Dogs come in a plethora of breeds, sizes, and attitudes. One thing all canines have in common though is the need for a high-quality collar.
Your furry friend’s collar is more than just a dog necklace, it allows you to secure your pet with a leash for walks and can carry their identification tags in case they ever get lost.
Finding a dog collar that is comfortable, long lasting, and aesthetically pleasing can seem like a chore that is less fun than picking up your pup’s poopy presents.
BEST CHOICE
Soft Touch Collars
Best Dog Collar in Our Rating
- Many designs and sizes to choose from
- Made of genuine leather, will not cause pet irritation
- Durable clasp that never opens on its own
- Manufacturer’s Warranty
Selecting the Best Dog Collars in September, 2024
Product | Dimensions | Weight | Brand | |
---|---|---|---|---|
(Editor’s Choice) Soft Touch Collars | 24 x 1.5 x 0.2 inches | 4.8 ounces | Soft Touch Collars | Check Price |
Illumiseen LED Dog Collar | 20.9 x 1 x 0.6 inches | 4 ounces | Illumiseen | Check Price |
(Editor’s Choice) GoTags Reflective Personalized | 2 x 2 x 8 inches | 5 ounces | GoTags | Check Price |
Sentry Calming Collar | 2 x 4 x 7.5 inches | 3.2 ounces | SENTRY Pet Care | Check Price |
Personalized Dog Collar | 2 x 4 x 6.5 inches | 3.3 ounces | GoTags | Check Price |
Perri's Padded Leather | 7 x 4.5 x 2 inches | 3.2 ounces | Perri's | Check Price |
Blueberry Pet Classic | 02 x 3.7 x 9.1 inches | 2.88 ounces | Blueberry Pet | Check Price |
GoTags Custom Engraved | 6 x 3.5 x 3 inches | 5 ounces | GoTags | Check Price |
PetSafe Gentle Leader Collar | 1.2 x 5.2 x 8 inches | 2.4 ounces | PetSafe | Check Price |
Custom Catch Personalized | 2 x 4 x 6.5 inches | 2.88 ounces | Custom Catch | Check Price |
1. Soft Touch Collars Luxury Leather Padded Collar : Beautiful and Comfortable Leather Collar
The Soft Touch Collars Luxury Leather Padded Collar combines the luxury feeling of leather with the comfort that your dog craves. The collar is padded to prevent pain or chafing.
Our testing team loved that this offering from Soft Touch Collars looks as lovely as it feels.
The Soft Touch Collars Luxury Leather Padded Collar features a small ring built into the collar to hold your pet’s identification tag.
- Beautiful and naturally tanned leather
- Includes a ring for pet ID or rabies tags
- Very comfortable and durable
- Rings and buckle are made from lacquered brass to prevent rusting
- You may want to pick up some leather oil or mink oil as the leather may get scratched up with normal wear and tear
2. Illumiseen LED Dog Collar : Awesome Option for Pets that Love Nighttime Walks
The Illumiseen LED Dog Collar will brighten up both you and your faithful friend’s life, literally. Our testing team really enjoyed using a collar that helps with nighttime visibility issues.
If your pet is ever out and about during the darker hours, this collar can truly be a lifesaver.
The Illumiseen LED Dog Collar includes a rechargeable USB battery. Each one-hour charge provides around five hours of illumination.
- Terrific option for nighttime walking or pets with darker coats of fur
- Allows vehicles and others to see your pet from far away which can prevent accidents
- Very durable and multiple light settings
- Easy to charge, use, and switch settings
- We absolutely love both the idea and the execution behind this collar and were hard pressed to find any negatives
3. Reflective Personalized Dog Collar : Terrific Collar for Pet Parents that Hate Listening to Jingling Tags
The Reflective Personalized Dog Collar allows both you and your furry buddy to be highly visible to passing vehicles. The collar is reflective and allows you to be seen in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
The collar is also customizable, to allow you to have your dog’s name and information embroidered directly on the collar.
The Reflective Personalized Dog Collar was a huge hit among our testing team members that dislike hearing their pet’s tags jingle and jangle.
- Comfortable for pets
- Customizable option with up to 25 characters embroidered directly on the collar
- Highly reflective to increase visibility
- Awesome for folks that sleep with their pets
- This dog collar features a plastic buckle which may have a tendency to break if your dog is a leash puller or extremely active
4. Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs : Best Collar for Nervous Pets
The Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs relies on pheromone technology to create a product for pets experiencing anxiety.
