The 12 Best Dog Collars of 2024—From a Pet Expert

Best Dog Collar Overall

Didog Engraved Leather Collar

$22.99 at Amazon

Nothing beats a quality leather collar that provides style, function, durability and secure identification. While tags get lost, I love the Didog Collar because the custom-designed, engraved nameplate attaches directly to the leather. It comes in three colors and six neck sizes, fitting tiny to big canines with 8-inch to 25-inch necks. You also can purchase it in a set with a matching leash.

Best Rolled Leather Collar

CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar

$15.99 at Chewy

Dogs with long hair or delicate fur need special attention when it comes to collars, as the wrong collar can get matted or cause tangles. A rolled leather collar avoids these issues, and CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar comes in a variety of sizes and colors to fit your long-furred friend. The extra-soft leather is an added bonus you wouldn’t expect at this price point.

Best Breakaway Dog Collar

PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Dog Collar

$14.95 at Chewy

Dog collars can get snagged on many things. In multi-pet households, dogs often play with each other by grabbing collars. The PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar prevents strangulation accidents that can happen during dog-on-dog play times or by getting hung up in the backyard on fences or other objects. From a brand trusted by professional dog trainers, this collar comes in three simple colors and four sizes. It won’t release while leash-walking, either, so it offers peace of mind when you’re out with your pup.

Best Dog Collar for Small Dogs

Joytale Reflective Dog Collar

$7.99 at Amazon

It’s hard to properly fit a collar for small dogs with tiny necks while still following the two-thumb rule. I chose the Joytale reflective dog collar with an extra small option that’s 5/8-inches wide. It’s padded, lightweight and offers good safety features like reflective bands for night walks. It also has over 27,500 five-star reviews, similar to these other pet products with perfect reviews.

Note: The American Kennel Club recommends a dog harness for walking small and toy breeds. A collar is still necessary to hold ID, rabies and license tags.

Best Smart Dog Collar

Fi Smart Collar

Shop on Try Fi

Technology improves every year, so why shouldn’t dog collars? Our pick for the best smart dog collar is the Fi Smart Collar for its price, battery life and water resistance.

The Fi Smart Collar monitors your pet’s movements so you know exactly where they are—indoors and out. Create an invisible fence around your home or yard to keep tabs on your pet, and track them if they do breach that virtual border.

Best Padded Leather Dog Collar

Soft Touch Leather Collar

$25.95 at Amazon

Leather dog collars are the gold standard for the best dog collars, as they last, improve with age and are a safe option for pups allergic to nylon. Soft Touch leather collars come in various sizes and shades of quality leather, and sheepskin padding on the inside surface of the collar keeps your dog’s neck safe.

Best Faux Leather Dog Collar

Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy-Duty Collar

$15.96 at Amazon

If you like the look of leather but not the cost (or using animal products), the Tuff Pupper heavy-duty collar is a smart choice. Though it resembles a high-quality leather collar, it’s made from a fray-proof ballistic polymer weave that’s waterproof and odor free. It comes in a dozen color options for outfitting different dogs.

Best Dog Collar Splurge

Lifetime Collar

Shop on Atlas Pet Company

The Atlas Pet Company’s Lifetime Collar lives up to its name, because it’s guaranteed for life. The minimalist, fixed-length collar slips over your dog’s head for a comfortable fit. It comes in various modern shades and is meant to be paired with a harness. (Atlas makes Lifetime Harnesses, too.)

Best Budget Dog Collar

Qqpets Adjustable Soft Collar

$8.99 at Amazon

At just $10, the Qqpets adjustable soft collar is the least expensive option on our list of best dog collars, but rest assured it’s still a quality choice. The washable collar comes in 23 fun patterns, making it an inexpensive way to swap your dog’s daily-use collar for one with seasonal style.

Best Custom Embroidery Dog Collar

Orvis Flat Dog Collar

Shop on Orvis

The Orvis flat dog collar comes in five sizes and 13 colors, so you get a perfect fit while still being stylish! It’s a workhorse for dogs of all ages. Another perk of this collar: personalization. Orvis will embroider your dog’s name and a phone number in a contrasting color. So if your dog goes missing, the person who finds it can easily give you a call.

