The 5 Best Dog Collars For Large Dogs

If you’re lucky enough to have a large and loveable dog, you know that finding a well-fitting collar can be a challenge. Whether you have a fluffy Bernese mountain dog or a muscly mastiff, it’s important to pick a and stylish. Although a collar is a must if you’re taking your dog on a walk, it’s also a great idea for your large dog to wear a collar around the house, too. If they ever run out of your yard or slip out the front door, an ID collar can help get your pooch back home quickly and safely. To help you out, we’ve researched the five best dog collars for large dogs so that you can quickly find a great option for your family’s best friend.

Best Dog Collars to Consider

When it comes to picking a dog collar for your large dog, it’s important to think about your dog’s personality and training level. If you have a calm, well-mannered dog who’s happy to walk by your side, a simple snap-on collar will do the trick. On the other hand, if you’re still training your dog or she tends to get excited and run when she sees a squirrel, a harness-style collar or head collar will give you more control while walking without accidentally hurting your dog’s neck.

Large dog collars come in many different materials, so consider what sort of activities you love to do with your pooch. Cotton is strong and durable, so it’s a great option for daily walks. If you take your dog to the beach or the lake, a nylon or silicone collar is an excellent choice because it doesn’t absorb water and it dries quickly. A leather collar is another highly durable option, and it’s also a classic and stylish choice.

Finally, think about the collar’s size and fit. Most large dogs have a neck circumference of 18-22”, and choosing an adjustable collar makes it easy to get the perfect fit. However, you’ll also want to consider the collar’s width. Dogs with delicate necks, like greyhounds, need a wide collar to prevent damaging their windpipes if they pull. Shorter-necked breeds are generally well-suited to a standard one-inch-wide collar, and a collar that’s too wide can prevent your dog from turning his head or looking around comfortably.

Joytale Reflective Dog Collar

If you’re looking for a classic, easy-to-use collar that’s durable to stand up to daily use, you can’t go wrong with Joytale’s nylon option. The band itself is made from nylon, which is strong and water-resistant, and it’s padded with a layer of plush neoprene to prevent chafing and discomfort.

Additionally, this collar is stitched with two lines of highly reflective thread. This not only makes your dog easier to spot in your yard at night but increases your and your dog’s visibility when you’re walking in the dark to keep you both safer.

Another key safety feature that we appreciated is the quick-release buckle. It’s made from sturdy ABS plastic so it can hold up to pulling without snapping open, but it’s easy to take your dog’s collar off in mere seconds if you have to.

Pros:

• Available in a huge variety of colors
• Woven with a reflective strip for nighttime visibility
• The curved buckle is comfortable against your dog’s neck

Cons:

• ID tags hang close to the buckle, so they may jingle loudly if your dog shakes
• Not ideal for long-haired dogs

Black Rhino Padded Dog Collar

Tough and well-stitched, Black Rhino’s Comfort Collar is an excellent choice for active pooches. It’s made from weather-proof nylon and neoprene, so it can withstand sun and rain without wearing out. Plus, it dries quickly, which means your dog can go for a swim with her collar on and you don’t need to worry about it staying damp and uncomfortable.

The collar is finished with metal hardware, and the buckle closes securely. It won’t pop open accidentally, so this collar is ideal for large puppies or older dogs that tend to pull when you’re walking them on a leash. Also, the band is on the wide side at 1.5” across, so it’s less likely to dig into your dog’s neck and hurt them if they do pull against their collar.

Pros:

• The neoprene padding dries quickly and is resistant to odors
• Heavy-duty hardware can stand up to dogs that pull
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

• The buckle design limits adjustability
• Although the band has reflective threads, they’re not very prominent

Soft Touch Collars Leather Dog Collar

A leather dog collar is a timeless classic, and the options from Soft Touch Collars are as functional as they are stylish. They’re made from full-grain, naturally tanned leather for durability, and lined with sheepskin leather for all-day comfort. Just like a well-made bag or belt, the leather collar ages well and holds up over time.

