Best Dog Collars Guide 2025: How to Choose the Right Dog Collar

You might think a collar is a collar is a collar, but the dog collar you choose can impact your and their walking experience! In this guide, we’ll explore how the best dog collar can make a difference in teaching your pup good leash manners. 

Choosing from the best dog collars ensures your pup gets a comfortable, durable, and reliable option. While any old dog collar can be used for some activities, the best dog collar will last longer and be safer for your dog's unique needs.

As dog owners, it is our responsibility to make sure our pups are properly fitted with reliable equipment whenever they leave the house.

Different colours, materials, widths, sizes, and designs make hundreds of choices, but among all the top-rated dog collars, how can tell which one best suits your dog?

Understanding the different styles of dog collars and the features and benefits they offer will help you find the perfect fit and function to match your dog's favourite activities and preferences.

The Importance of Choosing the Best Dog Collar

Whether your dog is a perfect gentleman on leash or is still practicing their walking manners, a properly sized dog collar is vital. No matter how many bells and whistles a dog collar has, if you don't choose the right size, the collar won't be effective.

If your dog's collar is too loose, they are likely to slip out and escape. If the collar is too tight, you could be putting them at risk of injury or even strangulation.

Fortunately, sizing your dog's collar at home is easy with the right tools and tips. All you need is a soft measuring tape, like the kind used for sewing, or if you don't have one, grab a long piece of string and a ruler.

Follow these simple steps:

• • Measure: Wrap the measuring tape or string around your dog's neck where you want the collar to sit. If you are using a string, lay the string down next to a ruler to get the measurement.
  • Follow the two-finger rule: The measuring tape should be touching your dog's neck, but you should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and their neck.

Using these very simple steps, you can ensure the collar won't fit over their head and slip off, but also won't be a nuisance or uncomfortable for your dog to wear.

Types of Dog Collars Explained

This is one of the most common questions that pet owners ask when choosing appropriate gear for their pooch. With so many different choices, it can be hard to fully understand the best uses and safest practices for each type.

When choosing the best dog collar for your dog, consider what your dog's needs are and his daily activities. Though some collars are ideal for everyday use, you may want to have a few different types of collars on hand for various uses.

A dog collar designed for all-day wear is going to be different than one designed for training or one for more advanced activities like hiking or water sports.

Standard dog collars are designed to offer an easy way to attach your dog's leash and hang their dog tags. and help teach them safe walking behaviours. But there are many dog collars that offer even more features and benefits that might suit your dog's lifestyle.

Here are a few useful dog collar features:

• • Reflective material for increased visibility
  • Additional rings for attaching other gear, like LED lights
  • Waterproof and bacteria-resistant material
  • Fashionable patterns
  • Durable fasteners and adjustment points
  • A wide range of lengths and widths to accommodate different breeds

Beyond these fun and helpful bells and whistles, the type of collar you choose can offer their own pros and cons. From simple everyday collars to options for dogs with specific hobbies, the best dog collar styles below will give you the information you need to find the perfect canine collar.

Dog Clip Collars

The best dog collar for everyday use is often a basic clip collar due to its simplicity and comfort. Some dogs wear their collars for most of the day, even when relaxing at home, so comfort is a key feature.

Basic dog collars are easy to put on and take off and can be as simple or as fashionable as you please. A standard clip collar is best for dogs that don't pull, use other walking and training tools, can be off-leash, or just need something to hold their ID tags.

Pros of Dog Clip Collars

• • • Inexpensive
    • Unlimited variety of patterns & designs
    • Easy to use, put on, and take off
    • Used in both standard and training collar designs.
    • Washable

Cons of Dog Clip Collars

• • • Can become smelly over time
    • Less durable
    • Easy to chew if your dog is so inclined
    • Can harbour bacteria and need to be cleaned often

Whether your dog is a fashion-forward canine who likes to strut the neighbourhood in style or you are just looking for a simple accessory to hang your dog's ID tags from, a dog clip collar is a great tool to have in your dog gear arsenal.

Martingale Dog Collars

Another popular option for everyday wear is the martingale collar. These are designed to be more secure than a standard clip dog collar, as they can be worn a little looser for comfort but also cinch a little when your dog pulls. This will prevent the collar from being able to slip over your dog's head when out and about.

The most common martingale design uses comfortable material similar to a clip collar, and then a small section of a light chain or fabric is looped between two metal rings.

Pros of Martingale Dog Collars

• • • Comfortable and lightweight
    • Easy to adjust
    • Available in many fashionable patterns

Cons of Martingale Dog Collars

• • • Has to pull over the head
    • Not an effective aid to stop pulling
    • Can be dangerous if used incorrectly

Although often considered a training tool, they are not a very effective solution for dogs that pull. The benefit of being more secure, though, is an asset when teaching good walking behaviours.

