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Best Dog Collars

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Blazin Safety LED Dog Collar
Blazin
Safety LED Dog Collar
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

Our tester loves how well this light-up LED dog collar works for nighttime walks.

Pros

The LED lights are bright enough to be seen from 40-plus yards away and there are three light modes. The battery can last for up to eight hours. It’s water-resistant.

Cons

Dogs with thick fur or hair can cover the lights and make them harder to see.

Best Bang for the Buck
Circle T Latigo Leather Collar
Circle T
Latigo Leather Collar
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

A genuine leather collar at a good price—if you want affordable durability, this is the best choice for you.

Pros

Features real leather in a rich brown color. Has a basic yet functional design. Comes in various sizes for small, medium, and large dogs.

Cons

It's not quite as thick as other leather collars we tested, but the leather is still durable.

AOLOVE Basic Classic Padded Leather Pet Collars
AOLOVE
Basic Classic Padded Leather Pet Collars
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Affordable & Practical
Bottom Line

It's a good buy if you want a genuine leather collar at a lower price.

Pros

Collar is constructed of durable leather with comfortable padding. Has a rugged buckle and D-ring. Available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Cons

The smallest size is still a bit too large for some small dogs and puppies. Padding tends to fray.

Blueberry Pet Classic Nylon Dog Collar
Blueberry Pet
Classic Nylon Dog Collar
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

It's a sound option if you prefer a nylon collar and snap buckle.

Pros

Made of strong nylon with eco-friendly plastic hardware. Comes in 4 sizes and numerous vivid colors. Falls at the lower end of the price range.

Cons

The snap buckle isn't as strong as a metal buckle. Not recommended for highly active dogs.

Tacticollar Tactical Dog Collar
Tacticollar
Tactical Dog Collar
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

This tactical dog collar is for medium-to-large working dogs.

Pros

The main features are its comfort-grip handle and quick-release buckle, but its dual V- and D-rings are also helpful. It’s heavy-duty and reinforced to resist even the strongest forces.

Cons

There’s no way to fold the handle down, so it can get caught on things.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best dog collars

From pint-sized Pomeranians to giant Great Danes, dogs of all shapes and sizes need comfortable, well-fitting collars.

When you're looking for a new dog collar, however, you may not know where to start, especially if you're a first-time dog owner. What types of collars are available? What material should you choose? How do you fit your dog for a collar? We at BestReviews will help you find answers to all these questions and many others on your quest to find the best collar for your pooch.

Our full guide to dog collars will help you give your canine companion the quality neckwear he deserves.

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Even if you walk your dog using a harness or halter, she should always wear a collar when out and about as a backup and to hold the ID tags, which are required by law in many states.

Types of dog collars

Flat

Flat collars are simple dog collars with a flat band that may or may not feature padding. Flat collars tend to be the most common option, available in a range of materials, colors, and styles. While great for most dogs, some pet parents find that this type of collar rubs the fur off long-haired pooches.

Rolled

Rolled collars are tube-shaped rather than flat, with padding in the middle. While you can occasionally find nylon-rolled collars, most are made from leather or faux leather. These collars tend to be thinner than flat collars, but they're less likely to chafe long-haired dogs.

Dog collar materials

You can find dog collars in a wide range of materials. These are the most common options.

Nylon

Pros:

  • Lightweight (may be less daunting for puppies or collar-averse dogs)

  • Wide range of colors and patterns

  • Fairly inexpensive
     

Cons:

  • Hard to clean without machine washing

  • Not the most durable option

Neoprene

Pros:

  • Extremely long-lasting and durable

  • Dries quickly; undamaged by regular exposure to water

  • Very comfortable for the dog
     

Cons:

  • More expensive than some other options

Faux leather

Pros:

  • Classic leather look without the use of animal products

  • Relatively inexpensive

  • May withstand wet conditions better than real leather
     

Cons:

  • Not usually very durable

Leather

Pros:

  • Durable and long lasting if cared for properly

  • Easily wiped clean

  • Smart and attractive appearance
     

Cons:

  • Smaller variety of colors or patterns

  • Can get stiff and crack if they get wet

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Did you know?
You can also find dog collars made from eco-friendly materials, such as hemp and bamboo.
STAFF
BestReviews

Sizing and fitting dog collars

  • Size: Dog collars may be adjustable, but they're certainly not “one size fits all.” Imagine putting a Saint Bernard's collar on a Chihuahua and you can see why. How do you find the right size collar for your canine companion?

