The Best Dog Collars
When it comes to dog ownership, few accessories are as important the collar. Not only do they allow you to put your pup on a leash and help others identify them if they wander away from home, but they also add a bit of pizzazz to their individual style. But with so many choices out there, it can be difficult to find one that fits your particular pet. We researched over two dozen models and narrowed them down to the best of the best, making sure to include a diverse range of sizes, styles, and price tags.
Joytale Reflective Dog Collar
Back to basics
If you are pressed for cash but want a reliable collar for your pooch, check out this option for Joytale. Constructed with reflective threads to improve nighttime visibility, this padded neoprene collar is quite convenient. Neoprene is flexible, non-abrasive, and it dries quickly. That means that when Buster gets caught in a downpour, this collar will dry fast enough to prevent mold or mildew from developing. Available in a large variety of colors and sizes, this collar from Joytale has something for every dog.
Pros:
- Neoprene is quite soft
- Excellent cost value
- Has a D-ring to attach your leash
Cons:
- Colors aren’t the most visually pleasing
Blueberry Pet Essentials Personalized Dog Collar
Many owners often find it enough to customize their dog’s ID tags for identification purposes, but if you’re interested in taking it a step further, get this personalized collar from Blueberry Pet. It’s one of the most affordable and convenient customizable collars out there thanks to the easy-to-order process and the plethora of personalization options available. Aside from the wide variety of colorways offered, you can also choose from various sizes to fit your pooch’s dimensions.
Pros:
- Customized in the USA
- Offered at a great price
- Non-personalized options available as well
Cons:
- Buckle is made of plastic
PetSafe Martingale Dog Collar with Quick Snap Buckle
Comfortable And secure
There are more durable collars, there are more ergonomic collars, and there are definitely more stylish collars, but few offer the kind of basic functionality at as reasonable a price as the PetSafe Martingale does. It’s perfect for any size dog or breed since it comes in a range of sizes and colors, and it features a simple, straightforward design that includes a special loop for rearing and training young or unruly pups. On top of all that, it’s a fraction of the price of most dog collars out there, so you can invest in a few instead of just one.
Pros:
- Strong nylon material
- More comfortable alternative to choke collar
Cons:
- Sizing chart is misleading
- No reflective materials
Taglory Reflective Dog Collar
Light in a dark place
Many dog owners opt for style when picking a collar, but the accessory can also offer more functional features for your pup’s life. This reflective collar from Taglory is a good example of this. It incorporates vivid colors and trim that lights up when shined upon in the dark, adding much-needed visibility to your dog around moving vehicles at night. The bright colors do a good job retaining their brightness over time, even after many washes. Plus, the buckle, though made of plastic, includes a special safety lock to help keep it from accidentally unfastening.
Pros:
- Available in several different colors
- Also available in several different sizes
- Made with soft and flexible material
Cons:
- Locking mechanism sometimes makes it difficult to remove the collar
Black Rhino The Comfort Collar
Cushion in all the right places
Any dog owner knows that our pooches aren’t just there to entertain us — they’re family. Just like you’d want your parents or your children to be free from pain, it makes sense to buy a collar that ensures your dog is comfortable and pain-free. This collar from Black Rhino is lined with a layer of soft neoprene padding to provide next-level comfort. Designed with a black center band surrounded by variously colored padding, this collar’s iconic look also helps separate it from much of the competition. Why go for a bland, unpadded collar when the Comfort Collar is up for grabs?
Pros:
- Neoprene is odor-resistant and dries quickly
- Reflective stitching for enhanced nighttime visibility
- Made of high-quality material throughout, so it should last quite a while
- Fantastic cost value considering the quality
Cons:
- You may find the buckle hard to undo; however, this also means it’s not likely to unlatch and fall off your dog
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dog collar should I get?
Contrary to popular belief, there is not one type of dog collar. Dog collars come in several different styles, and which one is right for you will depend on your own particular tastes as well as the type of dog you have. Flat collars are by far the most common type, and they’re the one most everyone is familiar with. They lie flat on your dog’s neck and feature a simple adjustment mechanism and a basic buckle fastener. There are also choke collars, which are usually chains that tighten as the dog pulls on their leash; slip collars, which are similar to choke collars but made out of rope; and martingale collars, which combine the functionality of slip collars and the look and feel of a flat collar. We’ve included both flat and martingale collars in our lineup.
Are harnesses better than collars?
As dog accessories improve in design and function, harnesses are coming to replace the traditional collar as a way for owners to leash their canines comfortably and securely. This makes sense because harnesses avoid putting pressure on the dog’s throat and neck, making them a slightly safer option. But collars still have their place in a dog’s life, particularly if you want others to be able to ID your pet quickly in the event they get lost. Unlike harnesses, collars are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time, and won’t inhibit your dog’s mobility in any way. They’re also a great way to add a little personal style to your pooch.
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