Having a dog as your pet is a beautiful thing. If you love taking her outdoors for a walk, you will, however, have to deal with a few challenges. The dog might choose to chase after other pets; fail to follow all your commands, and even prove to be uncontrollable. So what do you do? The humble dog collar is the perfect solution! Not only does it hold an ID tag that allows your canine friend to return home if they get lost, but also keep them in control.
That said, not all dog collars are made equal. When choosing one, you’ll need one that fits the particular breed of dog you have. Some are small and narrow and would look good on the little poodles and the like, while some are larger and would live through the chewing of the larger dogs. You should also consider the comfort, design, and even preference (your dogs as well as your own).
This is why we’ve decided to research the best dog collars in the market with a range of features you might be interested in. Ready?
Top 11 Dog Collars Of 2020 Reviewed
1. Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar
Dog Collar to Control PullingThis collar is made from nylon fabric with high-density webbing. The buckles are constructed of eco-friendly plastic while the D-ring is chrome-coated metal. This is an incredibly simple collar that’s perfect for everyday use. It doesn’t have any extra features or fancy finishes. It also doesn’t promise to last you a lifetime. But for its price, under $10, you get a really great bargain that your dog will also love
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple design
- Eco-friendly plastic buckles
Cons:
- Necks bigger than 26 inches probably won’t be able to use this
- May not be able to withstand chewing
- Some users have reported that the clasp kept getting unclipped
2. GoTags Embroidered Reflective Dog Collar
Dog Collar For HuntingThis is one collar that you’ll be able to read from a great distance. The reflective strip is sewn on and really bright. The embroidered name stands out quite clearly. The fabric is smooth and the stitches are well done. This collar is the perfect backup plan for your dog’s microchip.
Pros:
- Soft fabric
- Bright and readable from a distance
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Some big dogs have been able to snap the plastic buckle
- The collar has to be fully extended to show the entire stitching (otherwise part of the information will be covered)
- Reflective strip can get scratched off
3. LupinePet Original Dog Collar
Dog Collar to Control PullingWhen it comes to the ideal everyday dog collar, nobody does it better than LupinePet. Constructed from the highest quality jacquard nylon webbing, this collar can withstand anything and is guaranteed to last a lifetime (even if chewed). It comes in various sizes and plenty of colors as well as patterns (which are woven into the webbing for durability).
Pros:
- Lifetime guarantee (even if chewed)
- Comes in various sizes and colors/patterns
- D-ring is welded steel and rust-resistant
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the color bleeds when the collar is wet
- Not returnable through Amazon
- Some users have reported that the largest size doesn’t fit their big dogs
4. Soft Touch Collars
Dog Collars LeatherThe Soft Touch Collars are true to their name. These collars are made of full grain naturally tanned genuine leather that is handmade and hand-stitched. It has sheepskin leather padding that is smooth and comfortable. Your dog’s hair definitely won’t catch on it. The brass hardware is lacquered and won’t rust. And the D-ring is conveniently located on top of the collar. Not only are these collars really stylish, but they are also built for comfort and durability.
Pros:
- Handmade, hand-stitched leather
- Rust-free brass hardware
- Beautiful collar
Cons:
- May be too thick for small dogs and too small for larger breeds
- Expensive
- Scratches easily
5. Aolove Basic Classic Padded Leather Pet Collar
Dog Collar to Control PullingIf you want a genuine leather collar but can’t justify spending more than $25 on your dog’s collar, then Aolove’s Classic Padded Leather Collar is for you. While it isn’t at par with Soft Touch’s leather collar, it is still made of high-quality leather that’s soft and durable. The hardware is nickel-plated and the D-ring is heavy-duty.
Pros:
- Not easily scratched
- Durable, soft leather
- Attractive look
Cons:
- Smallest size may still be too big for some small dogs and puppies
- Some consumers have reported that the threading starts to come out after a few months
- Metal ring tends to tarnish after a few months
6. Nylon Martingale Dog Collar
Dog Collar to Control PullingA Martingale collar is specifically designed for dogs that pull on the leash, ensuring that they won’t slide out of their collar when they bolt after something they see. This handmade collar is constructed using two loops of thin nylon webbing (in the USA) that tightens when pulled. But the pressure is distributed evenly around your dog’s neck so you don’t have to worry about hurting your dog when this happens. And a bonus? You can order a custom size to ensure that the collar will fit your dog’s neck perfectly.