Pheromones are scientifically proven to help lower stress and anxiety in pets. The collar releases calming pheromones for up to thirty days.
The Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs works to stop stress-related behaviors in your dog.
- Releases calming pheromones
- Terrific idea for nervous and stressed pets
- Reduced stress-related behaviors such as shaking and barking in our testing team’s pets
- The pheromone smell is pleasant and not overpowering
- The collar must be replaced every thirty days for pheromones to work properly
5. Personalized Dog Collar by Gotags : Best for Older or Less Active Pets
The Personalized Dog Collar by Gotags is made from high-quality nylon webbing for comfort and durability. The collar is personalized with your pup’s name and your phone number to eliminate the need for tags.
Our testing team loved the huge assortment of color choices available.
This offering from Gotags is a wonderful dog collar for active pets. The nylon webbing material is breathable, making it a perfect choice for summertime fun with your pet.
- Includes free personalization of pet’s name and phone number or email in case they are lost
- Easy to place on your pet and to adjust as well
- Lots of fun and bright color options available
- Moderate price point
- One of the collars we tested had the manufacturer tag where the pet’s name and info should be
- The buckle obscured collars with 25 characters of personalization in smaller sizes, but it is still a great collar
6. Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar : Highest Quality Leather Dog Collar Option
The Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar was a hit among our testing team members that were hoping for a very well-crafted leather dog collar. Perri’s makes the collar in lots of different color combinations, so you are sure to find one that tickles you and your pet’s fancy.
The collars are Amish made in the United States and are extremely well made from high-quality materials to create a very durable collar.
The Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar has extremely soft padding to maximize your pup’s comfort.
- Super soft lambskin padding keeps dogs comfy
- Lots of different color combinations available
- Amish made in the United States
- Several different sizes available
- Somewhat expensive but worth the price as it is very well constructed
7. Blueberry Pet Classic Dog Collar : Best Budget Priced Dog Collar
The Blueberry Pet Classic Dog Collar is as easy on the eyes as it is on your wallet. This budget-priced beauty is offered in many different colors including pink, emerald, black, and lots more.
Our testing team noticed that this collar works well with pups that are sensitive to wearing collars as it seems to be more comfortable and less restrictive than similar versions.
The Blueberry Pet Classic Dog Collar is available in different sizes, so you are sure to find one that fits the neck of your pet perfectly.
- Wonderful price point
- Tons of colors to select from
- Breathable and comfy for your pet to wear
- Durable and long-lasting
- This budget-priced collar was a hit with no negative aspects to speak of
8. Gotags Custom Engraved Pet Identification Tag and Collar : Best Personalized Dog Identification Tag and Collar Set for Individuals with Mobility Concerns
The Gotags Custom Engraved Pet Identification Tag, and Collar features a personalized identification tag that slides on to the actual collar. The GoTags Custom Engraved Pet Identification Tag and Collar Set is available in lots of fun color options for both the collar as well as the tag.
This option also includes a durable and lightweight nylon collar, but you could place the tag on any collar that isn’t more than one inch wide.
Our testing team was so excited to test the Gotags Custom Engraved Pet Identification Tag since it slides on easily without the struggle to separate the traditional hanging ring to attach a traditional tag.
- Easiest identification to attach to a collar we’ve ever seen
- Personalized tag is available in lots of color options
- Terrific price point
- Lightweight
- Durable
- We liked this option so much that we were hard pressed to find any negative qualities
9. PetSafe Gentle Leader Collar : Best for Pets that Like to Pull on Their Leash
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Collar is the perfect solution for dogs that are new to walking on leashes or that pull constantly.
The collar works to put an end to excessive leash pulling as well as lunging, barking, or jumping. The collar will not cause your pet to choke, and it is not painful at all.
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Collar arrives with fitting instructions, a training DVD, and a training guide.
- Terrific price point
- Includes a helpful DVD and training guide
- Helps to train dogs to walk on a leash
- Easy to use
- Some dogs will not grow accustomed to walking on a leash with this tool
- One testing team member’s dog chewed through the material quite easily
10. Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar : Lovely Customized Option
The Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar is an engraved leather collar. The collar can be personalized with your furry friend’s name, your number, email, or other pertinent information.
