The 4 Best Dog Collars
One of the first thing's you do when you take a new dog into your home for the first time is put a collar on her. This collar serves multiple purposes. First, it contains metal rings that'll allow you to attach a leash to it when you want to go for a walk. Perhaps more importantly, you'll also affix Lady's ID and vaccination tags to the collar, so that if she's lost, the finder knows who to call. Some collars out there are downright dangerous, while others are plain old uncomfortable. We've compiled our four favorites here, judging them by their comfort, security and cost value.
LupinePet Eco Collar
Buy it For Life
Lupine have won themselves a loyal following in the community for their wholesome business practices. For example, here’s the wording of their “Even if Chewed” lifetime guarantee: “GUARANTEED (Even if Chewed) means we will replace any Lupine Pet brand dog collars, leashes or pet gear that has been accidentally damaged during normal pet-related activities, even chewing accidents!” And they stay true to their word. If you’re looking for a buy-it-for-life kind of a collar, Lupine is probably your company.
Now, on top of all that hefty praise, this particular product impresses us for a few reasons. It’s built with high-quality components, strong stitching, and, most impressive of all in today’s rapidly-evolving manufacturing landscape, it’s made with recycled plastic bottles (PET). You might think that doesn’t sound like it would make for a very comfy leash, but shame on you! Just kidding, but really — your assumption would be incorrect. The bottles are melted, purified and then extruded, with the end result being a strong, yet soft and richly-textured material.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Multiple sizes available
- Nature-inspired colors
Cons:
- Can potentially get snagged on branches and the like
Educator Biothane Collar
Vote With Your Dollar
Biothane has become very popular as a leather-alternative in recent years. When it comes to dog collars, it’s especially useful, because it’s waterproof, and resists rot, mildew, and stink. It’s also incredibly easy to clean, and pretty darn hard to stretch. And compared to other materials typically used to make collars, Biothane is arguably the most gentle on the fur around the neck, meaning it won’t pull, tug, pull or otherwise lead to matted fur. If appearance is important you, the Educator can go either way. Some people think it’s a cheap attempt at mimicking the beauty of leather, while others feel that it’s unique in its own right.
Pros:
- Quite strong
- Can be cut to perfect length if needed
- Electric-shock resistant
- Available in two sizes
- Great for pups that love swimming
Cons:
- Colors offered are a bit ugly
Salt Dog Natural Hemp Collar
As Comfy as it Gets
With its lush fleece lining and soft hemp outer, Salt Dog’s natural hemp collar is the epitome of doggy collar comfort. Offered in a variety of sizes and colors, this one’s perfect for those who are especially concerned with how the darn thing will make their dog feel. If your pooch has sensitive skin, then you’re the ideal customer for Salt Dog. But comfort aside, the matters of security and durability are obviously important, too. A collar that snaps or slips off at an inopportune moment can have dire, even fatal, consequences. That’s why Salt Dog has ensured that their brushed-brass leash ring and hard plastic buckle are sturdy enough for the job.
So all in all, what you’ve got here is an ultra-comfy, sustainably-sourced collar made by a small company that donates 5% of their profits to Veterans’ charities.
Pros:
- Can be machine-washed
- Great for hairless dogs
- Attractive design
Cons:
- May be too large for tiny pups
Black Rhino Neoprene
The Hercules of Dog Collars
If the clunky, gaudy aesthetic of Black Rhino’s neoprene-padded collar doesn’t turn you off, then good news: it’s probably a good pick for you. Appearances aside, this collar is extremely comfortable, very durable, and all-around reliable, especially for larger dogs. While you may find the collar’s thick design a bit puzzling, there’s a good reason for it. When you have Buster on a leash, any time one of you pulls, there’s a lot of weight resistance being distributed through the leash, and subsequently, to the collar. Unlike thinner collars, the Black Rhino’s thickness and overall large surface area help spread that weight more evenly around the neck to reduce the potential for strain.
Pros:
- Great for pit bulls
- Reflective stitching improves nighttime visibility
Cons:
- Logo is obnoxious
- A bit costlier than others
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes I feel bad pulling my dog on a leash attached to a collar. Are collars hurtful or dangerous for dogs?
The simple answer is yes, they can be painful and potentially dangerous. There are a few common problems that dogs can develop from wearing collar that doesn’t suit them. Pooches with sensitive skin may be irritated by the material of the collar, and this constant friction between the fabric and the skin can hair loss and related problems.
A collar that doesn’t fit right is problematic too. If it’s too small, this is going to put pressure on your dog’s neck, which is bad for obvious reasons. If it’s too lose, though, it could be vulnerable to getting caught or snagged. Though this is rare, this can lead to strangulation if the collar gets caught in a truly dangerous position.
Then there’s the most blatant issue: that of the windpipe & neck being damaged when a dog is pulled on a leash. If your dog is a puller (or maybe you’re the one prone to tugging), consider buying a harness instead. Just because other people seem to be okay with pulling hard on a leash doesn’t mean it’s not potentially harmful.
Does my dog always need to wear a collar?
No. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to take the collar off any time your dog is home. Collars are prone to getting caught, and this can be a real danger. Plus, think of the matter of comfort. Doesn’t it feel good to come home after a long day and shed some of the garments that have restricted your movement? Imagine how your dog feels, then with that thing around his neck all day. With that said, dog tags are also typically clipped to the collar, so if you imagine Fido could escape, and he doesn’t have any kind microchip to help identify him if he’s found, exercise caution with when and where you remove the collar.
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