Dog Collars
Dog collars serve multiple purposes, from preventing dogs from getting tangled up in things (and causing them to lose their way) to providing a place for ID tags and rabies vaccination tags. Most importantly, they provide a safe and comfortable fit, especially for active dogs. And with the plethora of styles and designs to choose from, there’s certainly no shortage of options for every pet owner.
Choosing the best dog collar begins with knowing your pet’s needs and preferences. “The most important thing is to ensure your collar fits correctly, so it’s not too tight that it chokes the dog or loose enough that it can slip off,” explains Rachel Barrack, veterinary acupuncturist at the Animal Acupuncture Clinic in New York City. She recommends using a flexible tape measure or even just a string or wet noodle around your dog’s neck to determine the ideal size.
Once you’ve found the right size, look for a collar that’s made of durable materials and has an easy-to-use buckle and D-ring for leash attachment. Many dog owners also prefer a reflective material that enhances their pet’s visibility during walks in low-light conditions or in heavy traffic. Other features to consider include a quick-release buckle in case the collar gets caught on an object and GPS technology that lets you locate your dog if it wanders away from home.
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In addition to choosing a collar with a design and color you like, you can also add personalization with embroidery or etching. Some manufacturers offer this service, but you can also add your pet’s name to a collar yourself with fabric paint or markers (check local craft stores for supplies). You can also choose collars that are specially designed for medical purposes, such as cone collars to prevent dogs from licking at wounds.
Our top pick for a general purpose collar is the Orvis Personalized Side-Release Collar. Its nylon webbing is both durable and soft, with a smooth surface for comfort. Our testers found it easy to adjust and fit, as well as simple to buckle, adjust, and attach to a leash. It also had a solid D-ring for attaching ID tags, and our testers appreciated the ability to choose from several embroidery colors and text sizes. The only drawback we noticed was that the metal D-ring corroded in spots after washing it.
The Front Range Embroidered Nylon Collar is another good option for general use, and our testers found it easy to adjust and fit. However, it’s a bit stiffer than the Crag and its material is a little rougher on the skin, so we think it might be uncomfortable for some pets. It also took more than eight hours to dry out after being wet.
This collar is also available in different color combinations and features a durable double-layered nylon that resembles a seat belt. It’s sturdy, waterproof, and comes in more sizes than most other collars. But its D-ring is thicker than most and may be difficult to thread if you’re adding a tag.