Pros:
- Can withstand a lot of wear and tear
- Non-slip design gives you better control of your dog
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- The width of the collar (1.5 inches) may be too big for small dogs
- Not for dogs with fine hair (too stiff)
7. Coastal Pet Latigo Leather Round Collar
Dog Collar for Sensitive SkinA genuine full top grain leather collar at an affordable price, Coastal Pet’s Latigo Leather Collar is simple, stylish, and sturdy. The leather is soft yet durable with an attractive brown color. While it has a very basic design (no bells and whistles here), it definitely does the job.
Pros:
- Made of real full top grain leather in a rich brown color
- Durable
- Comfortable and soft on the dog’s hair and skin
Cons:
- Sizing is wrong
- Not as thick as other leather collars on our list
- D-ring is not heavy-duty or large enough for both tags and a leash
8. Coastal Pet New Earth Soy Dog Collar
Dog Collar for Sensitive SkinWe have another favorite from Coastal Pet and this one is quite unique. The New Earth Soy Dog Collar is exactly what it says. It is made from soy fibers, a natural byproduct of food manufacturing. Not only is it an eco-friendly choice, but this collar is also incredibly soft and flexible. It is also quite thin that you won’t have a problem trying it out after washing. Despite its softness and flexibility, the New Earth Soy Dog Collar is very durable. It definitely holds up well.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly choice
- Soft and flexible
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Collar may slip off when used on dogs that pull
- Collar is a bit stretchy
- The dog can choke on the collar when chewing it
9. Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar
Dog Collar for Sensitive SkinThe best dog collars are supposed to be soft enough to fit around the neck of your pooch without hurting it. That’s exactly what you can expect from the Logical Leather Padded Collar, whose interior is made from soft, split leather. With such a collar, your dog’s hair won’t be unnecessarily frayed. Besides, it is a beautiful collar, which you can show off every time you walk your dog in the park.
This water-resistant and stain-proof dog collar is easy to take care of. To clean it, you only need a soft, damp cloth. You may have to use some leather cleaner. The good thing is that the leash ring and metal clasp are made from heavy-duty metal. No matter how active your dog is, it will stay strong for a long time. In fact, the makers of this product believe so much in it that they have put out a lifetime guarantee.
Pros:
- Easy clean and take care of
- Comfortable around the dog’s neck
- Hardware made from premium metal
Cons:
- May smell of harsh chemicals
- Reports of it breaking after a short time of use
- Poor-quality stitching
10. Good Dog Company Hemp Corduroy Collar
Dog Collar for Sensitive SkinAn eco-friendly collar for an eco-friendly dog and owner. Aside from being green, this hemp collar is strong and durable. This hypoallergenic collar is perfect for dogs with a nylon allergy. The clasp mechanism is a bit stiff which can be positive or negative. If you have a dog that has a knack for unbuckling his collar, you’ll love this feature. Those with arthritis won’t. And while corduroy isn’t exactly stylish, you might be surprised at how good it looks on your dog.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine wash and dry-able
Cons:
- Stiff clasp mechanism
- The collar may be too wide for some very small dogs
- Tag loop is located right next to the buckle
11. Ruffwear Knot-a-Collar
Dog Collar for Sensitive SkinObviously, this is a collar for a dog who likes a bit of rough play. Okay, a lot of rough play. The ruggedness of the design is unique and definitely appealing to an outdoor type of owner. The collar comes with sliding fisherman knots so you can personally adjust the fit to your dog’s neck. It has a reflective trim that you’ll be able to see in low-light conditions. And it has a silicone tag silencer!
Pros:
- Unique design
- Customized fit
- Reflective trim
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Awkward to put on and off
- The knots slip when the dog is a puller
Choosing The Best Dog Collar – The Ultimate Buying Guide
Taking care of your canine friend is not an option. You have to keep him dewormed and ensure that they take regular walks for their well-being. But how do you control your puppy them when out there? A dog collar!
Choosing a dog collar shouldn’t be so difficult. After all, it’s just a collar. Or is it? Not only will this collar help you keep your dog on a leash while walking, but it can also keep your dog’s identification with him (aside from the microchip, of course) so you can be assured that he’ll be returned to you if he gets lost. Naturally, there are other factors to consider as well.
