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Originally Posted On: https://auburndirect.com/how-to-choose-the-best-dog-collars-for-large-dogs/

 

One recent study showed that at least 36% of households have a large dog weighing over 40 pounds. That’s alot of large dogs and alot of dog owners looking for information about how to choose the best dog collars for their large dogs.

If you’re the owner of a large dog, then you know that finding the best dog collars for your “forever puppy” can be a challenge. Because there are so many different options available, it’s hard to know which one is right for your pet.

In this guide, we will discuss some topics and provide some tips you may not have thought about in regards to what to know about the different types of collars available, especially for large dogs, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

The Importance of Wearing a Dog Collar if Your Dog is Lost

Before you choose the best dog collar for your big dog, you must understand how important it is for your dog wear a collar in order to help keep your dog safe  and to be safely returned to you if lost.

First and foremost, the right collar helps make your dog easier to find if he or she gets lost. If your dog is wearing a brightly colored or reflective dog collar, especially with your contact information on it, it can make all the difference in how  quickly and easily it is to reunite you with your pet.

Adding ID tags can be a fun way to personalize your dog’s collar. Additionally, adding ID tags to your dog’s collar gives you a convenient and very visible place to keep vaccination tags and other important medical information, and it travels with your dog wherever he goes. It’s important to remember that, if your dog is ever picked up by animal control, having current tags on his or her collar will ensure that he or she is returned to you as quickly as possible and will alert temporary caregivers of any specific medical needs.

Finally, if your dog is wearing a collar, it is a simple way to show that your dog is a well-loved and appreciated member of the family, especially if your dog wanders away and is found in a strange neighborhood.

Whether you choose a simple leather collar or an elaborate rhinestone-studded design, taking the time to put a collar on your dog shows that you care about him or her and want to keep him or her safe.

Understanding the Different Types of Dog Collars

First, let’s start with a brief walk-through of different styles and materials so you can get a better idea of what might be available to you.

There are a variety of different types of dog collars available on the market, each designed for a different purpose.

Side release buckle dog collars are used similarly to a standard buckle collar but have either a metal or a plastic buckle that is opened by pressing in on the sides of the buckle. Side release buckle collars are favored by doggy daycare facilities because of the ability to quickly release the buckle with one hand if necessary. Side release buckle collars have a similar adjust-ability and fit to standard buckle collars.

The side release buckle allows the collar to be easily put on and removed and provides a way to quickly release the collar if the dog gets caught on something.

If you have a larger dog who tends to lunge, putting excessive force on the collar, you may wish to consider a standard buckle collar. The standard buckle collar is perhaps the most common type of dog collar that you likely see on most dogs in your neighborhood. It’s popular and versatile because it’s easily adjustable with a buckle similar to a belt buckle. It is a very secure type of buckle and can easily be fastened around your dog’s neck.

A martingale collar is similar to a buckle collar, but also has a loop that tightens if your dog tries to slip out. This can be especially great for dogs who feel slightly uncomfortable in collars and often try to take them off or back out of them while walking on leash.

Finally, a training collar is a collar that is used to help train dogs. A training collar is specially designed with features to help correct the dog’s behavior and, when used correctly, can help to make the training process more effective and efficient.

Choosing the right type of collar for your dog will depend on their size, temperament, and the activities you plan on doing together.

Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars can be made out of  bridle leather, soft Italian (or similar) leather, exotic leathers, or bonded leather. It is important to know which types of leather your collar is made of. We recommend either bridle leather or Italian leather that is lined with a stable leather. This makes them one of the strongest and most durable types of dog collars on the market. If you’re the owner of a large dog who likes to pull on its leash, leather collars are a great, safe option that won’t damage easily and will hold up well for years of use.

For anyone who has ever owned a bridle leather handbag or wallet or belt, you love it for its longevity and know that leather gets better with wear. The same holds true for leather dog collars.

Quality leather  is also comfortable for most dogs to wear and it won’t rub their fur the wrong way. Leather dog collars come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find one that matches your dog’s  needs and even their personality.

Last, but not least, a benefit of using leather collars is the class and style and excellence they bring to your dog’s wardrobe. Quality either dog collars are luxurious and at the same time practical. They’re water-repellent, great for active dogs, hold up well for years of use and enjoyment, comfortable, and look great, all at the same time!

Rope Dog Collars

Rope dog collars are made of, you guessed it, a rope! They’re usually made of nylon or another strong synthetic rope, which is then woven into a collar. Rope dog collars are adjustable, meaning you can make them tighter or looser as needed. They’re also very durable.

However, if you’re going to opt for a rope dog collar, we suggest that you get one with another type of strong material at the ends so that you can fasten a buckle or loop. One great example of this is our cotton rope dog collar with leather accents.

The ends of the collar feature leather straps with a high-quality buckle that is easy to fasten. The leather is the same high-quality, sturdy bridle leather used in our other dog collars.

Be wary of leathers that are lighter weight, unless they are lined with more durable leather for the entire length of the collar or some other type of material non-stretch material for stability.

This enhances both the look and functionality of the dog collar so that you can ensure it will stay fastened around your dog’s neck and will not stretch or tear due to excessive strain from pulling or lunging.

Fabric Dog Collars

Fabric dog collars are a type of collar that is made out of fabric and are typically lined with nylon, poly, or cotton. They are a popular choice for many dog owners because they are comfortable for the dog to wear, and they’re durable.

If you have a big, fun-loving dog who loves to play outside then a fabric dog collar might be the best option for you. They are often easy to clean, unlike rope that needs to be hand washed, fabric dog collars can often be thrown right in the wash. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for specific recommendations.

