Best Dog Collars
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Finding the Best Dog Collar
Every dog owner wants a collar that will last a long time and look good on their dog. We've consulted with dog owners and experts to select the top dog collars from a variety of categories. Trust us and allow us to answer your shopping questions.
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Best Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a classic, comfortable, and attractive option, although the grommet system may cause sizing issues for some dogs.

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Our Top Pick
Chewy
Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar, Brown Pink, Medium
What Dogs Love:

This well-padded collar will rest comfortably around the neck of most any dog, large or small.

What Humans Love:

This attractive collar comes in a multitude of colors and sizes, fitting nicely on necks ranging from 11 to 25 inches in diameter.

What You'll Love:
  • High-Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This well-padded collar will rest comfortably around the neck of most any dog, large or small.

What Humans Love:

This attractive collar comes in a multitude of colors and sizes, fitting nicely on necks ranging from 11 to 25 inches in diameter.

    What You'll Love:
  • High-Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
2
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar, Brown, Medium: 12 to 14-in neck, 1/2-in wide
What Dogs Love:

The rolled leather design is especially good for dogs with medium-length or longer coats, as it helps prevent hair from matting.

What Humans Love:

This wallet-friendly collar is available in 13 different colors and shades, plus seven different sizes to fit necks from 6 to 21 inches.

What You'll Love:
  • Affordable
  • Simple
  • Adaptable
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What Dogs Love:

The rolled leather design is especially good for dogs with medium-length or longer coats, as it helps prevent hair from matting.

What Humans Love:

This wallet-friendly collar is available in 13 different colors and shades, plus seven different sizes to fit necks from 6 to 21 inches.

    What You'll Love:
  • Affordable
  • Simple
  • Adaptable
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Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
CollarDirect Leather Dog Collar Brass Buckle Soft Padded Puppy Small Medium Large Red Pink Blue Green Purple Yellow (Neck Fit 15″-17″, Mint Green)
What Dogs Love:

Supple leather plus a padded inner leather makes this collar a comfortable choice for any canine.

What Humans Love:

Securely-stitched, full-grain leather combined with brass hardware highlight this sturdy and stylish dog collar.

What You'll Love:
  • Sturdy
  • Rugged
  • Dependable
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What Dogs Love:

Supple leather plus a padded inner leather makes this collar a comfortable choice for any canine.

What Humans Love:

Securely-stitched, full-grain leather combined with brass hardware highlight this sturdy and stylish dog collar.

    What You'll Love:
  • Sturdy
  • Rugged
  • Dependable
The Bottom Line on Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a great choice for owners looking to outfit their pups with a sturdy, stylish collar that will last a long time with the proper care. All three of our top picks feature quality leather that comes in a variety of sizes and colors for dogs of any breed. You can’t go wrong with any of our choices, but the Soft Touch Collars Luxury Padded Leather Collar gets our top nod due to its combination of comfort, affordability, sturdiness, and style.

The Bottom Line on Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a great choice for owners looking to outfit their pups with a sturdy, stylish collar that will last a long time with the proper care. All three of our top picks feature quality leather that comes in a variety of sizes and colors for dogs of any breed. You can’t go wrong with any of our choices, but the Soft Touch Collars Luxury Padded Leather Collar gets our top nod due to its combination of comfort, affordability, sturdiness, and style.

Best Dog Activity Trackers

Fitness-focused activity trackers are at an all-time in popularity among people, so why not let your pet get in on the action too with a dog activity tracker?

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker, Gray
What Dogs Love:

This waterproof activity tracker will keep working while dogs swim, and it sends helpful alerts to keep owners informed.

What Humans Love:

Reviewers appreciate features like scratch and lick alerts, real-time location tracking, and three-mode night light.

What You'll Love:
  • Smart
  • Feature Filled
  • Customizable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This waterproof activity tracker will keep working while dogs swim, and it sends helpful alerts to keep owners informed.

What Humans Love:

Reviewers appreciate features like scratch and lick alerts, real-time location tracking, and three-mode night light.

