The 8 best collars for your dog

Buying accessories and toys for your pup can be really fun. We always want to ensure we're getting the best quality ones possible. The same goes for your dog's collar.

With so much choice (really, there are so many options), how can you know which is the best dog collar for your pup? What do you need to look for? And does it matter what breed your dog is?

Luckily, we've done the hard work and have come up with the 8 best collars to keep your dog safe and stylish.

All our buying guides about dog collars

• Harness vs Dog collar: which one should you use?
• 10 best reflective dog collars
• 5 best tick collars for dogs in 2022
• 10 best collars for your Golden Retriever
• 5 best waterproof dog collars
• 5 Best Collars For a German Shepherd
• 8 best dog collars for a Pitbull

What to look for when buying a dog collar

There are many things you need to think about when buying your doggo a collar. Here are the main factors to consider to ensure you're getting the best one!

Quality

That goes for manufacturing, fastenings, material, and design. Collars help keep your dog safe, and you don't want one that will easily break and get lost. Nylon collars or leather collars are particularly strong and should resist most wear and tear.

Sizes

Not all dogs need the same collar size. Of course, puppies need smaller collars, but some breeds have specific requirements too. Breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Pitbulls have necks similar to their heads and can quite easily slip out of a regular collar. Many owners go for a martingale collar for extra safety.

What's more, not all collars come in all sizes. If you have a giant or toy breed, the collar you're after might not be available.

Comfort

Many dogs wear collars all day long, and they need to be comfortable. Lots of breeds (particularly those with sensitive skin) need extra padding. A wider collar can also help to distribute the strain on the skin.

Some dogs with particularly long coats may require a special collar that will prevent tangling.

Waterproof

This may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a basic dog collar, but it's a must for some dogs.

Especially those that love swimming or playing in the rain! A waterproof collar can last longer and helps to reduce the chances of that awful wet dog (collar) smell!

Safety

Some of the best dog collars have a few extra features to keep your pup safe.

Reflective stitching or straps can make your dog more visible at nighttime and help to ensure they're out of harm's way.

Many collars also come with a durable, built-in loop for you to attach ID tags to so your pup can be returned should they ever get lost.

Easy for you?

As well as your dog's comfort, it's essential that the collar is easy for you to use.

Some dog owners like to change their pups' collars, which is only possible if they're easy to remove and put back on.

If you have a dog that loves to swim, you might also want to get them a collar that can be machine washed (if it isn't waterproof).

Extra features?

More and more pet owners are looking for dog collars with extra features, such as GPS tracking. This is a really useful way for you to find your pup if they get lost. You can also set up invisible fences, and you're alerted as soon as they leave this area.

The 8 best dog collars for all doggie needs

Here is our list of the dog collars that came out on top. There's a mix of materials, sizes, and features, so every dog should find their perfect collar!

Soft Touch Leather Collar – A great all-rounder

This beautiful, classic leather dog collar is definitely one of our favorites.

It's made from very durable materials and has a secure belt buckle for extra safety.

This padded leather collar comes in 5 different colors and 4 different sizes, so you'll be sure to find a combination that perfectly fits your pup! It's lined with sheepskin to reduce irritation and chafing and is comfortable for your dog.

The solid brass hardware is exceptionally durable and won't tarnish in water. There's a useful d ring located on the back of the collar to attach to a leash easily, and it's a very strong collar that's stylish and safe.

Lupine Pet Adjustable Dog Collar

If you're after a fun but really durable all-round dog collar, then the Lupine adjustable range is definitely worth checking out! The collars come in three widths (so are good for large dogs and small dogs) and 9 adjustable sizes.

They have an amazing array of designs too. You can choose from the standard colors, reflective neon collars, or specially designed ones (they have everything from geckos and butterflies to tropical seas and spots)!

And whilst they're very eye-catching, these collars are also very durable and comfortable. They have a specially designed buckle that should withstand chewing and a strong d ring that won't rust.

It's a great multi-use collar that's sure to make your pooch stand out at the dog park!

Taglory Reflective collar – For nighttime safety

Especially in winter, it's only normal to walk our dogs after sunset. A great way of making sure they're safe is to get them a reflective collar that makes them visible to motorists.

This Taglory collar has two lines of 360 degrees reflective stitching. It comes in 12 possible colors and five adjustable sizes (from XS to XL).

Although made from very durable nylon with soft neoprene cushioning, these collars are very lightweight. They're comfortable for your pup to wear and for you to get on and off your dog's neck.

There's also a quick-release buckle which is very useful in emergencies.

Black Rhino Comfort Collar – For large dogs

This is an excellent dog collar – especially if your dog pulls. It's a heavy-duty and adjustable one that comes in 4 sizes and 10 stylish colors.

It has a soft neoprene lining, so it won't rub your dog when they're playing. It also dries quickly, so it is excellent for the pups that love to swim!

It's made from very high-quality, robust material that won't fade over time. It also has reflective stitching to help keep your dog safe in low light.

This is a particularly good collar for large dogs or those with necks the same width as their head.

PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar – For training

This is definitely one of the best dog collars for training. The design allows you to put the smaller loop softly over your pup's nose, redirecting their pulling towards you. It's a great way for them to learn not to pull on the leash.

The loop has neoprene padding, so it is soft and comfortable and also distributes the pulling pressure to the back of your dog's neck, rather than their throat.

It's made from very durable nylon webbing and comes in 9 different colors. It's also available in 5 sizes (depending on how much your pooch weighs), so it can be used for small dogs and large ones.

Many trainers and vets recommend this sturdy and stylish collar as a valuable and good-quality training tool.

Blueberry Pet Essentials Dog Collar – For puppies

A common concern for puppy parents is that they'll buy their new four-legged friend an expensive collar and before they know it, their pup will have outgrown it.

Getting an adjustable, high-quality collar that's a good price can be an excellent solution.

The Blueberry Pet classic comes in 8 bright and fun colors for little pups and four sizes. It's made of robust nylon and high-density webbing to withstand a puppy chew session.

There's a heavy-duty buckle made from eco-friendly plastic and an easy-to-use d ring leash attachment.

This is an ideal small collar for your furry friend, keeping them looking cute and staying safe!

Illumiseen LED Dog Collar – For even more visibility

Unlike most dog collars, this one lights up in the dark. This is a great way of being able to see your pup at all times – especially when they're off the leash.

It also makes you and your dog much more visible to others.

There are three modes to set the collar to, and you can also switch it off to conserve battery when you don't need it.

This high-quality nylon collar comes in six bright colors and sizes and is fully adjustable (even with the LED lights in).

This is a really good choice for those that often walk their pups after nightfall and who want something different from a traditional collar.

Whistle Go Explore – For pet tracking

GPS dog collars are becoming ever more popular. Whether you want to track where you've been walking with your dog or have peace of mind should they run off – a GPS tracker is a great way to do it.

This one also tracks your dog's activity levels, so it can help with weight management and health.

It's available in 3 different colors (gray, green, and pink) and has a battery life of up to 20 days. You receive alerts via SMS or the app and it's also waterproof.

It's a great choice if you have an escape artist pup or are simply interested in tracking their movements!

Which collar you get your dog depends significantly on your style and what features are most important to you (and them).

All 8 of the best dog collars on this list have been well tested and come out on top. Which one would you go for?