Dog collars were first invented in 5000BC in Ancient Greece. Since then, they have been used for many different reasons. From being ornately decorated with gems to being hunting tools, anything is pawsible with dog collars.
When selecting the perfect dog collar for your Rottweiler named Rufus, it is important to get the right size and shape. In this blog, I will be guiding you the steps in choosing the purrrfect (any cat lovers here?) collar for your dog.
Step 1:
First things first, you’ve just bought your new puppy, your kids are excited your partner is about to kill you - you need a collar. You first need to measure your dogs neck as getting a collar too small may seriously harm your dog - then your kids will want to kill you and your partner will be excited - pick your poison. The easiest way to measure the size of your dogs neck is with flexible measuring tape.
Step 2:
After turning the house on its roof looking for measuring tape, wrap it around your dog's neck between the ears and the collar bone. Add 2 inches to this length and voila, the length of your dog collar
Step 3:
Make sure you are able to fit two finger inside the dog collar as the ideal dog collar should be loose enough that your dog won’t choke or suffocate but tight enough that it won’t fall off
Great work! You now know how long your dog collar should be, the next step is to choose the type of collar that you want. Different types of collars are made for different lifestyles and dogs.
Martingales and Chain Collars
Otherwise known as training collars, Martingales are training collars that best suit dogs that exercise frequently.
LED Collars
Like the Martingales, the LED collars are best suited for dogs that have an active lifestyle. These collars work best early morning or late at night as they provide solid or flashing lights. The LED collar is also made out of reflective material so that cars and other pedestrians can see you and precious pooch doing your morning jog.
Waterproof Dog Collars
Waterproof Dog collars are usually highly sought after in wetter climates and or wet outdoor summer activities. As they are made from a soft material, dog owners buy them for all occasions regardless of the weather. Waterproof dog collars do not have to be replaced or washed as frequently as nylon and leather dog collars. There are several materials that are waterproof including:
- Neoprene: Neoprene is a soft rubber material that is strengthened with nylon webbing which makes it ideal for dogs who spend a lot of their waking hours in the water. Neoprene is a comfortable material that is perfect for dogs who enjoy swimming and getting wet. It is fast drying and great if your dog or other pets have skin allergies. However, there is always a downside. Neoprene is more expensive than a regular dog collar and bulkier than nylon. Neoprene collars only come in limited designs.
- Chain: Chain collars are ideal for training purposes however they should be left on your dog when it is home alone or unsupervised. This is because chain collars pose as a strangulation risk for dogs particularly in the winter months where metal moves less easily. Chain collars are also incompatible with certain leashes and can be very harmful to your dog if not used accordingly. Chain collars however are more durable, do not smell if in contact with water and can be helpful if your dog is stubborn.
- Nylon: Nylon collars are the most popular collars on the market. This is due to their diverse patterns, colours and widths. Nylon collar are multipurpose and are ideal for dogs who chill at home or go for walks. They are inexpensive and user friendly, however, may become smelly over time, difficult to clean and less durable over time. As some dogs are allergic to Nylon I would suggest checking this before purchasing a nylon dog collar.
- Leather: Leather dog collars provide a classic look whilst also being a practical and in the long run- cost efficient alternative to other dog collars. Leather dog colours are durable, easy to wipe clean, breathable, good for pets with allergies or skin sensitivities and are made from a natural material. Leather dog collars are expensive and become smelly over time. The dye used in the leather can stain your dogs fur and bleed when coming into contact with water. There are also limited design options available.
- Faux Leather: Faux leather is a vegan option for a leather collar. You’re getting the look of leather but the conscience of pleather. It is an inexpensive alternative to leather and can come in many different colors and styles. However, not all is fine and dandy as faux leather breaks down quickly, is made from cheaper, person made materials and coloured dies can still bleed and stain fur when in contact with water
- Biothane: Biothane collars are ideal for water loving furbabies who are in constant contact with the water. It is made from a polyester webbing that is powder coated with either polyurethane or polyvinyl materials, and is 100% non-toxic. They are a fabulous alternative to leather and neoprene. They are softer, less expensive and more flexible. They are also easy to clean. Biothane will hold up better than any nylon, neoprene, or leather product. However, they are not as widely available as other collar materials.
Now I am not trying to convince you one way or another. I think it is important to be discerning and strongly recommend you take your dog’s activities and lifestyle into consideration when choosing a collar for them.