- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether you use them to walk your dog on a leash or simply to be the carrier of ID tags, collars are essential to your dog’s safety. Which type you choose, however, will depend on your specific needs. For example, if you spend a lot of time at the beach or taking muddy walks, a waterproof collar will be much easier to clean. Or, if you have a dog with luscious long locks that are quick to tangle, a rolled collar can help prevent matting.
Regardless of which type you choose, the best dog collars will be adjustable and comfortable, fitting snugly (but not too tightly) around your dog’s neck. We’ve compiled a list of the top collars with various widths, lengths, and functions so you can find the perfect one for your dog.
Best for Puppies: Blueberry Pet Soft & Safe Collar
Getting your puppy accustomed to all their gear is an important part of socialization and walking safety. To help your pup feel confident about having something around their neck, opt for a simple flat collar that’s comfortable and properly sized—like this collar from Blueberry Pet. Made with high-density polyester webbing and a padded layer of neoprene, this collar is both soft and durable enough for puppy antics.
Pet parents like that it’s fully adjustable with a tri-glide buckle, accommodating their puppies as they grow. Available in three sizes, this collar suits pups up to 85 pounds.
What we like:
- Strong collar that’s also lightweight and soft
- Safety features include a loop for ID tags and reflective threading
- Fully adjustable for growing puppies
- Available in small, medium, and large
To consider:
- Might be too large for extra-small pups
Best for Small Dogs: Max and Neo Nylon Buckle Dog Collar
Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus need a lightweight collar that’s soft and fits accurately around their delicate necks. This Max and Neo collar is made of comfortable nylon and comes in both an extra small and small size with thinner widths (1/2-inch width for the extra small, and 3/4-inch width for the small).
Added features include a metal D-ring and a sliding lock tab (only for the small size and up) for extra security. The sliding metal adjuster also has a loop so you can keep your dog’s tags separate from the leash attachment. Reflective stitching on the nylon webbing provides visibility, so your small dog is easily spottable in lowlight conditions.
What we like:
- Thin and lightweight for tiny necks
- Added loop to keep dog tags separate from collar
- Comes in extra-small and small sizes
To consider:
- Extra-small does not include a lockable leash tab
Best for Big Dogs: Xqpetlihai Tactical Dog Collar
Big dogs need tough gear that can withstand even bigger adventures. Available in three large sizes, this tactical collar has an extra-thick width of 1.6 inches—ideal for large necks. Reinforced nylon fabric gives the collar strength, while the padded lining and rounded corners offer a comfy fit.
Dog guardians say the quality is top-notch and appreciate the handle for those times you need to keep your gentle giant close. Just make sure to check your dog’s measurements, as some reviewers report that the sizes run small. Still, you’ll have options. The XX-Large fits necks up to 29 inches in circumference.
What we like:
- Built-in handle for added control
- Strong nylon for durability
- Padded lining and rounded corners for softness
- Three large sizes that are extra wide
To consider:
- Sizes may run small, so be sure to go by your dog’s measurements
Best Waterproof: Wild One Original Waterproof Dog Collar (Verified Review)
If you have a Lab or another water-loving dog, this waterproof collar by Wild One is quick-drying, easy to clean, and stylish, too! Featuring flex-poly coated nylon, it has a smooth, butter-like feel to keep your dog from chafing. It’s also dirt- and odor-resistant, standing up well to both muddy and rainy romps.
Available in five sizes with different widths and lengths, this collar has a zinc alloy buckle to keep adjustments firmly in place. The carbon steel D-ring is also coated to keep tags from jingling and scaring nervous pups.
What we like:
- Water-, odor-, and dirt-resistant
- Quick drying, comfortable, and easy to clean
- Anti-rattling and high-pull tolerant D-ring
- Comes in five different lengths and widths
To consider:
- Not recommended for super chewers
Best Personalized: GoTags Nylon Personalized Collar
Putting your dog’s name and your number on the collar is a smart alternative to ID tags. Not only does it eliminate any rattling, but it also offers an added layer of safety in case the tags fall off.