Fabric dog collars come in a variety of colors and fun patterns, so you can find one that suits your dog’s personality. Some styles of fabric dog collars have a plastic or metal buckle, which makes it easy to put on and take off the collar. You can find these collars made of materials such as nylon, poly, hemp, cotton, and recycled material. Our Guatemalan handmade dog collars are available in a wide variety of colorful, hand-woven designs that add a touch of personality that will be unique to your pup. Plus, they are machine washable and feature a durable side release buckle.

What Are the Best Dog Collars for Large Dogs?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, based on some of the things we’ve briefly discussed, above, what is the best dog collar for a large dog?

If you have a large dog, then you need a collar that is both comfortable and durable. The best dog collars for large dogs are made from high-quality materials that will stand up to the special needs of even the most active large dogs.

When you’re looking for quality, leather is a popular option. Although it can be more expensive, quality leather is durable and will last a very long time, ensuring it has long-term value and aesthetic appeal.

Nylon is a popular choice for dog collars for big dogs as it is strong and lightweight. Likewise, nylon collars are available in a variety of color and pattern options, they dry quickly, and will last a very long time. Cotton is another very comfortable fabric but may absorb moisture and will need to be removed and let dry after dips in the pool.

Don’t take for granted that your large dog can be easily seen. You may like to consider getting a reflective collar for a large dog. This will help ensure that your dog will be visible at night. This is especially important if you live in a remote area with little to no exterior light or let your dog roam free in your yard.

Collar Width

It is important to consider the width of your dog’s collar.

There is no doubt that a bully breed (Staffordshire terriers and Boxers, for example) look very stately in a wide dog collar. For many breeds, a wide dog collar is very appropriate for both looks and functionality. However, there are a few considerations you might want to think about before making your purchase.

Dog’s with delicate necks and tracheae will do well in a wider dog collar. While this is a more common concern with smaller dogs, it’s still something to consider in larger dogs, especially greyhounds and similar large dogs. You might begin your search asking for a hound collar which is wider in the front than in the back, or where the collar buckles. as hound collars.

When considering the proper width of a collar for a large dog, it is also important to ensure that the dog collar is not too wide, as this can make it difficult for the dog to breathe and turn or lower its head. Some large dogs with sturdy frames – Mastiffs, for example – or Newfies (Newfoundland) or St. Bernards or similar breeds with long fur –  may feel more comfortable in a rolled leather collar.

If you still have questions about the proper width of a collar for the specific needs of your large dog, you may want to enlist the advice of  your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.

Sturdy Buckle

Aside from ensuring that your dog’s collar is made from a durable material, such as leather, the buckle must be sturdy and well-made. We briefly touched on this above, but it is important to understand just how big of a difference a good buckle can make.

First, a sturdy buckle will ensure that the collar stays secure on your dog’s neck. The force of a large dog who lunges could potentially cause the buckle to snap or come off, resulting in a broken buckle and/or collar.  A secure collar helps keep the dog secure and out of mischief or danger.

A second consideration has to do with the design of the collar and how the buckle is attached to the collar. If you are looking for the “ultimate” design, consider our GI Collar with two layers of leather and a sturdy extended dee ring pattern. An extended dee end pattern dog collar is a design that puts the dee ring to the left of the buckle rather than between the buckle and the tuckloop, which better absorbs the shock of a pulling dog, extending the life of collar.

Finally, a sturdy buckle will help to keep the collar from slipping off of your dog’s neck. A large dog can sometimes wiggle out of a collar that is not properly fitted, but a sturdy buckle that allows you to properly fit the collar will help to keep the collar on your dog’s neck, where it should be.

How to Fit a Dog Collar for a Big Dog

The Proper Fit

Whatever material you choose, make sure that the collar is comfortable.  A proper fit is critical.

Having a big dog means having a lot of fun. But it also means taking a few extra steps to make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. That includes picking the right size collar. After all, the size of the collar you need might influence your options when it comes time to choose the type of dog collar, since not all dog collars are as adjustable as others.

A too-tight collar can cause chafing and may be generally uncomfortable, while a too-loose collar can slip off, leaving your pup vulnerable to getting lost or injured.

Here are a few additional tips on how to find the perfect fit for your big dog’s collar:

• First, measure your dog’s neck with a tape measure. Allow enough room to slip two fingers underneath the collar.
• Check each manufacturer’s sizing guides as different manufacturers use different methods of measuring and sizing.
• Next, choose a collar that adjusts to fit your dog’s neck measurement. Most collars have adjustable slides or buckles that let you loosen or tighten the collar as needed.
• Once you receive the collar, put the collar on your dog and adjust it to fit snugly but comfortably. Remember that you should be able to slip two fingers underneath the collar without it being too tight or too loose.
• Test the fit by trying to pull the collar over your dog’s head. If it’s too loose, it will come off easily. If it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable for your dog and could cause chafing, or worse, difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Once you’ve found the perfect fit, you may wish to put an ID tag on the collar with your contact information in case your dog ever gets lost.

With these tips, finding a well-fitting collar for your big dog is easy, and you will be confident that your dog is safe, secure, and comfortable!

perfect fit meets perfect style

Auburn Leathercrafters offers a wide variety of sizes and styles of dog collars that are appropriate for dogs, large to small. Now that you know what to look for when it comes to choosing the best dog collars for large dogs, take a look at our entire selection of collars.   With many options available, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the perfect collar for your dog.