Each collar is finished with brass hardware, which is strong as well as corrosion-proof. This means you can take your dog out in the rain or into wet grass without worrying that his collar will rust or break down. Plus, the genuine leather and metal attachments have a high-quality look and feel that transforms a simple collar into an elegant accessory.

Pros:

• Has a built-in ring for an ID tag
• Lined with soft sheepskin leather
• Made with leather that’s tanned without harsh chemicals

Cons:

• At 1.75″ inches wide, this collar might be too thick for some breeds
• The leather can be a bit stiff at first, but it should break in over time

GoTags Personalized Dog Collar

Although we never want to think about our beloved pet getting lost, it’s a good idea to keep an ID tag on your dog in case the worst does happen. GoTag’s personalized collars are a great choice because your dog’s name and your phone number are embroidered directly onto the collar. This ensures that essential information stays with your pooch since it can’t fall off like a tag might. Plus, it doesn’t jingle while your dog walks around or scratches herself.

The nylon bands are bright and durable, and you can choose a contrasting thread for easy visibility. They’re comfortable for your dog, too — the rolled edges won’t catch on her fur, and the sliding buckle makes getting the perfect fit a snap.

Pros:

• Although the clasps are plastic, they’re surprisingly durable
• Adjusts within an 8″ range so they’re great for growing pups
• Machine washable for easy cleaning

Cons:

• It can be hard to read the collar if your dog has very long fur
• The buckle may partially cover the ID info depending on how the length is adjusted

PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar

When you’re training a dog that pulls, it’s scary when he lunges forward against his collar and puts pressure on his neck. For these dogs, PetSafe’s gentle leader head collar is an excellent alternative to traditional neck collars. It’s designed to fit around your dog’s muzzle and behind his ears, providing a secure fit that puts you in control while preventing any coughing or choking if he pulls on his leash.

Both loops are adjustable for a snug but comfortable fit, but the collar still allows your dog to bark, drink, eat, and turn his head. Over time, it can help you train your dog and curb unwanted leash behavior so that you’ll be able to enjoy walks without the stress of constant pulling.

Pros:

• Great for dogs that pull
• Gives your dog a full range of motion
• Lightly padded to prevent chafing

Cons:

• Best for using on walks rather than for full-time wear
• Some dogs might not like the feeling at first, so you’ll have to encourage them with treats and gradually keep the harness on longer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fit my large dog for a dog collar?

To figure out what size collar your dog needs, measure her neck with a soft tape measure to find an appropriate collar length. It’s a good idea to pick a collar that can adjust to be a bit smaller and a bit larger than the circumference of your dog’s neck, especially if she’s still growing or if she has long hair that gets trimmed occasionally. Once you’ve picked a collar, try it on your dog and see if you can fit two fingers between the collar and her neck. This quick test ensures that the collar is snug without being too tight.

Can I leave my dog’s collar on all the time?

After your last outdoor potty break, it’s a good idea to take your dog’s collar off for the night. This allows his skin and fur to breathe and prevents chafing or soreness. Plus, you won’t be woken up by any nighttime jingling. However, if your dog has nighttime access to your yard through a doggy door, consider leaving his collar on at night as added security in case he gets out into the neighborhood.

What is the best type of closure for a large dog collar?

Dog collars are usually made with one of two different types of closure: a buckle or a clip. Buckle collars fasten like a belt, so they’re very secure and won’t pop open even if your dog is pulling on her leash. However, they aren’t finely adjustable due to the pre-punctured holes and your dog can get stuck if her collar catches on something. Clip collars have a slider that makes them highly adjustable, and they’re very easy to remove quickly, which can be great in an emergency. On the other hand, though, if your dog tends to pull, she might pop right out of her collar and leave you with an empty leash.

About the Author

Growing up around big dogs, like Collies and Dobermans, Madeleine developed a big appreciation for the care that canines require. These days, she volunteers at a local shelter, where she walks dogs of all sizes. She hopes to share her expertise with dog owners new and old to help them give their canines the quality care they deserve.

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