    What You'll Love:
  • Smart
  • Feature Filled
  • Customizable
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor | Health & Fitness Tracker for Dogs | Waterproof, Small & Leightweight (10 g) | Not a GPS Tracker
What Dogs Love:

This lightweight, waterproof tracker can comfortably keep up with your dog in any terrain.

What Humans Love:

The long-lasting battery life, ease of use, and versatility make for an all-around solid activity tracking choice.

What You'll Love:
  • Sleek
  • Versatile
  • Affordable
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What Dogs Love:

This lightweight, waterproof tracker can comfortably keep up with your dog in any terrain.

What Humans Love:

The long-lasting battery life, ease of use, and versatility make for an all-around solid activity tracking choice.

    What You'll Love:
  • Sleek
  • Versatile
  • Affordable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
PetFon Pet GPS Tracker, No Monthly Fee, Real-Time Tracking Collar Device, APP Control For Dogs And Pets Activity Monitor
What Dogs Love:

This model is rainproof, so it will stand up to the wettest of dog walks.

What Humans Love:

The technology allows you to track your pet from up to 0.65 miles away in densely built-up areas and up to 3.5 miles away in open areas, with no need for cell service.

What You'll Love:
  • utilizes multiple technologies to track your pet
  • perfect for active dogs
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What Dogs Love:

This model is rainproof, so it will stand up to the wettest of dog walks.

What Humans Love:

The technology allows you to track your pet from up to 0.65 miles away in densely built-up areas and up to 3.5 miles away in open areas, with no need for cell service.

    What You'll Love:
  • utilizes multiple technologies to track your pet
  • perfect for active dogs
The Bottom Line on Dog Activity Trackers

Dog activity trackers are an increasingly popular way to keep tabs on your furry friend’s fitness needs and goals. Many activity trackers are lightweight and attach directly to any dog’s existing collar. The durable and waterproof Whistle Go is our top dog activity tracker, offering a handful of useful features, insights, and alerts to help your dog stay in shape. 

The Bottom Line on Dog Activity Trackers

Dog activity trackers are an increasingly popular way to keep tabs on your furry friend’s fitness needs and goals. Many activity trackers are lightweight and attach directly to any dog’s existing collar. The durable and waterproof Whistle Go is our top dog activity tracker, offering a handful of useful features, insights, and alerts to help your dog stay in shape. 

Best Calming Dog Collars

Calming dog collars are a gentle, effective way to ease anxiety on-the-go or at home for pups who get stressed in certain situations.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Adaptil Calming Adjustable Dog Collar, Medium & Large
What Dogs Love:

Odorless pheromones released by this collar offer a strong sense of security and comfort to anxious dogs.

What Humans Love:

A proven non-drug solution for dog anxiety, this adjustable collar works well and lasts for up to 4 weeks.

What You'll Love:
  • Vet-Recommended
  • Comforting
  • Effective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Odorless pheromones released by this collar offer a strong sense of security and comfort to anxious dogs.

What Humans Love:

A proven non-drug solution for dog anxiety, this adjustable collar works well and lasts for up to 4 weeks.

    What You'll Love:
  • Vet-Recommended
  • Comforting
  • Effective
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Dog Calming Collar, 1 count (new)
What Dogs Love:

They're infused with pheromones, plus a lavender and chamomile fragrance.

What Humans Love:

Each calming collar in this three-pack lasts approximately 30 days each, meaning you get roughly three months of calming effects.

What You'll Love:
  • durable
  • effective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

They're infused with pheromones, plus a lavender and chamomile fragrance.

What Humans Love:

Each calming collar in this three-pack lasts approximately 30 days each, meaning you get roughly three months of calming effects.

    What You'll Love:
  • durable
  • effective
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Calming Pheromone Collar for Dogs with Appeasing Effect – Dog Anxiety Relief – Anti-Anxiety Collar with Long-Lasting Calming Effect for Dogs of All Sizes (26 inches)
What Dogs Love:

The combined calming effects of essential oils and pheromones help to melt anxiety away.