    If you have a bendable tape measure, this is very simple. All you need to do is measure your dog around the neck at the point where the collar should sit. If you don't have a suitable tape measure, use string or ribbon to measure his neck and compare it to a ruler or yardstick.

    This measurement will tell you what length dog collar to look for. Typically, dog collars are sold to fit a range of lengths, such as 12 to 16 inches. Ideally, try to select a collar with your dog's neck measurement somewhere in the middle of the collar’s range. If your dog’s neck measures 14 inches, the 12- to 16-inch collar would be ideal. A dog with a 12-inch neck circumference would be better off with a 10- to 14-inch collar.
     
  • Fit: When fitting your dog's collar, it should be snug but not tight. Allow enough space so that you can easily fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
"Regularly check your dog's collar for damage. For safety reasons, replace the collar if it shows tears, fraying, or damage to the buckle or D-ring. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Dog collar fasteners

Most dog collars come with one of two fastening types: buckle or snap. Each type has its good and bad points. The fastener may not be your primary consideration, but it's still worth mulling over.

  • Buckle-type fasteners resemble what you'd find on most belts, with a prong that fits into holes in the strap of the collar. They tend to be very durable, but they take longer to fasten and undo.

  • Snap-type fasteners are made of two plastic parts that slide into one another and clip together. They release by pressing on the sides, much like you'd find on a child's pushchair harness. While they can get damaged or become brittle in extreme cold, they release very quickly, which is useful in emergency situations.

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For your safety
If your dog pulls on the leash, it's best not to attach the leash to the collar, as he may injure his neck and windpipe as he pulls. Instead, attach the leash to a harness or halter and use the collar to hold the tags.
STAFF
BestReviews

Dog collar prices

Dog collars come in a wide range of prices, from less than $5 to as much as $100.

  • $5 to $20: You can find a good, basic nylon dog collar for less than $5, though most decent options can cost up to $20. Most faux leather dog collars fall into the $10 to $20 range, though those made from high-quality faux leather can cost more.

  • $15 to $40: While you can find cheaper neoprene options, expect to pay between $15 and $40 for a heavy-duty neoprene collar.

  • Up to $100: An average leather dog collar can cost between $10 and $30, but high-end options can cost up to $100.

Tips

  • Think about the width and weight of the dog collar. Wider, heavier collars are suitable for larger canines, whereas slim, lightweight collars are best for diminutive dogs.

  • Decide how adjustable the dog collar needs to be. You're less able to fine-tune the fit of a collar with a buckle fastener as opposed to one with a snap fastener.

  • Make sure the collar is comfortable for your dog. This should be one of your main concerns. A collar that rubs or pinches your dog is no good.

  • Look at the strength of the collar’s D-ring. It should be sturdy and welded together on the flat side so that it doesn't break if your dog pulls hard on the leash.
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Properly caring for your dog's collar will help extend its useful life. Wash and dry the collar carefully if it gets muddy or wet.

FAQ

Q. What's the best sort of collar for an active dog who often gets wet and muddy?
A.
If your canine companion loves swimming and isn't afraid of mud, you'll want a collar that's hard-wearing and easy to clean. Neoprene is probably the best choice because it stands up well to water and heavy use. We recommend a machine-washable collar for a pup who likes mud.

Q. Should my dog wear her collar indoors?
A.
In most cases, it's unnecessary for your dog to wear her collar indoors. Not only is there a risk it could get caught on something, which could lead to a severe injury if you're not there to supervise, but wearing a collar for a long time can rub off your dog’s fur.

Q. Can I buy a collar for my puppy to grow into?
A.
If you're buying a collar for a new puppy, it might be tempting to select a collar that would also suit his full-grown size to save yourself some money. However, a collar that your puppy can grow into will be much too big and heavy for him to use now. Not only is he likely to be able to slip out of it but it will also be too bulky for his small frame. Getting used to wearing a collar and walking on a leash is a big step for a young dog, so it's always best to start a puppy with a thin, lightweight collar.