What style of dog collar is best for my dog?

Side-Release Dog Collars

The most commonly used dog collars are made from either a polyester or nylon webbing with a side-release (sometimes called a quick-release) buckle. This style of collar is easy to put on and take off, are typically size-adjustable and have an attachment point for a lead and pet tag.

Red Dingo Bucklebone collars are made from an ultra-soft, comfortable and strong nylon webbing. The D-ring, for leash attachment and an ID tag, is made from a marine-grade stainless steel, designed to withstand daily use in sea water without rusting. The Bucklebone side-release clip is renowned industry-wide for being super durable. For example, the medium size clip has been tested to withstand over 100kg of pulling force without showing signs of damage or breaking.

Side-release collars are ideal for daily use due to their convenience and availability. 

Martingale Style Collars

A martingale dog collar is a unique webbing collar designed for dogs that have a smaller, or similar sized, head compared to their neck width. The collar consists of a neck loop, to go around the dog’s neck, connected together with a smaller, freely attached loop of webbing. When tension is applied to the D-ring (dog pulls while on the lead), the neck loop tightens to prevent the collar from slipping over the dog’s head. 

Martingale dog collars are designed as anti-escape collars to prevent dogs from backing out of their collar. They are suitable for breeds such as Whippets, Greyhounds, Staffies, Dachshunds, Bulldogs, Dobermans or similar where regular collars are not a safe option for tethering.

Waterproof Dog Collars

Regular nylon collars can be used by dogs when swimming, so waterproof collars might not be considered by many pet owners. Where waterproof dog collars excel is their resistance to odour as they do not retain moisture. 

Waterproof dog collars, such as Red Dingo Waterproof VIVID collars, are typically made from a PVC-coated webbing. This material does not attract dirt or moisture which makes them an ideal choice for working dogs, farm dogs, dogs that love swimming, and humid or snowy climates – no more doggy-smell!

Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a traditional style of collar known to have excellent durability. Leather collars typically use a pin-buckle clasp and can can be made from a range of leather grades and colours. Red Dingo animal-friendly Vegan Leather dog collars and leads are made from from a durable PU material. Featuring a bone-shaped pin buckle, these collars are both durable and stylish.

Leather dog collars are suitable for varying types of pet lifestyles and top-quality leather dog collars can provide a lifetime of use. However, if your dog loves to swim or lives in a snowy climate, or you enjoy the convenience of side-release collars, we recommend you look to other alternatives.

Walking Harnesses

In many cases a collar might not be the best choice for your dog. Walking harnesses are incredibly popular and are becoming more common as an alternative to a collar.

Harnesses may prove to be a suitable choice if your dog is reactive, fragile, has previous trauma with collars, or simply prefers walking with a harness instead of a collar. Harnesses also provide pet owners with the convenience of being able to go from a walk, to in the car, strapped in, without having to take the extra step to put a harness on their dog.

1. Your dog's lifestage
When buying a collar for a puppy, most dogs will need to upgrade to a larger size as they grow into their adult phase. Since puppies grow quickly, it is important you choose a size can accommodate substantial growth during the puppy life stage.

Red Dingo Puppy Kits provide pet owners with an all-in-one set for puppies to begin exploring the great outdoors. The lead, adjustable collar and adjustable harness should see most puppies through their puppy years before graduating to their adult tethering set.

2. Materials
Often overlooked in favour of style is the choice of materials. Your lifestyle, desired lifestyle for your pet and your living environment are important factors to consider when choosing the suitable material for your dog’s collar. At the very least you should opt for durable materials as these ensure safety when walking. Stainless steel metal hardware is a must-have and will last a lifetime, especially important for dogs who love to swim or play in the snow.

3. Safety and Fit
A collar that has not been properly fitted can pose a safety risk to your dog. From getting stuck to losing their collar altogether, it is important to properly measure your dog’s neck to ensure you choose the correct size collar. It is recommended that once your dog’s collar is fastened you should be able to easily fit a finger-width between your dog’s collar and their neck. To find out how to measure your dog’s neck, check out our handy sizing guides.

4. Identification
Whether your dog wears a collar, harness (or both!) it is crucial that they have at least one form of identification on them at all times. We recommend an engraved pet ID tag. For more information and identification tips, check out our article: What should I put on my pet's ID tag?