar from Kaka mall is made of nylon and is padded soft mesh. Being comfortable, it does not damage your dog’s fur or skin. It is also breathable for comfort in warmer weather.
The material is reflective, ensuring good visibility when out during the darker hours.
Its Duraflex buckle is lightweight and has a large loading capacity which improves the tensile strength of this nylon dog collar; the leash attachment point is a zinc alloy ‘O’ ring.
The quick safety release allows for ease of use. Fully adjustable, the collar comes in five colours, with sizes ranging from 30cm to 55cm.
PROS
- Strong and good quality
- Very bright and fun looking collar
- Excellent value for money
- Pleased with width and padding
CONS
- Not suitable for cats or very small dogs as the collar is too wide
Read more customer reviews here!
9. Timberwolf Leather Round Collar
- Soft leather collar
- More comfortable to wear
- Antique gold D-ring and buckle
- Ideal for long-haired breeds
This high-quality leather collar is rolled, making it ideal for long-haired dogs; it’s kinder on their fur and skin.
The Timberwolf Leather Round Collar is made of soft, supple leather, with strong industrial nylon bonded thread and a die-cast ‘D’ ring and buckle for strength and durability.
Round/rolled collars are great for dogs, they are more comfortable to wear and do not snag or ruff up the fur like flat collared designs do.
Available in Sable or Blue, with sizes ranging from 28cm to 63cm.
The matching 1 m Leather Lead is available here
PROS
- Good value for money
- Well made with sturdy, well-attached fittings
- Lovely leather strong collar, stylish too
- Good value rolled leather collar
CONS
- Sizing seems to have changed – now on the small side
- The blue dye is apt to ‘run’ if it rains
Read more customer reviews on Amazon here!
10. Premium Dog Choke Chain Collar
- Ideal for training
- Made from high-quality nylon material
- Strong metal chain and clip ring
- Fully adjustable to your dog’s neck
This Premium Choke Chain Collar from Trixie is both stylish and sturdy; made of robust, durable nylon, it has a strong metal chain and clip ring.
The Choke Chain Collar is fully adjustable and easy to slip around your dog’s neck, helping to reduce pulling as well as preventing him/her slipping their collar.
Available in Black with a selection of sizes ranging from Medium to Large – 35cm – 50cm.
The matching Lead with padded handle is available here
PROS
- Very good quality
- Fits well, adjustable and durable
- Very sturdy, well made. very good value
- Great value great collar
CONS
- May not be suitable for a reactive dog
Read more customer reviews on Amazon here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a collar on a dog compulsory?
A. Rules and Laws controlling dogs vary throughout the world. However, for your own peace of mind, it is always recommended that your dog wears a collar when out in public, whether it is a legal requirement or not.
A harness or other form of restraint may be an acceptable alternative to a collar. Your dog’s collar should carry some form of identification such as your phone number, and, if required where you live, its rabies tag.
Q. Should my dog always wear a collar?
A. The most obvious place that your dog should always wear a collar is when out in public, particularly crowded places. It is also advisable to keep a collar on your dog when it is outside for any length of time – should it escape from your premises, the collar with its identification will help you be reunited with your dog quickly.
Q. When should my dog not wear a collar?
A. There are situations when your dog shouldn’t wear a collar, the most obvious is if you use a crate. The collar should be removed before putting your furry friend in a crate.
There is a possibility that the collar could catch on protruding parts of the crate or the wire framework, leading to fright, distress or strangulation. Having two or more dogs living together will lead to play-flights.
Removing their collars when they’re socialising together ensures that they can’t get their jaws locked into the collar of another. Avoid the use of a chain as a collar or indeed a half-choke collar when keeping your dog tied to a line outside; the better option is to use a harness – in either case, you should not leave your dog unattended.
Q. Which is better – a collar or harness?
A. This really depends on the breed of your dog, its body shape, whether it pulls, it’s obedience level, whether it is ‘reactive’ or easily spooked or frightened.
For a dog that walks well on a lead, a standard ‘basic’ collar is sufficient for walking. A martingale collar (a half-choke collar) provides some extra security as it will tighten if the dog lunges or pulls.
For a dog that pulls a lot, a no-pull harness might be the best option (see our article of the Top 10 Dog Harnesses), combined with training the dog not to pull. If you are unable to stop your dog from pulling, despite your best efforts, it’s time to consult a professional dog trainer.
Q. Should a puppy wear a collar? What type of collar is suitable for a puppy?
A. It is always best to put a collar on a very young puppy early on to get it used to wearing a collar as soon as possible. A simple basic collar made of felt or other soft material is ideal for a young puppy.
As the puppy grows, the type of material used will vary from soft padded webbing, nylon or even leather. A martingale collar is best suited when training a puppy, as it tightens up slightly if the pup tries to back out of the collar. Full chain choke collars should not be used on puppies.
The Winner – Our Pick of the bunch
As you can see from the list above, choosing an outright ‘winner’ is nigh impossible as each of the collars is designed for different purposes, breeds and the needs of the owner.
However, we chose the Reflective Nylon Half Choke Collar from ROGZ as it combines the classic style dog collar together with the usefulness as a training collar, making it great value for money.
Summary – Top 10 Dog Collars
Dogs collars come in all shapes and sizes, to suit the wide variety of dog breeds, temperament and stages of training.
We as owners have different lifestyles, some enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, others prefer jogging, cycling, hiking – the list goes on. Whatever your life-style, you’ll find a certain style of dog collar to support you in your outdoor time together, doing whatever it is that you both/all enjoy.
Further reading on the history of the dog collar can be found here.
- Dog Walking in Spring Weather – Owners guide
- Choosing the Right Dog Food to Keep it as Healthy as Possible
- Puppy Potty Training Essentials
- How to Easily Exercise Your Dog When You Go Out, Besides Going for a Walk
- What Is Coprophagia in Dogs? | Can It Be Cured?
All products in this article can be found on amazon, any links which are clicked and subsequently purchased may provide us (bowwowtech.co.uk) with a small commission. Any commissions earned are reinvested to enable us to produce more articles and provide educational material to visitors to our site.
Bowwowtech.co.uk does not provide veterinary advice. Our aim is to provide the reader with information to enable them to make a good decision when making a purchase. All content is therefore for informational purposes only.