This customizable, nylon GoTags collar lets pet parents add up to 25 characters, including spaces. Choose from five bright band colors and 15 different embroidery threads. An added perk? These collars are machine-washable for easy cleanup.
What we like:
- Customizable: add up to 25 characters
- Bold colors; sturdy stitching
- Machine-washable
- Available in x-small to large
To consider:
- Doesn’t include reflective threading
Easiest to Adjust: Ruffwear Confluence Dog Collar
Nothing’s much more frustrating than struggling to adjust a collar with stiff, unrelenting buckles while your dog waits impatiently by the door. The Ruffwear Confluence solves this issue with “flip, slide, and lock” adjusters that easily slip into the right fit for your dog. Simply open the two cam buckles, pull the collar to the preferred length, and snap them into place. Pet parents confirm that the buckles stay put, too, holding the position without loosening or slipping.
Quick-release buckles get your dog in and out of the collar in a flash, and the reflective speckles add style and visibility. Made of TPU-coated polyester webbing, it’s also waterproof and stink-proof for all kinds of messy adventures.
What we like:
- Easy to slide and lock into place
- Reflective speckles are fun and functional
- Waterproof and stink-proof
- Available in two sizes
To consider:
- Not ideal for tiny dogs; the smallest you can go is 14 inches
Best Martingale: Country Brook Petz Nylon Collar
A martingale can keep your dog securely in their collar if you have an escape artist or a pup with a narrow head who keeps slipping out (think Greyhounds and Whippets). Created with silky nylon webbing, this Country Brook Petz martingale collar is soft around the neck, especially for dogs with sparse fur. It’s also wide and sturdy with box stitching, helping to keep dogs from backing out without becoming too tight.
Available in seven sizes, this collar fits small pups with tiny necks measuring 5 to 7 inches and larger breeds with thicker necks up to 23 to 31 inches.
What we like:
- Keeps escape artists secure
- Soft but sturdy and wide
- Over 20 colors from which to choose
- Available in seven sizes
To consider:
- This collar does not have a buckle (slips over the head instead)
Most Durable: Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar
Super chewers and rambunctious dogs need an ultra-strong collar that can withstand all kinds of silly stunts. The Tuff Pupper combines fashion with function, offering a durable collar that looks just about as good as it works.
Made with tear- and rip-proof polymer weave, this collar mimics the look of leather but is animal-free. It’s also water-resistant, odor-free, and has rust-proof metal hardware, so you won’t have to worry about getting it wet. And if you find any defects, the company offers a lifetime guarantee.
What we like:
- Water-, odor-, and rust-proof
- Animal-free, faux leather
- Lifetime guarantee
- Available in four sizes
To consider:
- Durable but not indestructible
Best for Night Walks: Blazin Brightest Light-Up Dog Collar
Frequent walks in the dark require a collar that’s super visible. This Blazin light-up collar goes one step further than reflective threading. Made up of individual LED bulbs, it provides nearly 360 degrees of illumination and up to 1,000 feet of visibility. It’s also USB rechargeable, with the company claiming one charge lasting up to eight hours. Available in four sizes, this adjustable collar is water-resistant for outdoor romps in all types of lowlight weather.
What we like:
- Rechargeable LED collar with high visibility
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable
- Available in four sizes
To consider:
- Battery might be too bulky for extra-small dogs
- Some reviewers say the charge time is less than eight hours
Best Leather: CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar
Leather collars offer style and class while also being long-lasting, functional, and comfortable. Rolled leather, in particular, is ideal for dogs with long hair or a thick coat, helping to prevent matting and tangling.
This option by CollarDirect is lightweight, thin, and made from 100% soft leather to prevent breakage and split ends. Choose from two leather options—smooth or texture—and over 20 colors. Available in seven sizes, this collar runs a bit small, with the largest size accommodating necks up to 23 inches in width.
What we like:
- Helps prevent matting and breaking long hair
- Made from 100% soft, rolled leather
- Comes in over 20 stylish colors
- Available in seven sizes
To consider:
- Not suitable for giant breeds
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized dog collars that were durable, comfortable, and adjustable. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