Our testing team members loved that they could add little designs to the collar including bones, hearts, or paw prints.
The Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar is available in sizes from extra small to large to fit a plethora of breeds.
- Terrific price point
- Perfect for pets that sleep in the bed with you
- Durable and stylish
- Customized lettering is large and comfortable to read
- Our testing team loved this option so much that we were hard pressed to find any bad qualities
Best Dog Collar – Buyer’s Guide
A quick trip to your local big box store will reveal that there are thousands of dog collars available for purchase. As technology continue to advance, new collars are popping up often. With so many features and interesting specifications to select from, finding the best dog collar for your furry friend can quickly become a headache.
While testing the top ten dog collars, our testing team learned tons of new information, tips, and ticks. As a result, we would love to pass this knowledge on to you, so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
The Different Types of Dog Collars
Dog collars are created in a multitude of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are several distinct categories or types that they fall under. Let’s take a sneak peek at the good and bad of each version.
Traditional Dog Collars
Traditional collars are the most commonly used dog collar. They can be crafted from a variety of materials and can be made in almost any color imaginable. This version is a round collar with a buckle to fasten it.
Reflective and LED Dog Collars
If you like to take your faithful buddy on walks at night a reflective or LED collar can be extremely beneficial. Reflective surfaces will shine brightly when headlights are facing them so that drivers can easily see your pet and will steer clear of them and you. LED collars have surged in popularity for their ability to flash brightly or produce a steady light to alert oncoming traffic that you and your pet are out for a walk. This collar version could be the difference between a calm, leisurely walk and a horrible accident.
Outdoor Dog Collars
Collars meant for outdoor use are often waterproof. These collars are perfect for active dogs and families that enjoy activities such as boating, hiking, and more. The collars are typically fashioned from heavier materials that will not fall apart due to rigorous activities.
Elizabethan Dog Collars
An Elizabethan Dog Collar is also referred to as a cone. In our home, it’s called the cone of shame. This is the type of collar that pets wear after surgery or an injury to keep the area clean, dry, and away from your pup’s tongue.
Material Matters
The material that your dog’s new collar is created from is another crucial consideration. Here is a closer examination of commonly used materials in creating dog collars.
Leather
Leather is a traditional and comfortable option for dog collars. Collars crafted from leather are usually more expensive than other materials but are among the longest lasting of collars. You may want to wait until your furry friend is close to their mature adult size before purchasing a leather option, so you won’t be wasting money on a collar that is quickly outgrown.
Nylon and Synthetic
Nylon and synthetic materials are another popular set of options. These collars tend to be less expensive when compared to the pricing for leather collars. A nylon collar is also much more flexible than leather which makes it a terrific option for puppies or very active pets. On the downside, some pets do have an allergy to nylon or synthetic fabrics so please exercise caution when placing it on your pet for the first time.
What is the Best Type of Dog Collar Closure Hardware?
The closure hardware of your pet’s new collar describes how you connect one end of the collar to another. There are several main versions including quick release, slip on, and buckle.
Quick Release Closures
Quick release collar closures are flattened, and they are usually plastic. The closure “breaks” apart when pulled so it will fall off rather than choke your pet. This closure is great for puppies and very active pets that could accidentally get caught up on things.
Slip On
Slip on collars slide over your pet’s head. They often have metal rings or chains. This version is often used for working or outdoor dogs.
Buckle Closures
Buckle closures can be metal or plastic. This option uses a belt buckle type closure. Metal buckles are usually created from brass or stainless steel.
Sizing
Selecting a collar that will fit your pet properly is the most important step in purchasing a new dog collar. There are several ways to measure your pet to ensure a perfect fit. You can use a soft measuring tape, like the kind used in sewing. Lightly place the soft measuring tape along your dog’s neck, where the collar will rest. Hold the tape snuggly, but not tight.
Another way to measure your pet is to take a piece of ribbon or yarn and wrap it around your pet’s neck. Keep it snug but not too tight. Note where the ribbon ends meet, then ay it flat on a table. You can then use a ruler or construction tape measurer to see how long the length is.
