Whether your furry friend is a bit on the roughhouse side or just needs occasional control, dog collars are essential must-haves. They are necessary canine accessories, especially for large breeds who need more than the standard collar has to offer. Dog collars for large dogs help a lot with training and in keeping them safe.
A big dog collar measures about 1.5 to three inches in width. As opposed to the average one-inch measurement, these collars make a bold statement of pet ownership. Plus, they also help in protecting your dog’s throat. In this extensive buying guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about large dog collars. Read on to know more about our top 10 picks to help you choose the best for you and your furry companion.
Why do You Need a Special Large Dog Collar?
If your pup is of a giant breed, you may have thought of purchasing a big dog collar. These types of dog collars are great for playing, walking, and training. They offer more safety and security around your pup’s neck. If your puppy tends to be rambunctious at times, a full collar will provide more protection from other dogs and possible injuries to their neck.
Most of the time, if a dog tries to get away from his collar, it won’t be able to get it off. It is because his neck is narrower than his head. However, it’s a different case when it comes to breeds such as Whippets and Greyhounds. These breeds have necks that are quite wider in comparison to their heads. Hence, using a regular width collar for them is not recommended since they can easily slip out of it quickly. However, wide dog collars for large breeds make it more challenging to get the collar off their head. Plus, dog collars also help them feel safer.
Other dog breeds such as Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Pitbulls have huge necks. Similarly, regular width collars are not ideal since they can cause more harm than they do good. The extra tension centralized on the neck can cut into their throats. Using a full collar helps distribute the force over a greater surface area. It prevents injury and protects your dog’s neck. Moreover, dog collars for big dogs come in a variety of shapes and colors. Adding a touch of this useful canine accessory would be a perfect way to upgrade your dog’s new threads.
How to Choose the Right Dog Collar for a Large Dog?
Every dog may vary a bit in what they need. That is why the first step in choosing the perfect large dog collar is considering your furry friend’s breed. In your search for the best dog collar, you’ll notice that some dogs will have labels on them recommending it for particular dog breeds, and this is simply due to variations in size.
However, selecting a dog collar based solely on breed is not enough. Here are four other factors to consider when looking for the perfect dog collar for your pooch:
Neck Size
Before you start your search, it’s essential to know what size your pooch’s neck is. To figure out the circumference of your dog’s neck, you’ll need a cloth measuring tape. If it’s not at hand, a flexible ruler or shoestring works in a pinch, too.
Add two to three inches from the measurement you got for large breed dogs (weighing over 80 pounds). These allowable inches ensure that it won’t be too tight on your dog’s neck, which may cause pain or injury. You want the collar to be secure enough that it won’t slip over his head, but loose enough that it won’t strangle or choke him.
Fabric
Now that you have the measurements, it’s time to think about the fabric or material that comprises the collar. Any dog collar is only as good as the fabric that makes it a good quality. It’s an essential factor to consider since your furry friend may have sensitive skin, so you’ll be needing a fabric dog collar that won’t exacerbate his condition.
Fabric collars come in a variety of styles and colors. Choose a color that would look best with your dog’s fur color. Moreover, one great advantage of fabric collar is that it’s easy to clean and maintain.
However, if you think fabric collar is not the best option for your dog, there are other alternative materials. Various dog collars in the market may come from nylon, chains, leather, and plastic, which also vary in style and cost.
Allergies
Some dogs are sensitive and may be allergic to the material comprising the dog collars. For instance, your dog may have allergies to leather. Leather allergies in dogs is a result of contact dermatitis. It is an inflammation of the skin due to the skin’s exposure to the leather. It results in the overreaction of the skin to allergens and excessive production of antibodies, creating a reaction.
As a responsible dog parent, you don’t want your furry friend to suffer from allergies. Protect your pooch by investing in a dog collar that will ensure his good health.
Durability
The bigger the dog, the stronger he is, and the more pressure he exerts against his collar. A good dog collar is one that is durable and can withstand a lot of pressure from healthy and large dog breeds. Additionally, big dog collars tend to be more durable and safer than their regular counterparts.
The extra quality material distributes equal pressure around your dog’s throat, which helps reduce any damage to your dog’s trachea in the long run. Plus, large dog collars feel more comfortable with many canines.
10 Best Dog Collars For Large Dogs
So, you’re looking for a quality and durable dog collar that will last. But you aren’t sure which brand or style to choose. Well, look no further!
To guide you on your search for the best dog collar for your furry best friend, we rounded our list of top ten dog collars for large dogs available in the market. One of these is for sure to be a perfect match for your pup!
1. Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Training Dog Collar
Training your dog to sit, stay still, and heel at your command is now more effortless with the Ultra-Plus Stainless Training Collar from Herm Sprenger. It’s best to use them for larger, more massive dogs with a lot of strength. This dog collar is a practical tool for training and is excellent for taking heavy-puller dogs on a walk, protecting your dog, and yourself from getting into a risky situation.