The size of your dog, his/her level of playfulness, his/her sensitivity, comfort, and even style. With so many options to be found online and in-store, we decided to help you out so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Type of Dog Collars
There are different types of dog collars that will be helpful to your pet, which you can choose depending on the needs of your pooch. They include the following:
- Standard Dog Collars: This is the most common type of collars you will find on the market. Their main advantage lies in the simplicity and easiness with which they are used. They are easy to put on and remove from the dog. They are usually made from leather or nylon with metal or plastic buckles. If your dog doesn’t pull much, this type of collar is the best for it.
- Chain Collars and Martingales: These types of collars are mainly used to train dogs to walk properly. Is a dog pulls away unnecessarily, the collar will snap and choke it? With martingales, it is possible to train a dog without harming it. Some may have partly fabric and partly chains, while others are exclusively made from fabric.
- LED Collars: For people who like walking dogs at dawn or dusk, LED collars are the best. They may provide flashing or solid lights for other people to see you and your dog. LED collars are mainly made from nylon material.
- Waterproof Collars: In wetter climates, the best collars are those with waterproof capabilities. These collars are made from soft materials and are great to be worn for long periods of time. Since they are waterproof, they hardly develop unwanted odors and mildew.
What is the Right Size for Your Dog?
The wrong sized collar could mean problems for you and your dog. Too tight and it will harm your dog. Too large and he’ll just slip through. So, how do you know which size to buy? You’ll need to measure your dog’s neck using a cloth measuring tape. Generally, it is recommended that you are able to slip 2 fingers inside the collar when placed around your dog’s neck. For more precise measurement, here’s a breakdown from Petful.com:
- small breeds (less than 10 pounds) – plus 1 inch to the measurement
- medium-sized dogs – plus 2 inches
- large breeds (over 80 pounds) – plus 3 inches
What about the Width of the Collar?
It is recommended that you choose a wide collar for stronger dogs because it lessens the pressure on the neck. But small breeds will feel uncomfortable with a wide, thick collar since they tend to weigh a lot. In general, 1 1/2 inches is good for both large and small breeds.
How well-behaved is Your Dog?
Be honest. Is your dog a puller? Is he ready to bolt at a moment’s notice as soon as he spies a squirrel or anything really? Then you need a Martingale collar, one that limits his movement whenever he pulls. One good example of this is Nylon Martingale Dog Collar.
What Material is Best?
This is really a matter of preference. Some dogs are allergic to nylon which is the most common material used in dog collars. Also, nylon tends to stink after a while. If your dog is sensitive (and your nose is as well), you can opt for a hypoallergenic collar such as the Good Dog Company Hemp Corduroy Collar or Coastal Pet New Earth Soy Dog Collar.
The leather is an elegant choice. The Soft Touch Collars is one of the most popular on Amazon because it offers durability, comfort, and style. Some collars offer reflective coating which ensures that you’ll be able to see your dog even at a great distance or in low-light settings. Some examples are the GoTags Embroidered Reflective Dog Collar and the Ruffwear Knot-a-Collar.
Other Important Features to Pay Attention To
- Type of Clasp or Buckle: Dog collar buckles may be made from different materials including aluminum, plastic, and aluminum & plastic. The most common material is plastic, mainly because it is lightweight and provides great performance. However, they break easily. If you have a big dog, buy a collar with an aluminum buckle. In the middle is the type of buckle that combines aluminum and plastic. Apart from the material, the buckle should have a prong and adjustable holes. It should make it very easy for you to slip the collar onto the dog.
- Hardware Closure: There are three main types of closures a collar might have – slip-on collars, side release, and buckle collars. Buckle closures appear in the form of a steel or brass belt buckle. To release it, you only need to squeeze the sides. Side release closures can be made from plastic or metal. Plastic ones are for the larger dog breeds while plastic ones are for smaller animals.
- Durability: A dog collar should be durable enough to last through the ravages of daily use. If your dog does any kind of strenuous activities, you should buy for it a highly-durable collar. As such, the material should be of the highest quality.
Conclusion
One thing you will notice about dog collars is that the type you buy should be in line with the kind of pet you have. Right from the material to the type of buckle it has, the collar should be perfectly suited for your dog. So, bear in mind the needs of your pet as you look for the best dog collar. You should be able to find the perfect collar among the ones we have covered in this write-up. If you can’t check the buying guide for additional tips.