Best Dog Collars for 2020
Updated: Sep. 10, 2020Want to buy the best dog collar for your pup? Here are our 8 top-rated collars and why we chose them.
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Buying a Dog Collar
When buying a dog collar, the most important thing to look for is the correct fit.
Measure your dog’s neck to get an idea of what size you need. As a rule of thumb, you should always be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar when it’s on your dog.
Once you have the right measurement, think about your dog’s behavior and favorite activities. This will help you decide what material the collar should be made from and whether you need one with special features, such as a smart dog collar.
To help you choose what’s right for your dog, read on for our picks of the best dog collars based on function, price and style.
Best All-Around Dog Collar
We love these flat side-release buckle collars from Orvis.
The flat sides work well for puppies and senior dogs. The adjustable buckle is sturdy enough to withstand any amount of pulling, playing and roughhousing. It is also easy to release when necessary.
The collar also has a single heavy-duty D-ring. That’s practical for first-time dog owners, since it’s easy to clip on a leash and provides enough space to attach name tags.
Finally, Orvis will stitch your dog’s name and your phone number directly into the fabric, so your dog can be identified and returned to you.
Best Training Collar for Puppies
A collar is one of the things you need to buy before bringing a puppy home. A training collar needs to be comfortable for your puppy and, above all else, flat. The Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar is among the top in its class for these reasons.
The Martingale design means that it will tighten around your dog’s neck when he pulls on the leash, but not to the point where it chokes. They’re designed to be escape-proof and stay snug without a buckle. They’re simple, durable and perfect for training a new puppy.
Best Dog Collar for Large/Giant Breeds
If you have a large dog, you’ll need a collar that can withstand lots of activity. Especially during training, the collar needs to stand up to strong pulling on a leash.
The Black Rhino Comfort Collar is one of the toughest collars on the market. Its heavy-duty nylon material is built to last and withstand lots of abuse. The inside is lined with neoprene, which is comfortable and can protect your dog’s neck from irritation if they are excitable on a leash. Neoprene also dries quickly and is odor-resistant so this collar is great for working breeds, too.
Be sure to clean your collar and leash regularly, even if it doesn’t smell.
Best Collar for Small Dogs
With small breeds, collars can be too big and slide off their neck. The Max and Neo Nylon Dog Collar comes in multiple sizes and is adjustable, so you will easily find the right size for your small dog.
It’s also relatively thin and made of lightweight nylon material, so it won’t be too bulky on your small dog’s neck. However, it’s still strong enough to hold up to regular use and wear and tear.
Note that any dog breed that’s toy-sized or smaller should not wear a collar and should use a harness instead.
Best Leather Dog Collars
Leather collars are more durable than most others and look better, too. Owners often choose it for the appearance or because their dog is allergic to nylon. Such allergies tend to be rare, but are not unheard of.
Soft Touch Leather Collars offer great quality leather collars for dogs, made with sheepskin padding to avoid chafing your dog’s neck. The collars are built for longevity and for style, with a range of sizes and color combos to choose from. It should be noted that only dogs older than two should have a leather collar, because a puppy’s collar should always be flat.
Best Budget Dog Collars
Not every owner wants to splurge on an expensive collar. Besides, some dogs are constantly getting dirty and require a replacement collar frequently. Whatever the reason, if you’re looking for something simple, practical and affordable, check out the Blueberry Pet Classic line.
These collars are no frills, but come in a variety of colors and sizes. They’re also machine-washable, so you won’t worry about how to clean it off after a muddy day at the park. The base is made of tightly woven nylon with the buckles constructed from recycled plastic bottles.
You can always upgrade to a fancier Blueberry Pet Collar for special occasions.
Best Splurge Dog Collars
If you often find yourself spending more money on your dog than you do on yourself, this collar might be just right for you and your dog.
Check out this handsome handmade leather collar with gemstones. The Etsy store where these collars are sold has helpful tips on how to measure your dog’s neck. This collar is available with more than two dozen gemstones on black or brown leather. Snazzy!