What Humans Love:

The purple pop of color makes this a stylish choice, while working continuously and effectively for up to 30 days.

What You'll Love:
  • Sturdy
  • Long-Lasting
  • Stylish
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The combined calming effects of essential oils and pheromones help to melt anxiety away.

What Humans Love:

The purple pop of color makes this a stylish choice, while working continuously and effectively for up to 30 days.

    What You'll Love:
  • Sturdy
  • Long-Lasting
  • Stylish
The Bottom Line on Calming Collars for Dogs

Anxiety is a common condition among dogs these days, but thanks to the advent of all sorts of effective calming products, there’s no need for your pet to live with anxiety anymore. From calming vests, to supplements, to plug-in air diffusers, there’s a wide range of calming products for dogs on the market. For a simple solution, however, we suggest a calming collar, which is often designed with essential oils and/or pheromones to keep dogs continuously calm for weeks at a time. Our top calming collar choice is the on-the-go collar from Adaptil, which features a proven, odorless, non-drug system to combat canine anxiety safely and effectively.

The Bottom Line on Calming Collars for Dogs

Anxiety is a common condition among dogs these days, but thanks to the advent of all sorts of effective calming products, there’s no need for your pet to live with anxiety anymore. From calming vests, to supplements, to plug-in air diffusers, there’s a wide range of calming products for dogs on the market. For a simple solution, however, we suggest a calming collar, which is often designed with essential oils and/or pheromones to keep dogs continuously calm for weeks at a time. Our top calming collar choice is the on-the-go collar from Adaptil, which features a proven, odorless, non-drug system to combat canine anxiety safely and effectively.

Best Flea Collars For Dogs

Fleas and ticks are a perennial scourge for pets. For owners who prefer to avoid monthly preventative supplements, flea collars for dogs are an ideal alternative.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar for Small Dogs, 1 count
What Dogs Love:

This effective, scent-free flea collar will keep your dog free of critters for up to eight months without any noticeable odor.

What Humans Love:

Produced by health giant Bayer, Seresto flea collars have been trusted by dog owners for years.

What You'll Love:
  • Effective
  • Trusted
  • Odorless
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This effective, scent-free flea collar will keep your dog free of critters for up to eight months without any noticeable odor.

What Humans Love:

Produced by health giant Bayer, Seresto flea collars have been trusted by dog owners for years.

    What You'll Love:
  • Effective
  • Trusted
  • Odorless
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs, 26-in
What You'll Love:
  • water-resistant
  • affordable
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Economical
  • Durable
What Dogs Love:
  • Adjustable
  • Versatile
    What You'll Love:
  • water-resistant
  • affordable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflecting Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies, 1 count
What Dogs Love:

This lightweight collar provides full body protection for up to seven months and can even kill flea eggs.

What Humans Love:

Water-resistant and reflective up to 450 feet, this rugged collar is full of features owners can appreciate.

What You'll Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Water-Resistant
  • Reflective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This lightweight collar provides full body protection for up to seven months and can even kill flea eggs.

What Humans Love:

Water-resistant and reflective up to 450 feet, this rugged collar is full of features owners can appreciate.

    What You'll Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Water-Resistant
  • Reflective

Best Collars for Large Dogs

When it comes to collars for large dogs, especially heavy pullers, sturdiness and strength are a must, or else your powerful pup might just break free on your next walk.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Black Rhino – The Comfort Collar (XLarge, Red/Black)
What Dogs Love:

This padded collar is lightweight enough to be comfortable, but strong enough for dogs of any size and strength.

What Humans Love:

Nylon and neoprene combine with sturdy, reflective stitching in this collar, which is able to fit necks up to 26 inches.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Comfortable
  • Dependable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This padded collar is lightweight enough to be comfortable, but strong enough for dogs of any size and strength.

What Humans Love:

Nylon and neoprene combine with sturdy, reflective stitching in this collar, which is able to fit necks up to 26 inches.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Comfortable
  • Dependable
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Blueberry Pet Spring Prints Nylon Dog Collar, Pink Flamingo on Light Emerald, Large: 18 to 26-in neck, 1-in wide
What Dogs Love:

This soft, flexible collar rests lightly around the neck of large dogs, and it’s narrower than some other collars for large dogs.

