Picking the right collar isn’t just about looks — it’s about safety, comfort, and behaviour. Here’s how Angie’s 30+ year groomers approach the choice for any dog.
Match width to neck size
As a rule of thumb: small breeds (under 30 lb) do best with 1/2″ to 3/4″ wide collars. Medium breeds (30-60 lb) benefit from 1″ widths. Large or working breeds (60 lb+) need 1.25″ or wider for proper weight distribution.
Test the two-finger fit
You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck. Tighter than that and you risk chafing; looser and the collar can slip over the head.
Material matters
Padded nylon is great for daily wear — soft, washable, and durable. Leather looks beautiful and softens with age but needs occasional conditioning. Avoid metal chains for everyday use; they can damage long coats.
Reflective for night walks
If your dog joins you for evening or pre-dawn walks, a reflective collar (or one with stitched reflective accents) is non-negotiable. Same goes for the leash.
Shop our hand-picked dog collars and leashes — every product tested by our team before it makes the shelves.