Whippets and Greyhounds are unique breeds of dogs with very unique builds, and therefore they need special collars to match!
To help you out; we’ve devised a list of the top 10 best collars for Whippets & Greyhounds on the market at the moment. As well as everything you need to know about collars and the breeds.
What Are Greyhounds and Whippets?
Greyhounds were first recorded back in Roman Britain. Their origins are thought to be Eurasian after the discovery of ancient remains found in modern-day Syria that date back to 4000 AD. Their original use was as sighthounds; hunting dogs that use their eyes rather than their sense of smell to hunt down prey. Because they are such fast runners, nowadays, you can see them as racing dogs, as well as family pets. Greyhounds love to run and are the fastest breed of dog on the planet.
Their unique shape is universally recognizable. Their bodies and slender dolichocephalic heads are aerodynamically built for speed. They are generally tall, long, large-sized dogs with an extremely narrow frame, deep chest, flexible spine, long, muscular, powerful legs, and a slender tail. They come in many different colors and combinations including black, white, brown, and blue, but are most commonly grey. Greyhound fur is short, single coats that are easy to maintain.
Whippets are descendants of Greyhounds that were bred in the UK. They are slightly smaller, of a medium size, and very similar in appearance. In fact, they’re often mistaken for Greyhounds. They’re also very fast movers and subsequently popular in dog sports. They were officially recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1891. Both breeds are quiet, gentle, and sweet-natured. Known for being sensitive, intelligent, and extremely tactile, they make wonderful family pets. Although they’re built and bred for athleticism, they’re famously huge couch potatoes. They love nothing more than a lazy day on the sofa!
Why do They Need Special Collars?
As mentioned above, these dog breeds have a very unique shape. Although they’re tall and strong, they’re famously very skinny, with very slender necks and heads. Therefore, they need collars that are tailor-made to their shape to ensure that they fit properly.
Greyhounds and Whippets also have very delicate, sensitive necks that require something more lightweight and softer than a regular collar. Their necks aren’t protected by underlying fat or thick fur like other dogs. So they can easily be damaged by thick or heavy collars.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Dog Collar
There are a few elements you need to think about before buying the perfect collar for your Whippet or Greyhound
Size
A collar that is too big or too small is dangerous. Collars that are too small can restrict a dog’s breathing, and collars that are too big could come off when the dog is walking or running. And a dog without a collar is helpless if they find themselves lost.
Typically, a dog’s collar should be tight enough that they won’t come off, but loose enough that you can slide a couple of fingers between their necks and the collar.
However, this is not the case with Greyhounds and Whippets. Their collars should fit exactly around their necks with almost no gapping for a safe fit.
Material
A lot of dogs like to play rough and get dirty. So their collars should be made using durable and waterproof materials that do not irritate their skin. Leather and nylon are the best materials as they are smooth, tough, and long-lasting materials that don’t irritate the skin.
If your dog does have sensitive skin, collars that have padding on the inside might be best for you.
Type
The type of collar you buy may depend on your dog’s needs.
Flat Collars
Flat collars are the typical, everyday collars we see in pet stores for dogs. They are made from durable materials such as leather and nylon and come with a metal D-ring feature so that you can attach their leash and name tag. Perfect for going on walks!
Martingale Collars
These collars have a simple yet intelligent design that causes slight tightening the more your dog pulls on his leash. These are great for leash training adventurous puppies!
Smart Collars
Smart collars are a more modern type of collar. They’re collars which are fitted with some kind of technology, such as GPS trackers and health trackers. This is helpful if you have a dog prone to wandering off, or you need a helping hand keeping track of their health.
Vibrating Collars
Collars that vibrate via remote control are useful for training dogs with visual and/or hearing impairments. This is not the same as shock collars which are part of a controversial method of dog training.
Prong Collars
Prong collars are fitted with little prongs on the inside. The design works similarly to martingale collars; the prongs dig into the dogs’ necks when they lunge forward. They aim to discourage aggression towards other dogs.
They are not a recommendation for dogs who are not aggressive as they can be distressing when they’re not necessary. So never buy your dog a prong collar without consulting a trainer or behaviorist about your dog’s behavior first.
10 Best Collars for Whippets and Greyhounds
Let’s take a look at our list of the ten best collars for Whippets and Greyhounds.
1. Dogs My Love Real Leather Extra Wide Padded Tapered Dog Collar
Made from real, high-quality leather, and padded on the inside for comfort, this collar by Dogs My Love comes highly recommended by reviewers. Buyers of the best-selling product praise the collar’s security and comfort factor.
The design gradually increases in width as it goes around the neck to ensure stability, and can be between 2-3 inches wide depending on the size bought. It is complete with a metal buckle and D-ring feature for leash attachment and tags.
It’s moderately expensive as expected for a collar made from leather, available in several sizes, and is predominantly black with a choice of four secondary colors; red, blue, pink, and toffee.
2. If It Barks – 1.5″ Martingale Collar for Dogs
The If It Barks martingale collar is made from nylon and comes in ten different color combinations. It’s available with either a metal or plastic buckle, however, the metal buckle is a safer option for dogs with such delicate necks.