Best Collar for Dogs with Small Heads

Country Petz Martingale Collar

$12.97 at Amazon

Some dogs, like Greyhounds and Whippets, have a head shape that’s smaller than the size of their neck. That makes it easy for them to slip a standard collar off when you’re walking. This Martingale-style collar addresses that problem.

A Martingale-style collar doesn’t have a buckle. Instead, it goes over the head and tightens on the neck when the dog pulls. The collar’s D-ring holds a leash on a separate, smaller loop that lays flat against your pet’s neck. The dog’s neck goes through the larger loop. These two loops allow the collar to tighten when the dog pulls to keep it from easily slipping off over the head.

While Martingale collars are used for training, use caution, since pressure on the neck always has risks. Wearing these collars unsupervised can lead to choking hazards when dogs grab each other’s collars during play. Dogs and pups with prominent eyes like Pekingese and Pugs should never wear these collars, as the neck pressure can cause breathing issues, or could “pop” their eyes out of the socket. Always choose products specific to your pet, and know about what products you shouldn’t have if you have a dog.

On Sale

Best Budget Dog Collar for Large Breeds

Black Rhino Comfort Collar

9.9910% OFF$8.99 at Amazon

Collars for large breeds require adequate size and comfort. The Black Rhino comfort collar has both—without the big price tag to match. A wide collar (one inch) helps withstand the tugs and pulls of a large dog while also feeling comfortable around their neck.

What to Look for in a Dog Collar

There are several key features to consider when choosing the best dog collar:

Size and Fit

• Proper Fit: Proper fit is the most important factor for any dog collar. If it’s too loose, it can slip over the dog’s head when he pulls the wrong way on the leash. If overly snug, a collar can constrict breathing. A collar fits properly when you can easily slip two fingers between it and your dog’s neck. Measure your dog’s neck with a tape measure. A ribbon or shoestring also works. Include room for the two-finger test, and use that measurement as a guide for choosing the proper dog collar size.
• Adjustable Sizing: Ensure your dog’s collar can be adjusted to fit your pet’s neck, especially if you have a growing puppy. You need to be able to loosen or tighten a collar to keep your dog safe.
• Collar Width: The larger your dog’s breed, the wider the collar he’ll need. Our list includes collars over one inch wide for larger breeds. However, thin rolled collars work best for dogs with thick manes, like collies, because flat collars can break or rub off the fur.

Material

• Washable or Odor-Resistant: Four-legged friends can get into the nastiest things, and ensuring your dog’s collar is easy to clean is one of the many tips every pet parent should know. Our list has collars you can throw in the wash, clean at the sink or wipe down.
• Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Many dogs adore water games, retrieving toys from the pool or finding mud puddles to stomp and roll in. For retrievers who love getting wet, choose a collar to hold up to outdoor fun and games.
• Nylon: These collars are stiffer and more rigid than others but are the most durable.
• Leather: Leather collars are comfortable for dogs and offer impressive brutality. Leather doesn’t show as much wear and tear, but it’s important to note that the material can break down when exposed to water.
• Biothane: This material is usually made mostly of polyester, which makes it the best choice for pets with sensitive skin or allergies—it doesn’t cause irritation or itching on their necks.
• Reflective or High-Visibility Materials: Consider reflective or high-visibility materials if you live in a remote area or like to take your dogs outside when it’s dark. These materials help others, including motorists, spot your dog in low-light conditions.
• Smart Collars: High-tech pet gadgets can simplify some dog care issues. Today, various smart collars can track your dog’s location to keep your dog safe.

Buckle or Closure Type

• Quick-Release Buckle: These buckles make getting your dog in and out easy. The hinges snap open in one second, eliminating the need to hold your dog to assist you.
• Metal Buckle: Metal buckles risk getting caught, but if you secure them properly, they are safe for your four-legged friend to wear. They also easily snap into place.
• Martingale Collar: A martingale collar has two loops to prevent dogs with narrow necks from slipping out of their collars. It’s commonly used for breeds with slim heads, such as greyhounds and whippets.

Comfort

• Padding: Padding helps the collar rest comfortably around your dog’s neck and reduces the rigidity of the collar’s materials.
• Weight: Also, consider the weight of the collar. Some are heavy around the neck, which can cause a choking sensation in your dog.

