There are many types of dog collar available on the market, making it difficult to know which one is best for your needs and your dog’s needs. Here at Julius K9 UK, we have eight types of collar available, so we know that picking the most suitable can be a little overwhelming.

Getting the right collar is not just about style; the collar has to fit correctly and be practical. There are two main things to consider: material and fit.

Choice of Material

There two most popular materials are nylon and leather.

Nylon collars are sometimes preferred by professional trainers and pet owners as they often have an added reflective material sewn into the lining, like in our IDC Luminous Reflector range. These keep your dog visible at night or in poor weather conditions, helping to keep you both safe by the road side. They are also a good way to keep track of your dog if you decide to let them off lead.

Leather collars often cost a little more the nylon but generally are more robust. If looked after properly, a good quality leather collar can last ten or more years. But durability is not the only advantage; owners of long-haired dogs often prefer leather collars as it can help reduce fur matting. In addition, leather is a natural material and will conform to your dog’s unique shape over time.

A more straight forward reason is style, and many owners simply prefer the smarter appearance of leather and the wider selection of designs and types that are available.

The IDC Lumino range is a popular choice for our customers as it’s made from highly durable leather with fluorescent strips, keeping you visible and safe.

Getting the Size Right

When deciding on what size collar to buy, the rule of thumb is that you should always add two inches to the circumference of your dog’s neck. You can get the exact measurements of your dog’s neck by using a clothing tape measure.  

Getting the measurement right is very important for your dog’s safety and comfort. If the collar is too tight it can restrict their breathing and cause them a lot of discomfort. Too loose and the collar can simply fall off or cause your dog to get caught on objects.

To ensure the collar is a perfect fit, you should be able to fit two fingers under it. This keeps the collar snug, but loose enough to not restrict breathing and remain comfortable.

The width of the collar should also be considered. The wider the collar the heavier and more restrictive it will be, so smaller dogs should be fitted with narrower collars while larger dogs are better suited to thicker ones. Our collars range from 20mm to 25cm wide.

It is important to remember to regularly check the fit of the collar with the two finger rule as your dog grows or changes weight.

Collar or Harness?

Since 2016 it has been law in the UK that all dogs must be microchipped but it is still a requirement for your dog to wear an ID tag. Because of this, many owners find it simpler to attach a leash to the collar their dog is already wearing instead of using a harness.

However, some dogs are resistant to wearing collars and might require training before they are ready to be taken on walks with an attached lead. In these instances, a harness might be a better option.

It really does depend on you and your dog’s preference to which is best option. We have written a handy post on which might be suitable to you in our Collar or Harness guide here.