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A good puppy collar is an essential item to have on hand when you bring home your new pet. But landing on the right one can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for.
The best collar for your unique pup will depend on their breed, size, hair length, and walking habits. Since they’ll likely be new to wearing equipment, comfort should be top of mind. Look for soft, lightweight materials that won’t weigh your pup down or irritate their skin.
Another critical factor is adjustability. After all, your puppy will become a full-grown adult before you know it. Choose a collar that’s easy to adjust to accommodate their growing body.
We consulted veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow, MRCVS, to learn how pet parents can choose the right collar for their puppy. Here are seven high-performing collars that work well for all different types of pups.
Our picks
Best Overall: Blueberry Pet Soft & Safe Collar
Blueberry Pet Soft & Safe Collar
This padded collar from Blueberry Pet is a great starter collar for puppies. It’s fully adjustable, strong yet comfortable to wear, and reflective for safety.
Traditional flat collars with buckles are a popular choice for puppies, says Dr. Alex Crow. These are easy to get on and off, and they give pet parents a spot to attach ID tags. A simple flat collar is a good starting point for puppies getting accustomed to wearing a collar.
This fully adjustable collar from Blueberry Pet has everything most dog parents would want in a good puppy collar. First, it’s durable, featuring high-density polyester webbing and a chrome-coated D-ring. Second, it’s simple to use. A tri-glide buckle allows for quick adjustments, and a buckle closure makes it easy to put on and take off. There’s also a soft layer of neoprene for your puppy’s comfort.
Safety-wise, this collar includes a loop for hanging ID tags and reflective threading for visibility.
Features we like:
- Strong but lightweight and comfy
- Padded with neoprene
- Reflective for visibility
- Several attractive colors available
Things to consider:
- May be too bulky for toy or very small breeds
Best for Big Breed Puppies: Carhartt Dog Collar
Carhartt Dog Collar
This Carhartt dog collar is well-suited to big, strong puppies. It sports a rugged construction and a wide range of adjustability.
Pet parents of large breed puppies like Great Danes and Rottweilers will want to focus on durability and customizable sizes. “These puppies grow rapidly, so an easily adjustable collar is essential,” explains Dr. Crow. He adds that bigger breeds can also benefit from sturdy materials designed to withstand their strength.
The Carhartt brand is known for its rugged outdoor gear; this dog collar is no exception. It’s ready to take on your big puppy’s next adventure with durable nylon webbing and duck canvas weave.
Size-wise, this collar has a convenient range of adjustability. The Large size runs 18” to 26” (Small/Medium is 12” to 18”). A heavy-duty plastic side release buckle makes it easy to get on and off. And a strong metal D-ring can hold your puppy’s ID tags.
Features we like:
- Great for rugged outdoor adventures
- Wide range of adjustability
- Durable and made to last
- Reflective stitching
Things to consider:
- Won’t work for tiny breeds
Best for Small Breed Puppies: Max and Neo Nylon Collar
Max and Neo Nylon Collar
Here’s a lightweight option that won’t weigh down your smaller pup. This Max and Neo collar is made with comfy nylon material. Sizes start at 8.5”.
Those with a small breed puppy, like a Chihuahua or Yorkie, should consider a collar’s weight and how it feels against the skin.
“These puppies often do better with lightweight, soft materials given their smaller size and delicate necks,” says Dr. Crow. He suggests lightweight nylon for small puppies because it’s gentle and soft to the touch.
This Max and Neo collar is made from thick yet comfortable nylon. It’s also lightweight and won’t weigh down your petite walker. The XS size ranges from 8.5” to 11”, and the Small runs from 11” to 15”. The XS also has a slightly thinner band for a more comfortable fit.
The collar’s metal adjustment slider includes a loop for your puppy’s tags, and two bands of reflective stitching are woven into the nylon webbing.