What Humans Love:

Affordable and easy-to-clean, yet sturdy, this collar comes in a variety of fun patterns to give your large dog some style.

What You'll Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Inexpensive
  • Whimsical
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This soft, flexible collar rests lightly around the neck of large dogs, and it’s narrower than some other collars for large dogs.

What Humans Love:

Affordable and easy-to-clean, yet sturdy, this collar comes in a variety of fun patterns to give your large dog some style.

    What You'll Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Inexpensive
  • Whimsical
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
OneTigris Nylon Military Dog Collar, Black, Large: 17.7 to 20.9-in neck, 1.5-in wide
What Dogs Love:

Thick nylon straps lined with well-cushioned inner lining make this a strong yet comfortable collar for large dogs.

What Humans Love:

This military style collar for large dogs boasts the strength and durability of a collar designed for working dogs, while not breaking the bank.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Strong
  • Durable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Thick nylon straps lined with well-cushioned inner lining make this a strong yet comfortable collar for large dogs.

What Humans Love:

This military style collar for large dogs boasts the strength and durability of a collar designed for working dogs, while not breaking the bank.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Strong
  • Durable
The Bottom Line on Collars for Large Dogs

For some large dogs, especially those adept at loose-leash walking, many standard collars will get the job done. However, for especially powerful breeds, or dogs that like to pull, a dedicated collar for large dogs is a smart choice. A number of brands offer collars for large dogs, but the one we’ve determined as our top choice comes from Black Rhino. The Black Rhino collar combines rugged durability with comfortable padding, all in a lightweight, affordable package.

The Bottom Line on Collars for Large Dogs

For some large dogs, especially those adept at loose-leash walking, many standard collars will get the job done. However, for especially powerful breeds, or dogs that like to pull, a dedicated collar for large dogs is a smart choice. A number of brands offer collars for large dogs, but the one we’ve determined as our top choice comes from Black Rhino. The Black Rhino collar combines rugged durability with comfortable padding, all in a lightweight, affordable package.

Finding the Best Dog Collar

With so many different kinds of collars out there for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments, it can be tough to nail down any one “best dog collar.” At AKC, we put the time in so you don’t have to, and we’ve narrowed down top dog collars for all sorts of dogs and situations. Whether it’s a simple leather collar for a petite Pekingese, or a pheromone-based calming collar for a massive Mastiff, we’ve got you covered.

Expert Tips

Even if you prefer a harness over a collar, a collar provides a place to keep your dog's ID tags and can be worn even when you're not outside on walks.

Things to Know

A collar is one of the most important things you'll buy for your dog. Used both to hold your dog's ID tags and to attach to a leash, it is important to choose a collar that is durable, safe, and comfortable. Pay attention to the manufacturer's sizing guide, customer reviews, and care instructions before purchasing a collar.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need a collar?

While some dog owners prefer to use a harness on walks, many still use collars. Even if you use a harness, a collar provides a place to hang your dog’s identification and rabies tags. While a harness may be a good choice for some dogs, others are more suited for collars, and the classic canine neckwear will surely never go out of style.

Which dog collar is best for my pet?

The answer to this question depends on many things, from your dog’s breed, to temperament, to how they behave on walks. Some dog collars have dedicated purposes, such as calming collars or flea collars, and those should not function as everyday collars to be attached to a leash for walks.

What’s the best material for dog collars?

This, again, will depend on the dog. Some dogs with certain coat types may experience irritation from some materials. Often, dog collars are made from nylon, polyester, or leather. If possible, have your dog test out a collar before purchasing, to see if the material may be an issue.

How do I keep my dog from slipping out of a collar?

Sizing is especially important when it comes to choosing a dog collar. A dog collar that’s too tight will be uncomfortable to your pup, while one that’s too loose may enable them to escape. If you’re choosing an adjustable dog collar, make sure you set it to the correct size based on your dog’s neck proportions.

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