This Germany-made, made with blunt prongs, can help guide your dog without hurting it in the process. The carefully rounded ends of the links provide a safe correction. It comes with a solid fastener plate that secures a strong connection and a patented center plate for optimal communication. It mimics the way a mother uses her mouth to correct her puppies’ behavior. The prongs gently tweak the back of the dog’s neck, indicating that it’s time to stop what he’s doing and listen to you.
The only probable con this collar could have is that that opening its links can be quite tricky. However, it is not a big deal if the collar serve well its purpose.
2. PetSafe Premier Quick Snap Martingale Dog Collar
Make things more comfortable with your furry friend by investing in this martingale-style dog collar by PetSafe. Martingale collars are safer than prong collars or choke chains. It’s sturdy, reliable, and escape-proof!
This dog collar gives the dog parent greater control and helps reduce the risk of your dog slipping out and escaping. Using a leash or with your bare hands, martingale collar tightens automatically when your dog pulls and instantly loosens when he stops, so it’s only tight when it needs to be. It is comfortable and safer than a choke chain that’s always tight. It’s best for “escape artists” dogs and breeds with necks more significant than their heads.
However, it is prudent not to use this dog collar for tie-out use or during group play sessions. There’s also no dead ring for attachment of dog tags that you usually find with the metal slides on ends of the loop.
3. Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar
Keep your dog in style by accessorizing his stunning good looks with Perri’s Black Padded Leather Dog Collar. These dog collars, handmade in the USA, come from lambskin leather. This type of leather is incredibly soft and with a vibrant color to better complement your pooch’s lovely coat. These collars are carefully made by skilled Amish craftsmen, offering their exceptional talents that your beloved pet deserves.
Your furry best friend will surely be happy wearing it at all times as it is made with a padded interior providing optimal comfort for everyday use. It comes in colorful, genuine lambskin padding that makes each piece exquisite. Moreover, it has stainless steel hardware that is compatible with most standard leases to clip on and let the strutting begin. The combination of leather and sleek stainless steel hardware gives your dog a stylish pop against his beautiful coat.
One thing that Amazon shoppers didn’t like about this product is that there’s only one collar loop located close to the buckle. If there’s an excess of the collar, it will just be going to flap around. However, this won’t be much of a problem if it fits just right to your dog’s neck.
4. Weaver Leather Sundance Dog Collar
Crafted from brown skirting leather and dyed for vibrant color to bring out the beautiful heart border stamped tooling, the Weaver Pet Savannah Leather can make your pooch charm like a southern belle. Its collar features antique copper berry conchos, scalloped edges, Swarovski crystals set in pewter rings, copper metallic turquoise leather overlay, and oil rubbed hardware for a distinguished, elegant look with western appeal.
This Elegant, premium-quality collar stays in place at stress points for added durability. Each Weaver dog collar is measured to the middle hole to give more flexibility in sizing your dog’s neck to ensure superior comfort. It features stress-point rivets and heavy-duty oil-rubbed buckle, which add strength and durability. Plus, it comes in three width sizes and various lengths to accommodate dogs of all sizes and shapes.
Depending on the kind of adjustment hole you use, you might have extra strap flapping in the breeze. It poses a significant problem if you own a dog that loves to chew on basically anything it can find adventurously.
5. Pitbull Collar – Heavy Duty Nylon
Keep yourself and your tough dog safe by arming him with the best dog collar for pulling from Bully’s. It’s tough enough for even the biggest dogs. Not only is it made for superior durability, but is also designed to look chic on your dog’s gorgeous coat. It comes in dark and bright colors so that it would complement well on different dog breeds.
It’s a heavy-duty dog collar that can withstand substantial force from heavy-puller dogs. It’s made from tactical grade materials that are lightweight and comfortable, perfect for training. It also comes with stainless steel hardware that does not tarnish or rust easily. Since its made from nylon, it’s easily washable and adjustable for added comfort.
These dog collars for big/large dogs may not be best for tie-out use or outdoor play sessions. Some dog parents who’ve used the product say that the product is secure enough but may not be suitable for heavy-puller dogs.
6. Black Rhino – Ultra Soft Neoprene Padded Dog Collar
Designed for daily wear, this dog collar by Black Rhino combines security, comfort, and style. Each dog collar has a soft neoprene padding that protects your pooch from irritation during playtime. It has a lightweight design built mainly for heavy-duty hardware to resist massive forces from the most robust dog breeds. You can now bring your dog to any walk or stroll sessions around the city without worrying much about his safety.
This sturdy collar comes with a neoprene padding that gives superior comfort to your dog. It comes from durable materials that guarantee safety to even the most massive and most playful dogs. It also features reflective stitchings, which makes it safer to take a walk or run in the early morning or late evening.
The only downside to this fantastic Black Rhino collar is that it doesn’t have a strap loop, so the extra part of the collar will be left flapping in the air. Also, with the neoprene padding, the collar can get your dog hot and bothered in the heat.
7. EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Military Dog Collar
Bring a better experience to you and your dog’s daily bonding with this simple design military dog collar from Excellent Elite Spanker. It’s practical and convenient to use as it comes with no bumps, handles, or nails to interfere with your pooch’s sleep.