You will want your dog’s collar to fit snug around their neck without being so tight it causes chafing or choking. You should be able to fit two fingers under the collar comfortably. If you cannot fit two fingers, it is too tight and must be loosened. If it is too loose, it needs to be tightened, or it could slip off. Remember to measure puppies every two weeks as they grow into their full size.
Finding the best dog collar for you and your furry best friend’s needs can seem overwhelming. There are thousands of versions available, each purporting to be the best. Keeping your pet’s needs, activity level and safety concerns in mind will make buying a new collar for Fido a much easier and more enjoyable task.
We hope you had fun learning about dog collars with us today. Hearing back from our readers is the best part of our day. Drop us a quick line below with your favorite collar and your best methods for ensuring a perfect fit.
monika says
I suppose the collars should be personalized not to lost your lovely dog. I chose Gotags Custom Engraved Pet Identification Tag and Collar and I’m not disappointed with this choice. A great collar which looks well and suits my dog perfectly.
Sarah says
I like that GoTags Custom Engraved doesn’t cost much but it’s very durable and copes with its task. My dog once left our house and we couldn’t find him, but this collar helped.
Madison says
Dog collars have never been important for me, I bought ordinary collars from the local shop, but after visiting this site, I’m sure I should pay more attention to dog equipment.
janessa says
Blueberry Pet Classic Dog Collar has a wonderful price point. The only problem about this model that it’s simply impossible to make a choice while looking at all the color options offered. So, I bought two collars at once:)
Synthia says
Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs isn’t as good as it’s said on the page, but this collar is still ok for its money. I don’t regret buying it.
Raphael says
I don’t understand why people pay so much attention to the look of a dog’s collar. I think it doesn’t matter which collar you buy, the main thing is only it contains the address and the phone number in case your pet gets lost.
Riley says
Before I opened this article I thought it’s useless, so why I should read about collars, it’s such a simple thing. But now I understand that it’s a mistake and have already ordered a great option instead of one we have.
Bob says
My lovely dog is really nervous, so I had to buy something suitable for him. I chose the Sentry Calming Collar and don’t regret it. A great design, it works well too and seems to be durable.
Kerry says
My dog once got scared of a passing truck and ran away from home. He was wearing a luminous collar with my name and phone. The driver who returned the dog then said that it was only thanks to the collar that he saw him on the road. So, this is the best solution for your pet’s safety!
Delilah says
Earlier, my pet had a regular collar, and I had to write my contacts on a piece of paper and attach it to the collar. Of course, it was not very convenient. For his birthday, I gave my puppy The Reflective Personalized Dog Collar, and now I don’t need to worry that he will be lost
Abigale says
It is a pity that the pheromones in the Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs are released only for a month. Their effect on my restless puppy was obvious. It would be great if the creators figured out how to extend their effect
Arianna says
Soft Touch Collars Very stylish and soft. The dog does not get tired, the skin on the neck is not irritated.
Samuel says
We are also happy with Soft Touch Collars. Such a cute and handsome thing. Immediately makes your pet much more presentable in canine society
Frederika says
GoTags Reflective Personalized is great! That feeling when you buy something and it comes exactly how you pictured and thought it would
Patric says
Yes, GoTags Reflective Personalized fitted perfectly , good quality and is easy to put on and off good strong clip
Dolly says
The dogs are comfortable with Custom Catch ones, the engraving is perfect and the collars are really nice! No staining on the fur. Comfortable and pretty. Highly recommended.
Endy says
I love Custom Catch collar too, it’s fantastic quality and my dog is quite comfortable in it (she doesn’t normally wear a collar)
Melissa says
the Perri’s color is nice and appears to be well made. after reading other reviews, i made my selection based on what size i though my Pomeranians would need but i should have gone one size smaller.
Jilly Ruby Jane says
Great review. I like LED dog collar, I have never tried this on my dog but it looks very interesting and nice. I must say that I like all of those mentioned above. I think that our cute dogs deserve such nice present. I will think about buying LED collar for my dog. Thank you for writing this post!
Ferdinand says
after much struggling getting the tag to slide on, Perri’s collar looks great with this collar. i would recommend it if looking for something nicer than typical nylon collars that don’t last that long.
Elizabeth says
Blueberry Pet is a good value collar, well made for the price. The quick clip is very useful if you are frequently taking the collar off or putting it on, like if your dog sleeps in a crate and you want to remove it overnight for safety.