best Collars for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
It’s a dog collar that has a unique and vivid design to show off your dog’s personality.
A sturdy collar that shows your dog’s love for the country!
Made with a heavy-duty nylon snap buckle, this collar is good in preventing an accidental release.
Designed with comfort in mind but tested for strong pullers.
A regular dog collar with a reflective strip and comes in different colors.
Pros
A portion of the sales is donated to dog shelters.
Well-designed patterns.
Sturdy material.
Available as a bundle with the matching leash.
Strong clasp.
Great fit.
Good price.
Every collar sold, the same one is given to rescue dogs.
Multiple color options.
Excellent quality nylon material.
U/V and stain-resistant.
Every purchase supports give-back programs.
Vibrant design options.
Comfortable.
Very durable.
Decent quality.
Good locking mechanism.
Available in multiple colors.
Cheap.
Cons
Doesn’t include the leash.
Expensive for a collar only.
Color fades quickly.
Sizing can be inconsistent for small and large breeds.
Limited design options.
Narrow width.
Not very reflective strips.
Plastic parts aren’t as durable.
The ring is made of plastic, not steel.
Color fades quickly.
Pricey.
Thin for some breeds.
Some colors fade quickly.
- As Good As It Gets
Lucky Love Dog Cute Female Dog Collars
Bottom Line
It’s a dog collar that has a unique and vivid design to show off your dog’s personality.
Pros
A portion of the sales is donated to dog shelters.
Well-designed patterns.
Sturdy material.
Available as a bundle with the matching leash.
Cons
Doesn’t include the leash.
Expensive for a collar only.
Color fades quickly.
Sizing can be inconsistent for small and large breeds.
- Best On A Budget
American Flag Dog Collar in 5 Different Sizes
Bottom Line
A sturdy collar that shows your dog’s love for the country!
Pros
Strong clasp.
Great fit.
Good price.
Cons
Limited design options.
Narrow width.
Max and Neo NEO Nylon Buckle Reflective Dog Collar
Bottom Line
Made with a heavy-duty nylon snap buckle, this collar is good in preventing an accidental release.
Pros
Every collar sold, the same one is given to rescue dogs.
Multiple color options.
Excellent quality nylon material.
Cons
Not very reflective strips.
Plastic parts aren’t as durable.
Wolfgang Man & Beast Premium USA Webbing Puppy Dog Collar
Bottom Line
Designed with comfort in mind but tested for strong pullers.
Pros
U/V and stain-resistant.
Every purchase supports give-back programs.
Vibrant design options.
Comfortable.
Very durable.
Cons
The ring is made of plastic, not steel.
Color fades quickly.
Pricey.
CollarDirect Reflective Dog Collar with Buckle Adjustable Safety
Bottom Line
A regular dog collar with a reflective strip and comes in different colors.
Pros
Decent quality.
Good locking mechanism.
Available in multiple colors.
Cheap.
Cons
Thin for some breeds.
Some colors fade quickly.
How We Decided
Before we judge the best products here in MDWT, we search the internet for reviews and feedback from other dog lovers to see what the community is talking about when it comes to the best dog collars. Then we had our team of owner experts tries out these products to come up with the best ones:
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide for the Best Collars for Dogs
Primarily, collars are used as a tool for controlling and securing your dogs: be it for indoor or outdoor activities. It can also be used in training and is important for proper identification in case they get lost.
With that, collars need to be both comfortable and durable if your dogs will be wearing them 24.7.
Collars come in a variety of designs and materials, making them a great opportunity to set your dog apart from the pack (pun intended)
Buying Guide for the Best Collars for Dogs
Primarily, collars are used as a tool for controlling and securing your dogs: be it for indoor or outdoor activities. It can also be used in training and is important for proper identification in case they get lost.
With that, collars need to be both comfortable and durable if your dogs will be wearing them 24.7.
Collars come in a variety of designs and materials, making them a great opportunity to set your dog apart from the pack (pun intended)
Key Considerations
Caution
Collars need to fit properly for it to be used safely. A tight collar can choke your dog, and a loose fit will enable them to escape, especially if they love to pull. As a rule of thumb, you should comfortably be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
Dog Collars Features
Collars are mainly used to identify dogs. Pet owners’ identities can be put on the collar in case a dog gets lost. But they also come with other helpful features.
- As a fashion accessory, collars show off the unique personality of your dog through personalized designs.
- Collars can allow for reflective properties or the attachment of lights, essential for keeping both dog and owner safe during those evening/early morning walks.
These features may not all be present in one collar, so it’s up to you to pick the most important feature for your dog and how you intend to make use of the collar.
Expert Tip
To make your dog comfortable wearing collars, it’s better to start them young. Introduce the collar to them as puppies, letting them play with it at the start before putting it on them. However, never leave the collar on for too long since puppies will outgrow them quickly and they risk becoming too tight or causing infection where they rub.
Dog Collars Prices
Our top five dog collars are very affordable options, none going above $20. However, investing in a collar can be expensive, especially if it’s personalized and uses luxury materials. That being said, everything aside from the absolute cheapest collars will serve their purpose, it’s up to you as the owner to decide what added features matter to you.
In terms of quality, collar manufacturers always advertise their products to be strong and durable. However, real-life experiences may not reflect the same. To make sure you don’t waste your money, look for sellers that offer quality guarantees on their products and a robust return policy. Some brands offer discounts if a collar is lost, or if your dog outgrows their current model.
Tips
- When getting a collar, the fit is critical. Here’s how to make sure it’s not too tight or too loose: with your dog wearing the collar, you should be able to put two fingers easily under it.
- Prong and choke collars are extremely dangerous for dogs and aren’t recommended by the MDWT team. These types of collars inflict physical pain and discomfort as well as cause emotional trauma.
- For strong pullers, harnesses are recommended over collars. Pulling while wearing a collar can choke or injure your dog. Training dogs to walk on a leash properly is a prerequisite to wear collars safely. It may be a difficult task but it’s well worth it.
- If you’re looking for longevity, leather collars should be your top choice. Aside from comfort, they look great and won’t break easily. If leather isn’t your thing, look for collars that advertise ‘ballistic’ nylon, an ultra-strong synthetic material.
- Some collars are equipped with GPS trackers, a useful feature in case your dog is prone to escape, or if you take off-leash walks in expansive areas where your dog can roam out of sight.
other products we Considered
The sheer number of options in the market makes it a tough choice to pick the best ones. So if you’re not a fan of our top five, here are other products that you can consider.
Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar: If you’re looking for a luxurious looking collar without emptying your wallet, this is your choice. It’s made of full-grain leather and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
PetSafe 3 in 1 Reflective Dog Harness: Not interested in a collar? Opt for a harness instead. This versatile product works well for both pullers and disciplined dogs.
FAQ's
Should my dog always wear a collar?
When indoors, dogs don’t need to wear collars. When outdoors, collars or harnesses are required for your dog’s safety. Some cities even require this by law. Equipping your dog with a collar and leash with proper identification not only secures your dog, it protects them and the people around them.
At what age can a dog start wearing a collar?
Dogs can start wearing collars as early as puppyhood, around 10 weeks old. Wearing a collar is part of training to walk on a leash, so it’s important to get them acquainted with their collar while young.
How do I keep collars clean?
Most collars aren’t machine washable, which means they have to be cleaned by hand. You can clean collars with soap and water. Make sure that the collar is completely dry before putting it back on your dog since wearing a wet collar can cause infection.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director