This dog collar is suitable for both medium and large dogs like German Shepherd, Husky, Doberman, Labrador Retriever, and Rottweiler. It’s the best dog to use for almost all activities, including dog training, patrol, hiking, jogging, hunting, camping, working, running, jumping, traveling, camping, etc. It features a front metal D-ring which enables a good connection with the dog leash, making it easier for you to hold your dog. It also comes in three sizes and five colors so you can better choose which one would be more comfortable for your dog.
Most shoppers are satisfied with the collar’s performance. However, they also added that they wouldn’t recommend it for use in smaller dogs or puppies.
8. DAIHAQIKO Leather Dog Collar
Keep your furry friend at its best luxurious style with the Daihagiko Leather Dog Collar. This sleek leather collar features an elegant style designed from ultra-soft, supple leather. Made from heavy-duty and durable materials – this leather dog collar will not only let your pup stand out from the crowd but is also guaranteed to last for years! Plus, it’s equipped with quality hardware that will stay securely fastened no matter how energetic your pup is.
It comes from genuine full-grain leather and alloy hardware, ensuring premium quality and comfort. Additionally, it comes with multiple rivets and handmade stitching for durability, reliability, and luxurious style. Further, it features a double D-ring for better leash attachment and dog ID tags, making strolling and jogging more convenient.
Amazon customers agree that the Daihagiko dog collar is ideal for medium to large breeds. However, they also said that it could have been better if it comes with a matching leash since it is sold separately on Amazon.
9. Bestia Classic Padded Leather Dog Collar
Upgrade your pooch’s bad-to-the-bone swagger accessory with the Classic Padded Leather Dog Collar by Bestia. It is high-quality, chic, and carefully handmade in Europe for a 100% genuine leather dog collar – inside and out. Moreover, it is specially designed for style and durability to withstand large dog breeds.
This chic dog collar is made of 100% genuine leather. Seasoned leatherworkers craft it for a quality design that looks great and is ultra-wearable. These dog collars for big/large dogs have robust nickel hardware that makes it easy to put on and attach a leash when you’re ready to go. Further, it has different sizes to accommodate all breed sizes and styles.
Some customers from Amazon wrote that the gold studs and emblems of the collar could loosen easily and may require repair. Luckily, the same customers also said that Bestia has an excellent customer service team willing to help out.
10. Yunlep Adjustable Military Dog Collar
With Yunlep Adjustable Military Dog Collar, you can ensure your pooch’s safety without sacrificing convenience or style. This versatile and durable dog collar, made of premium quality material 1000D nylon and heavy-duty metal buckle, is hard for large dogs to break or slip their head off from it. It has a slip-on, adjustable collar that is safe enough for daily use or can be reserved only for training sessions.
With its double thickening nylon fabric, these dog collars for big/large dogs guarantee enough robustness for energetic, large dogs. It comes with soft padded lining for optimum comfort and durable metal hook and heavy-duty metal buckle for easy on/off. It also features a magic sticker at the back of the dog collar, where you can put a tag, ID patch, badges, and other velcro accessories.
The collar, however, does not come in sizes smaller than 14 inches. Also, it could be a little bulky, so it may not be ideal for smaller dogs or puppies.
About Big Dog Collars
Purchasing dog collars may seem very simple. However, there may be some issues you need to know to get the best one for your canine friend. Below are answers to the questions you might have regarding these handy and functional pet collars.
It’s a given fact that no fabric can withstand the persistent chewing of a dog. However, various options on the market come close to being indestructible as the most robust dog collar. Sturdy dog collars, made of ballistic nylon materials, create a perfect balance between comfort and strength. Moreover, any plastic attachments such as clips, rings, and buckles can be easily replaced with more durable metal hardware.
When looking at dog collars for big/large dogs, you will find that there are different size lengths, but they also come in various widths. In general, thicker or wider collars provide more support, making them ideal for large breeds. They are very comfortable to use because they reduce the extra pressure on the neck when large dogs get out of control.
However, keep in mind that full collars tend to weigh more, which is why it’s not a recommended option for small breeds. If you are uncertain about your dog’s strength, it’s best to rely on a full dog collar, especially if your dog is growing and is about to increase in size.
While looking for that perfect neck collar for your pooch, make sure to choose a dog collar with a width and material appropriate to your puppy’s size. The ideal dog collar should fit snug right around your puppy’s neck with enough room to fit your two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. You may also use a tape measure to measure the neck and then add an extra space of two to three inches. Growing pups should be weighed frequently for readjustment.
Being able to adjust the collar is a benefit that one should look for when buying dog collars for big/large dogs. It allows for modifications when the dog inevitably grows, resulting in a longer-lasting dog collar. Moreover, it aids in finding the perfect fit for your dog’s neck. Nowadays, dog collars come with an adjustable metal buckle, which makes it easy to adjust a dog collar as a smaller or bigger depending on what is comfortable for your pooch.
Whatever brand or model of dog collars for big/large dogs you choose, the most important thing to consider is the comfort of your pet. The health and safety of your furry baby must always be your priority over other factors.