Dog Tips

Best Dog Collars

A collar might seem like an easy purchase, but it’s more important than you may think! It’s not just a style choice. A collar can serve a variety of purposes like keeping your pup safe and close to your side. Not only that but it will be on your dog all day, so it’s important they stay comfy.

The most important function for your dog’s collar is safety. The tags attached to your pet’s collar will help keep your pup safe if he or she ever gets lost. It is imperative that the collar you choose for your dog has a secure spot to attach a tag or some sort of identification in case of emergencies.

Besides safety elements, style is also undoubtedly a factor. After all, your dog will be showing it off all the time! It’s certainly important to find one that matches your stylistic taste. However, comfort and durability are equally significant elements to consider.

As you can see, there’s a lot more that goes into purchasing a collar than one may think! There are tons of options available; it can be overwhelming trying to find the best one for your beloved pet. That’s where we come in. We have compiled a list of some of the best dog collars around that can fit a wide variety of needs; there’s sure to be a good one for you. In other words, we did the work so that you don’t have to!

What elements make a good collar?

Although it may be tempting to grab the first collar you see and call it a day, it’s not as simple as that. The design for your collar needs to take your dog’s size, temperament, and activity levels into account. In addition, you want it to be comfortable.

Nylon and leather are good materials to look for as they are hypoallergenic and won’t irritate your pup’s skin. If your dog is a water-lover, consider opting for nylon over leather as it can sustain water much better. If you’re someone who can’t exercise with your dog until the evening when it’s darker out, think about getting a collar with reflective elements that keep your pooch visible at night.

The factors we considered when finding collar options were safety, comfort, durability, and quality. We looked for everyday collars instead of specialized ones such as shock collars, flea collars, etc.

For safety, we only included brands who explicitly state what materials are used in their collars. This is because some cheaper options contain large amounts of potentially toxic chemicals. It’s important to investigate what materials are in your collar and if possible, the sourcing of those materials.

For comfort, we mainly included collars made from neoprene, nylon, and leather, as these have been known to be the comfiest options for your pet. For durability and quality, we looked for collars that can withstand weather, lots of activity, and time. Durable collars should be washable and not stain easily.

Now that you know our stringent criteria for the best collars, let’s dive into our list!

Best overall collar

Lupine Eco Dog Collar

Lupine collars are an amazing option for any pup. Their collars are made from recycled plastic bottles and are loved by customers for their sturdiness and resilience. They are adjustable and available in three different widths and nine colors. They are very reasonably priced and come with a lifetime guarantee that even covers damage from chewing! You can’t go wrong with this earth-friendly option. 

Best big dog collar

EzyDog Neo Classic Wide Dog Collar

Larger breeds need a collar that’s designed to handle their weight and strength. They should be resilient without being too bulky. To maximize comfort, many collars made for big dogs have a wider band than standard designs. This is because a thinner band can dig into bigger dogs’ necks and be uncomfortable for them.

We like this collar from EzyDog because it is wide, made with soft polyester and neoprene rubber, and is waterproof! It also comes with a ring and clip to attach your ID tags as well as reflective piping on the edges for nighttime safety.

Best small dog collar

Blueberry Pet Floral Prints Polyester Dog Collar

These collars come in multiple stylish prints and sizes, for only $15! Blueberry Pet offers tons of designs, colors, and patterns, as well as personal customization options. The floral print polyester collars are made of polyester and neoprene and have a buckle closure made with eco-friendly plastic. It also comes with a chrome coated D-ring for leash attachment and a spot to securely attach dog tags. Lastly, they are all machine washable!

These collars are specifically good for smaller breeds as they are lightweight, durable, and have a thinner width.

Best stylish option

The Foggy Dog Collars

The Foggy Dog is a great brand if you’re looking for a fashionable collar! They have tons of options that range in color, pattern, and design, so there is something for everyone. For a classy touch, their buckles are either a shiny gold color or a rose gold. The natural fabric they use is soft and great for dogs with sensitive skin. They use a sturdy nylon for the interior material. The Foggy Dog also makes tons of other accessories that match their collars, so you can create an entire matching set. I’m not sure there’s anything that could be cuter than a puppy in a matching collar and bandana set!

Best tactical collar

Yunlep Adjustable Tactical Dog Collar

Tactical collars are made for heavy-duty activities. They can sustain lots of wear and tear, so they’re a good option if you are frequently hiking, camping, or being active with your pup. They’re also a good option if your dog is very energetic as they often come with handles to reign in big dogs. In addition, these kinds of collars are well-suited for dogs with a chewing problem.

The tactical collar from Yunlep is our favorite choice because it is adjustable and very sturdy. It is made of nylon and comes with a heavy-duty metal buckle, so it’s built for any outdoor adventure or weather condition. It comes with a handle, a D-ring for leash attachments, and patches for velcro accessories.

Best GPS collar option

Fi Series 2 Collar

There are now collars on the market that utilize new technology to provide GPS tracking that update to your phone. With activity tracking and geographic locations locators, these collars can allow easily worried puppy parents a chance to relax and breathe.

Unfortunately, innovative technology almost always comes with a price. These collars are certainly more expensive than the options previously listed, but it is definitely worth it for many dog owners.

Fi Collars is one of the best brands out there for GPS collars. Their collars are like a FitBit for dogs. They allow you to track your dog’s location 24/7 using your phone as well as monitor their activity levels. These collars can tell you how many steps your dog needs and allow you to easily keep track of their step count every day, ensuring they reach their perfect exercise level. You can also monitor your dog’s resting behavior when they sleep.

One of the coolest features is you can compare all your dog’s data to other dogs with Fi Collars across the US! In addition, these collars are waterproof, contain an LED light you can activate from your phone to keep your pup safe at night, and have three months of battery life. They come in multiple color options and are $149. Fi Collars also offers a 30-day free trial if you’re not fully ready to commit!

What about a harness?

Harnesses are a great addition to a collar. For most dogs, adding a harness will make walking easier than just a collar and a leash. This is because harnesses make it easier to control a dog who pulls without injuring their necks. While they aren’t 100 percent necessary, they can be a lifesaver for energetic dogs.

Key takeaways

We want your dog to absolutely love his or her collar, which is why we have taken the time to provide you with the most amazing options available. There’s a perfect collar for every unique pup and we hope our list can help you find it. Above all else, your collar should keep your furry family member safe and happy.

Now that you’ve picked out a new item for your doggie’s wardrobe, take a look at Spot Pet Insurance’s webpage to find more educational materials covering everything you could possibly need to know to look after your pet!

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