Waterproof Dog Collars

If your dog is a natural-born swimmer or doesn't shy away from puddles or mud, then a waterproof dog collar is going to be a must. Made from materials like biothane, polyethylene, polypropylene, and even silicone, these water-resistant or water-wicking materials will stay dryer, cleaner, and more comfortable.

The smooth texture of these collars also prevents hair from snagging or collecting in the collar. This leads to safer, cleaner, and more comfortable wear for any adventure.

Pros of Waterproof Dog Collars

• • • Water-resistant
    • Fast drying (moisture-wicking)
    • Easy to clean and won't stink
    • Flexible and comfortable

Cons of Waterproof Dog Collars

• • • More expensive 
    • Bulkier than nylon
    • Limited designs and styles

Best Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars are a classic, durable style of collar that provides a great balance of both looks and practicality. While more expensive than most collars, quality leather collars can be expected to last for years.

These are often a preferable option for dogs that are very rough with their gear and can stand up better to curious pups that like to nibble on their collar as an act of defiance. Stick to real genuine leather to ensure durability and function.

Pros of Leather Dog Collars

• • • Durable
    • Good for pets with allergies or skin sensitivities
    • Natural material
    • Breathable (can help with the smell)
    • Easy to wipe clean

Cons of Leather Dog Collars

• • • Limited designs
    • Expensive
    • Coloured dyes can stain fur
    • Susceptible to water damage

Another thing to consider is whether you are talking about real leather, bonded leather, or faux leather. Faux leather is typically made from fabric, like cotton or polyester that is coated in a synthetic material like polyurethane. Bonded leather is leather, but is made from pieces and scraps of leather that are mixed with a binder to form the designed shape.

Both options are lighter and cheaper, which is a bonus, but they are not nearly as durable as real, genuine leather. Make sure you know which kind you are buying.

Light Up Dog Collars

Walking your dog in low light can present some risks. Unlike people who wear brightly coloured clothing that can be seen by cars, people and even animals, your dog can be close to invisible without the sun lighting their way. LED, reflective, and light-up dog collars are an excellent option to make your dog easy to spot.

Many dog collar brands have started incorporating reflective materials onto their dog collars, with some even offering neon colours to maximize visibility. For maximum invisibility, a light-up or LED dog collar will provide light that will be visible at longer distances, perfect for hikes, camping, and winter walks.

Pros of Light Up Dog Collars

• • • Increased visibility forested terrain, snow, rain, and fog
    • Can be worn in addition to a basic collar
    • Lights up or reflects from all angles
    • Weatherproofed for safety in all seasons

Cons of Light Up Dog Collars

• • • May not offer the same features as traditional collars
    • Must be charged
    • Battery life eventually lessens over time
    • Some dogs don't like them

10 Best Dog Collars

With so many options, it can be hard to navigate a wall full of walking gear hanging at your local pet store. To help you narrow down your options, here's a quick breakdown of some of the best dog collars in Canada.

1. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Collar

The perfect blend of function and comfort, the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Collar is our top-selling dog collar, and for good reason! If you are looking for a multi-purpose dog collar that can stand up to your dog's favourite adventures, then this is a great option.

It features a durable aluminum V-ring for secure leash attachment and a separate quick ring ID tag holder and a built-in silicone tag silencer. The polyester tubelock webbing is accented with reflective material to enhance safety and practicality, making it perfect for active dogs.

2. Sassy Woof Dog Collar

For the fashion-forward pups out there, Sassy Woof Dog Collars are the ideal option to turn heads while you walk the neighbourhood with your trendy pooch. From classy and sophisticated patterns to fun, licensed patterns like BARBIE™ and Harry Potter™, Sassy Woof offers styles for everyone's taste.

You don't have to sacrifice function for fashion either. These collars are made from premium and durable materials but are still soft and comfortable enough for everyday wear.

3. Fuzzyard Life Cotton Dog Collar

Nothing beats the softness and comfort of lightweight breathable cotton, which is why the FuzzYard Life Cotton Dog Collar is one of our most popular options. It's designed for everyday wear and features sleek metal hardware. These adorable pastel-coloured collars give a touch of class to traditional boring dog accessories.

4. Rogz Martingale Collar

If your dog is a master escape artist, then a martingale collar is a great option. The Rogz Martingale Collar is a durable nylon collar with a slip design to ensure security and aid in training good walking behaviours. It's also made with reflective stitching to help your dog stay easy to see, even in low-light conditions.

5. Nite Ize Nite Howl LED Necklace

The Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Necklace is the perfect way to keep your dog safe and visible on low-light walks. With 360-degree LED illumination, this dog necklace is preferred over smaller light attachments.

The rechargeable battery offers over 5 hours of light and is weatherproof for safer walks no matter the season. Choose from single colour options, or their most popular Disc-O Select to let you choose your mood lighting on walks.

6. Canada Pooch Utility Collar

Some dogs are tough on their gear, so choosing the Canada Pooch Utility Collar made with heavy-duty nylon and neoprene, will ensure your dog's collar will take a beating. It also features rust-proof metal hardware, giving you peice of mind that your pooch is safe and secure.

7. Woof Concept Ikonic Dog Collar

Looking for a dog collar that will make a bold statement? Look no further than the Woof Concept Ikonic Dog Collar. Call it funky, call it artsy, call it fun, these unique collars perfectly blend function and style to offer a comfortable and safe walking experience.

8. RC Pets Waterproof Collar

For some dogs, water is a way of life. Whether they are splashing around in the mud or diving off the dock, they need a collar that can keep up with their favourite pastimes. The RC Pets Waterproof Collar is a durable dog collar designed for active pups. Unlike traditional fabrics, this collar is easy to clean and won't collect odours or bacteria.

9. Ruffwear Knot-a-Collar

This is one of the more unique styles of dog collar. The Ruffwear Knot-a-Collar is a rope-style collar that is well-suited for outdoor adventures. The round, soft material doesn't collect fur and helps to prevent mats around the neckline.

Made from 7mm kernmantle rope, this is a durable collar that can keep up with dogs who love to hike, camp, and adventure. It offers many of the same features as other Ruffwear products, such as the quick ring ID tag holder and a silicone silencer as well as reflective trim for improved visibility. 

10. Angel Leather Dog Collars

Leather offers timeless elegance and unmatched durability. Angel Leather Collars are handcrafted from 100% genuine leather, leaving a soft durable and comfortable fit. Choose from fun and stylish accoutrements like rhinestones, spikes, or bones to elevate your dog's look.

Cautions for Dog Training Collars

Some of the more advanced types of dog collars are designed for training specific behaviours, and while these are all well-intentioned products, they aren't the fool-proof, easy button that they are often toted as. In fact, many of these tools are often used incorrectly, leading to further behavioural issues, anxiety, and even injury.

Take a look at the common dangers of dog training collars before you decide to invest in one:

• • Choke Chains: Choke chains can be very damaging to your dog if not used properly, and they are rarely used properly. Unlike a martingale that can only tighten enough to make the collar secure, choke chains can tighten much further, leading to pain, neck and esophagus damage, and choking (hence the name).
  • Pinch Collars: Though similar in function to a martingale, this collar type has inward-facing prongs designed to pinch loose neck skin. The prongs are typically quite dull but can still do significant damage if the dog is stubbornly pulling or if you pull back on the collar.
  • Shock Collars: If you are wondering if this shock hurts, the answer is yes. At the most basic level, think of a static shock, because that's what these collars produce. You touch a doorknob or a metal chair and you get a small zap. This is similar to the lower shock settings.

Like any training tool, it can be effective when used properly and safely, but these complicated tools are not ideal for beginners. The correct usage of these tools is not something that can be easily intuited, and therefore we only recommend the use of these tools with proper guidance from a certified dog trainer.

Most dog trainers lean towards force-free techniques, which are highly effective and much less risky, so it's rare that these types of training tools would be the go-to recommendation for the average household dog.

Frequently Asked Best Dog Collar Questions

What is the best collar for dogs?

Different collars offer different benefits, but the collar that most dogs have is a basic clip collar. This is comfortable enough for everyday wear, easy to put on and take off, and comes in a wide variety of patterns and sizes. 

What is the best collar for dogs that pull?

Martingale collars are used to ensure your dog can't slip out of their collar no matter which way they pull, so are often used as a training tool. However, dog collars are not the best anti-pulling aids. Harnesses and lots and lots of practice are the best way to teach good walking behaviours.

What size of dog collar should I choose for my pet?

To select the right collar size, you need to measure your dog's neck. Wrap a flexible tape measure or string around the base of the dog's neck where the collar would sit. Make sure you can fit two fingers between the tape measure and your dog's neck to ensure a comfortable fit. Use this measurement to choose the most appropriate dog collar size.

Can I leave my dog's collar on all the time?

While many dogs wear collars throughout the day, it's essential to consider your pet's specific needs and lifestyle. It is generally safe for most dogs to wear a collar during regular activities, but remove the collar during unsupervised play or bedtime.