5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Dog Collar
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: the 5 most common mistakes: guessing the size, overlooking the material and finish, putting looks before comfort, ignoring the quality of the buckle and ring, and forgetting how the collar will actually be used (water, town, long wear). Measure the neck, choose a size whose range includes the measurement, check the buckle, ring and stitching, and match the material to what your dog does. If it pulls, the lead goes on a harness.
The 5 mistakes, and how to avoid them
Guessing the size
Too tight, it rubs and makes swallowing uncomfortable; too loose, the dog slips out. Some builds (sighthounds, mastiff types) also need a suitable design.
- Do: measure the neck with a tape and choose the size whose range includes it.
Overlooking material and finish
Weak stitching, sharp edges, a rough inside: a cheap collar wears quickly and irritates the coat.
- Do: smooth edges, even stitching, soft washable material.
Putting looks first
Rhinestones, chains, big decorations: a heavy or busy collar weighs on the neck and can snag.
- Do: a printed pattern rather than add-ons, especially for a puppy or small dog.
Forgetting the buckle and ring
A flimsy clip or poorly welded ring can give way when the dog lunges, at the worst moment.
- Do: a buckle that clicks firmly and a metal ring.
Ignoring real-life use
A fabric collar that stays wet after every swim soon smells and irritates. A stiff collar is uncomfortable if worn for long periods.
- Do: light polyester for town, waterproof for water and mud.
True or false: buying habits
Better to buy a size up so it lasts.
FALSEToo big, the collar slides and the dog can slip out. Aim for the middle of the adjustment range instead, to keep some margin.
A padded collar always protects the neck better.
FALSEA 2019 study measured higher contact pressure under a padded collar than under plain ones. Size and avoiding pulling matter more.
A clip buckle is as strong as a pin buckle.
IT DEPENDSIt depends on quality. A thick, well-designed clip buckle holds very well and opens one-handed; a thin, light clip much less so.
A puppy's collar size should be checked every week.
TRUEYes: a puppy can change size within weeks.
Checklist before you buy
My new collar:
For sizing, our calculator does the maths, and our guide covers measuring and fitting a collar.
Bonus: collar or harness?
| Situation | Collar | Y harness |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying the ID tag | ✅ Ideal | Possible |
| Calm dog, loose lead | ✅ Fine | ✅ Fine |
| Dog that pulls | ❌ Pressure on the throat | ✅ Force on the chest |
| Puppy, short-nosed dog | For the tag only | ✅ Recommended |
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common collar-buying mistake?
Choosing the size without measuring. Too tight irritates; too loose lets the dog slip out.
How can I tell if a collar is good quality?
Even stitching, smooth edges, a buckle that clicks firmly and doesn't open when pulled, a metal ring.
Which material for a dog that loves water?
A waterproof material like soft PVC or biothane: it doesn't soak up water or hold smells.
Does a big dog need a wide collar?
Around 2.5 cm suits dogs over 25 kg. For a small dog, a narrow, light collar is more comfortable.
Sources
- Hunter A., Blake S., Ferro de Godoy R. (2019). