While dog collars aren't a must in the house all the time, it's a legal requirement for any dog in a public place to have one with the name and address of the owner. We know it can be difficult to decide the best product for your dog - they are man's best friend after all. That's why we've scouted out the best dog collars that will be fit for any hound whilst keeping them looking totally paw-some.
As well as microchipping your pet, a collar helps to identify your dog quickly should it become lost and makes it easy to grab your dog if there's danger around. But how do you choose the right collar for your dog?
Firstly, you should decide what you want your dog collar to do. Do you need it to be easily washable? Do you need it to glow in the dark? Is comfort your priority? Do you want your dog to be a style icon and have one with a dog lead to match? Whatever your preference, we've rounded up a selection of collars to help you find your pup's new favourite accessory.
The best dog collars at a glance:
• Best anti-irritation collar: Julius-K9 Collar – Buy now on Amazon
• Best waterproof collar: EzyDog Neo Dog Collar – Buy now on Amazon
• Best luxury collar: Barbour Reflective Dog Collar – Buy now on Pets at Home
All of these collars have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the collars, so you can choose the one that best suits your pooch.
Best light-up dog collar
Keeping our pooches safe in the dark is essential, and that's where this collar will come in handy. It's got a rechargeable LED light inside so vehicles and pedestrians can see your dog clearly at night. You can change the mode between steady, rapid flashing and slow flashing with just one click.
Pros
- Gives six hours of illumination per one-hour charge
- Charagable through USB
- Wide size range
Cons
- Limited adjustability
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Sizes available: | 23-35cm, 30-40cm, 40-50cm, 50-60cm |
- Customer review: "I bought this collar for my little dog, since I leave it free in the park I need to see where it is, even if I have a flashlight, I needed a sort of light point for her. I was hoping for a bit more brightness, but all in all, it does its job. Built-in battery and charges with a simple supplied USB-C cable."
Best reflective dog collar
AmazonFeaturing reflective stitching, this brightly-coloured collar is a great option if you're looking for a basic collar that will keep your pup seen after dark. The inside is padded with soft Neoprene to give dogs maximum comfort while they're out on their walkies and the buckle is fitted with a safety lock to prevent accidental openings.
Pros
- Ensures extra visibility from a distance at night
- Lightweight but durable
- Padded for their comfort
Cons
- Not a wide size range
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Nylon and neoprene |
| Sizes available: | 25-40cm, 40-60cm |
- Customer review: "This is a sturdy collar. Unfortunately my dog is between the available sizes so neither fits him perfectly - he therefore has the larger one fitted slightly loosely."
Best luxury dog collar
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Barbour is best known for making weatherproof outdoor clothing for us humans, but you know they also cater for your four-legged friend, too? This collar is perfect for keeping your pooch safe while out and about, with its reflective piping for nighttime walks and durable buckle fastening. Plus it offers a touch of classic Barbour branding, thanks to the pink tartan, for added style.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Reflective piping
- D-ring for lead attachment
Cons
- Some may not want a 'designer' collar for their pooch
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Webbed material |
| Sizes available: | 27.5-35.5cm, 36-46cm, 47-56.5cm |
- Customer review: "Looks amazing on our little miniature schnauzer."
Best anti-irritation dog collar
AmazonJulius K9 sounds like a cartoon villain. That's almost enough to warrant buying this collar alone. Turns out it's actually much more than a name. The Julius-K9 won't irritate your dog's coat and is available in a range of colours. We love that there's a colour to suit your pet's personality. As well as being robust, it's also excellent value for money and a high-quality product.
Pros
- Made from strong and durable materials
- Adjustable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some felt this collar was best suited to larger breeds
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Weather-resistant polyester webbing |
| Sizes available: | 27-42cm, 39-64cm, 38-53cm, 49-70cm |
- Customer review: "Great collar, perfect for my dog. Anti-slip, durable and well-made. The handle can be safely reattached and used when needed. Super recommended considering the very affordable price."
Best waterproof dog collar
AmazonThis durable, waterproof collar is made with polyester and neoprene, making it fast-drying, easy to clean, padded, soft and comfortable for your pooch. It has a built-in ID clip to securely attach your dog's tags and is easy to fit using the quick-release buckle. The reflective material is ideal for visibility at night time. Available in lots of colours and sizes.
Pros
- 12 colours to choose from
- Piping is reflective for nighttime safety
- Stainless steel D-ring to attach your lead to
Cons
- Some felt the collar was too wide for smaller and medium-sized pups
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Waterproof polyester and Neoprene rubber |
| Sizes available: | 30-33cm, 34-38cm, 39-44cm, 45-51cm, 53-61cm |
- Customer review: "The padded collar makes me feel that there is extra cushioning for my dog around the neck area. But really these collars are a All In One fix. Reflective, waterproof, soft but strong and great colours to choose from."
Best classic dog collar
AmazonThis adventure-inspired collar is made of durable woven material with a sturdy plastic clip and slider for easy on/off and adjustment. Lightweight and comfortable, it has a rust-resistant aluminium v-ring and silicone tag silencer, if you're not a fan of the jingling. Matching leads are also available with this collar.
Pros
- Side buckle for quick release
- Six adventure-inspired printed patterns available
- Features a separate silicone ring for ID tags to make them easier to add/remove
Cons
- Some thought the fabric was stiff to begin with
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Woven tubelok webbing |
| Sizes available: | 28-36cm, 36-51cm, 51-66cm |
- Customer review: "Purchased for our Miniature Dachshund. The collar was a bit stiff at first but eventually the fabric got better. Dog did not complain, so approved for future use."
Best fun dog collar
AmazonAvailable in a variety of funky colours and prints with a quick-release buckle and stainless steel hardware, this collar offers fun, fashion and, most importantly, safety. It's lightweight and flexible so it won't hurt your dog's skin while the durable nylon webbing ensures it'll dry fast if you're caught in a shower on your walk.
Pros
- 27 colours/patterns
- Easily adjustable
- Matching lead available
Cons
- Some may prefer a plainer collar for their pooch
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Durable nylon webbing |
| Sizes available: | 25-40cm, 33-55cm, 38-63cm |
- Customer review: "My toy poodle has had two of these collars now because the design/colour suits her, they are soft but have a strong clip and reasonable price. Not heavy like some of the leather collars."
Best collar for anxious dogs
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
We know that some dogs can be reactive and anxious when they're out and about, so this 'nervous' collar is a great way to give others a heads-up that your pooch needs some space. It's made from extremely strong material and has a strengthened buckle that is designed to handle any breed of dog.
Pros
- Simple yet effective
- Eyecatching colour
- Designed to be super robust
Cons
- Price varies depending on size
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Material: | Polypropylene nylon webbing |
| Sizes available: | 25-43cm, 38-64cm |
- Customer review: "A whitish nervous dog wearing a deaf dog harness didn't work very well, so I brought this & it works better, people give us the space she needs as her hearing isn't wonderful as she can frighten easy."
FAQs
What are the types of dog collars?
Not sure what dog collar to choose? Here are five different types of collars available on the market.
Flat collar: A flat collar is the most common type of collar. It uses a buckle or strap, which can be adjusted to fit your pet perfectly. However, it can choke your dog if it's too tight or they can slip out of it if it's loose. If your dog pulls on the lead, we'd recommend using a different type of collar.
Head collar: Great for assisting with puppy training, a head collar can have a calming effect on your pooch as it gives them all the control. As this is attached to the head, do not pull on the lead abruptly.
Harness: Good for walks, a dog harnesses strap over your pooch's body and will reduce the strain on your pet's neck and back.
Martingale: These types of collars provide more control over your pooch without choking them - these are often used for greyhounds and whippets.
Pinch collar: Pronged or pinch collars are dangerous to your animal as there is a potential risk of injury and pain because it's designed to tighten around a dog's neck. We strongly recommend against this option. Read more about pinch collars and why they can compromise dog welfare.
How we chose the best dog collars:
To help us decide what collars deserve the title of the best dog collars in the UK, we looked for five key features:
Safety: Safety is a pet owner's number one priority, and it's ours too. Whether it's selecting options made from natural materials or collars with safety features, we've thought of it all.
Comfortable fit: You want to ensure your beloved pet is comfortable, right? That's why you must choose an option that won't slip off, and isn't tight or too heavy. This will vary between different breeds, ages of dogs and preferences.
Design: As well as being a comfortable fit, we've picked collars that have practical features like leash attachments - this will keep both owner and pooch happy.
Value: According to PDSA, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - a veterinary charity in the UK, the cost of owning a dog can range from £4,500 up to £13,000 for their whole lifetime. That's why choosing a dog collar that won't cost the earth is so important.
Durability: That said, you want to get your money's worth, and sometimes splashing out that little extra cash can mean you get a longer-lasting collar. You should replace a collar when it doesn't fit, it starts showing signs of wear or it just doesn't work for your dog any longer.
Should my dog wear a collar at all times?
According to Petplan, a London-based pet insurance company, "By law, when a dog is in a public place, it must wear a collar. This – or a tag attached to the collar – must also bear its owner's name and address.
"Additionally worth knowing is that owners can be fined up to £2,000 if they don't comply."
In order to get your dog used to wearing a collar, we'd recommend getting them to wear one at all times. As long as it isn't tight, it shouldn't be uncomfortable to wear.
Are dog collars uncomfortable?
The wrong collar for your beloved pet can be uncomfortable; that's why it's so important to shop around for the right one. The most important requirement is to ensure that a collar isn't too tight for your dog. The material can also play a huge part in whether or not it's suitable.
That said, how do you know if a dog collar is uncomfortable? First of all: trust your instincts. If a collar looks rough, awkward on or troublesome, then it probably is.
Secondly, we'd recommend reading reviews about the fit as well as doing thorough research into the right type of collar for its breed.
How to clean dog collars:
Did you know that you should regularly clean your dog collar? Every time your pup gets mud, dog hair or anything else on its collar it should be cleaned. The best and easiest way to clean your dog collar is by letting it soak in hot, soapy water for at least ten minutes.
Top tip: Use one of our recommendations for the best dog shampoos to clean the collar as the cleaning ingredients used are safe for animals.
Jade Moscrop is an Editor and contributor to What's The Best, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, heat, and Grazia.
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