This collar isn’t made specifically with Whippets or Greyhounds in mind, but it does the job because it’s 1.5 inches wide. It’s on the expensive side, but all of If It Barks’ collars are sourced and handmade in the US, and the stretchy martingale design makes it a safe option for dogs that pull on their leash.
3. Dogs My Love Real Leather Extra Wide Padded Tapered Dog Collar
Another real-leather collar by Dogs My Love, this one is similar to the first but comes in six block colors including white and pink, and is strong, durable, and pliable.
It’s just as wide, padded for extra comfort, reasonably priced, and fitted with a metal buckle and D-ring feature for tags & leashes. Reviews praise the product’s high quality and durability.
4. CollarDirect Martingale Dog Collar
These martingale collars by CollarDirect are inexpensive and lovingly handmade in Europe with durable, stretchy, nylon material. They come in three eye-catching tribal pattern designs combining bright turquoise blue with reds and oranges.
Reviewers absolutely love the appearance of the collar, as well as the snug fit. The collar is not specifically for Greyhounds and Whippets but it is 1.5 inches wide for ensured neck support and stability. It’s great value for money!
5. Dogs My Love Brown Real Leather Tapered Extra Wide
Another entry by Dogs My Love, this time with a collar without padding, that some dogs may prefer. The collar is moderately inexpensive and genuine brown leather. Complete with metal buckles and a D-ring, it’s specifically for breeds like Whippets and Greyhounds with 12” to 16” sized necks.
It’s 2.3 inches wide and reviews praise the durability of the product, as well as the comfort, despite the lack of padding.
6. Bestia Classic Padded Leather Dog Collar
This collar by Bestia is 100% genuine leather, complete with padding for comfort, and comes in seven different sizes with widths between 1 and 2 inches for extra neck support.
It has a metal buckle and D-ring for tags & leashes and is specifically for bigger dogs with long necks. It is on the expensive side, but all of Bestia’s collars are handmade in Europe.
They are available in either tan or black, and the reviews praise all aspects of the collar, but a few of them do suggest sizing up a little to keep in line with the thickness of it.
7. Dogs My Love Red Real Leather Tapered Extra Wide
This Dogs My Love collar is a striking red color, complete with a metal buckle and D ring. It’s great value for real leather and has a mesh texture inside instead of padding.
It’s 3 inches wide and specifically designed for Whippets and Greyhounds with 11.5″- 15″ sized necks. Reviews praise the collar’s effectiveness and comfort.
8. EXPAWLORER Martingale Collars for Dogs
This collar by EXPAWLORER is designed with dogs who like to explore in mind. It’s not specifically for Greyhounds and Whippets, but it’s 1.5 inches wide and perfect for dogs who pull on the leash. The collar is very affordable and stylish, available in three different fun, bright, colorful patterns and sizes.
It’s a combination of polyester and nylon material, and reviews praise the collar’s high quality and attractive design options.
9. SGang Martingale Dog Collar
This martingale collar by SGang is handmade specifically for Greyhounds and Whippets. It’s 2 inches wide throughout and moderately inexpensive. It uses Jacquard ribbon and strong polypropylene webbing.
The collars come in multiple unique, eye-catching, colorful designs, so be sure to check out their page to see all of the other options!
Although it has a D-ring for tags and leashes, the collar doesn’t have a buckle of any kind and relies on the stretchiness of the fabric and adjustable design to fit the dog. That said, the reviews praise the sturdiness of the collar, as well as the beautiful patterns.
10. SGang Real Leather Greyhound Saluki Whippet Borzoi Dog Collar
Another SGang design, this white cow leather collar has a soft inner texture for comfort. It gradually increases in width as it goes around the neck for ensured stability, and reaches 2 inches in width at the back.
It’s very good value for genuine leather, and Honey rates it as the best deal on Amazon for a similar product!
Collars for Whippets And Greyhounds – FAQs
To measure a dog’s head, use a measuring tape and measure from the top of the dog’s throat and over the ears to the top of the head.
To measure a dog’s neck, place the tape around the circumference of their neck where the collar would sit, allowing space between two fingers between the dog’s neck and tape.
However, don’t add space for two fingers if you’re measuring the neck of a Greyhound or Whippet.
You can start using a collar on your dog at any age. They might find it uncomfortable at first, so it’s a good idea to get them used to it before they start going out on walks. Otherwise, they might be overwhelmed by the two things at once and associate walking with feeling uncomfortable.
You will need a puppy-sized collar at first, but you should definitely have a long-term collar for your dog by 6 months of age.
Because their necks are so delicate, some owners prefer to use harnesses for walking their Greyhounds and Whippets.
That said, it’s recommended that owners of these breeds use harnesses with a front attachment to ensure control is maintained, as these breeds tend to like pulling on their leashes!
Greyhounds and Whippets are strong, athletic dogs that love to run. So when they first start going on walks, they can be a bit of a handful! Using a martingale collar during training can help to make their walks calmer and encourage them to slow down.
As long as you buy your dog a collar that is appropriate for their size and needs, wearing it will not be bad for them at all.
That said, no dog should wear a collar all of the time, just like you wouldn’t like to wear something around your neck all of the time. It is appropriate to take your dog’s collar off when they’re at home or at bedtime.
Those are our best collars for Whippets and Greyhounds. Will you be trying any of the recommendations on our list, or do you have one you’d like to add to it? Let us know in the comments down below.