Features we like:
- Lightweight
- Several colors available
- Affordable option
- For every purchase, the brand donates a collar to a dog rescue
Things to consider:
- XS size does not have a lockable buckle
Best for Long-Haired Puppies: Coastal Pet Round Leather Collar
Coastal Pet Round Leather Collar
Rolled leather can be a more comfortable choice for puppies prone to tangles and matting. This one is light and supple.
Long-haired pups can experience painful rubbing against their fur with traditional flat collars.
“For these puppies, a rolled leather collar can help prevent matting and tangling of the fur around the neck area,” Dr. Crow tells us.
This Coastal Pet collar has a rounded design to prevent matting and irritation. It’s made from soft, handcrafted leather, which pet parents note is light and soft. According to the brand, this collar becomes more supple and comfortable with use.
Dr. Crow explains that leather is comfortable for most dogs and tends to last longer with proper care. “However, it may not be the best choice if your dog frequently comes into contact with water or has a habit of chewing on their collar,” he points out.
Features we like:
- Perfect for dogs with long hair or sensitive skin
- Soft feel and lightweight
- Made in the U.S.
Things to consider:
- Some reviews mention confusion over sizing
- There are some complaints about the D-ring being too small
Best Waterproof: Dogline Biothane Waterproof Collar
Dogline Biothane Waterproof Collar
Biothane repels water and won’t harbor wet-dog-smell the way other collar might. It’s great for dogs who love to swim.
For rainy day walkers or pups who like to hit the lake, Dr. Crow recommends a biothane collar.
“This material is a blend of polyester and polyvinyl or polyurethane, making it a great option for a waterproof collar,” he says. Biothane is a sensible choice for active puppies or water-loving breeds, like Labradors or Retrievers.
Water should roll right off this Dogline collar, keeping your pup dry and stink-free. The biothane material is flexible and durable, with a 500-pound break strength per quarter-inch of width. Plus, it’s designed to hold up in extreme heat and cold.
One feature most pet parents will appreciate is how easy this collar is to clean. After your soggy excursion, just rinse it with water or wipe it with a damp cloth.
Features we like:
- Waterproof and odorproof
- Easy to clean
- Smooth edges make it comfortable to wear
- 11 colors available
Things to consider:
- Some reviews mention the sizing slips and needs adjusting with each use
- May not work on very small breeds
Best for Nighttime Walking: Embark Illuminate Reflective Dog Collar
Embark Illuminate Reflective Dog Collar
This reflective collar is designed to be easily spotted from 300 feet away.
“If you tend to walk your puppy early in the morning or late at night, a collar with reflective material can make them more visible,” says Dr. Crow.
Made with the most reflective ripstop nylon, the Embark Illuminate collar is designed to be seen by car headlights from over 300 feet away. It catches light from all directions, keeping your dog safe on dimly lit roads. For optimal visibility, pair it with a reflective leash.
This collar is comfortably lightweight but still solid and durable. The heavy-duty attachment point is made to withstand 2X the standard pulling strength.
Features we like:
- Visible up to 300 feet away
- D-ring holds up to 400 lbs pull strength
- Quick snap buckle for easy on & off
- Affordable option
Things to consider:
- Only one color available
Best Customizable: GoTags Nylon Personalized Collar
GoTags Nylon Personalized Collar
For their safety, you can have your puppy’s name and info permanently stitched onto their collar.
Using a collar personalized with your puppy’s name and phone number is a smart way to keep your new pet safe. These offer a noiseless alternative to jangling dog tags, and they add an extra layer of assurance that your dog will make their way back to you.
You can customize this nylon collar with up to 25 characters (including spaces). Choose from five band colors and 14 thread colors for the embroidery. The stitching is long-lasting, and it shouldn’t fade or scratch off.
Features we like:
- Four sizes for the perfect fit
- Personalization offers peace of mind
- Adjustable for growing puppies
- Machine-washable
Things to consider:
- Not reflective
How We Chose
The collars featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews and an interview with veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. We prioritized collars that were durable, comfortable, and easy to adjust. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated puppies, who are never stingy with their feedback.