Durability

• Stitching Quality: The thicker the stitching, the more durable the collar. If possible, look for options with multiple rows of stitching.
• Hardware: When looking at hardware, opt for metal since it’s the safest. You can seek out D-rings, prongs or pinch closures.

Functionality and Purpose

• Everyday Use: Your dog will be in its collar daily, so select one that’s easy to get on and off. Look for collars that snap into place easily and don’t pinch or pull around the neck.
• Training Collars: These help your dog learn boundaries to keep them safe. Some shock, beep and buzz to let dogs know when they’ve pushed too far.
• Waterproof or Odor-Resistant Collars: These collars save money in the long run. They last longer because you don’t have to replace them due to mold and odor.
• GPS Collars: Whether your pup is roaming in the backyard or has escaped, this collar tracks their GPS coordinates to prevent a scary situation.

Identification Tags and Attachments

• ID Tag Attachment: Dog tags are essential and simple to secure onto the collar. Secure the tag around the collar’s rings, and that’s it!
• Leash Attachments: Simply attaching a leash to the collar can inadvertently choke and pull the dog, potentially harming a dog’s neck. Investing in a leash attachment that prioritizes safety is crucial, allowing you to have your dog in a collar and leash simultaneously without any risk.

Safety Features

• Breakaway Collars: Breakaway collars help to prevent injury and strangulation if the collar gets caught on something like tree branches or bushes. Traditional collars would stay put on the dog, which could cause injury to the neck, where this collar loosens.
• Reflective Strips: These safety features help the community and drivers passing by to see your dog in the dark or at dusk. It’s also helpful if your dog escapes the fence in your yard.

Special Considerations for Puppies

• Growth: If you want to get a few months, even a year’s, use out of a dog collar, consider if it’s adjustable to accommodate your growing dog.
• Soft Materials: Soft materials are best for puppies. Avoid leather, which can be hard on sensitive puppy skin.

Why You Should Trust Us

Amy Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and a fear-free trainer. She founded the Cat Writers’ Association and is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America. Shojai has also won dozens of writing awards and is the author of 35+ pet care books.

Dr. Alex Crow is a licensed veterinarian and owner of PetHealthGuru.com. He acts as the Chief Veterinary Officer, administering life-saving measures to animals and is also a veterinary surgeon.

How We Found the Best Dog Collars

Our team started with research to find the best dog collars. Without thoroughly investigating how to select a collar for your dog properly, it can cause harm, so we made sure to learn everything new could. From there, we spoke with experts and veterinarians who guided us through the steps to ensure a collar properly fits your dog. From there, we have considered safety ratings, comfort, and customer reviews to ensure your list outlines the best dog collars.

FAQS

What collars do vets recommend?

Veterinarians recommend identification for your dog, and that can include collar tags. But even the best, safest collar can cause injury to your dog’s neck if he lunges and pulls. Breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs, already have trouble breathing and can suffer from a collapsed trachea from pulling too hard against a collar attached to a leash. Walking on a harness offers the safest choice. Dog trainers may recommend specially designed training collars like Martingale designs. Most veterinarians are not fans of aversive-type training collars like prong, “choke,” and static (shock) collars because of the potential for injury and negative behavioral fallout.

What’s the best collar style for dogs?

“The best collar style depends on your dog’s size and breed,” Dr. Crow says. “For small dogs, a lightweight nylon collar is usually the most comfortable. Bigger dogs, especially those that pull on the leash, might need a wider collar to spread out the pressure and avoid hurting their neck.”

Dr. Crow also explains that if your dog tends to slip out of regular collars, a Martingale collar can help—it tightens slightly when pulled but isn’t harsh like a choke chain. Choosing the right style is about finding what works best for your dog’s needs.

How tight should a dog collar be?

Dr. Chow advises that a dog’s collar should be snug but not too tight. “You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. This way, it’s secure without being uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to check the fit regularly, especially for growing puppies or if your dog’s weight changes.”

Should dogs always wear their collars?

Dogs don’t have to wear collars all the time. My dog gets a break from wearing his collar every night when we all go to bed. Dogs left alone in the house during the day have a higher risk of getting the collar caught on furniture or a dog friend’s jaws while playing. You know your dogs best; if they’re door-dashers, ensure they wear collars before leaving the house, but otherwise, you can let them go naked when safely confined in the home or fenced yard.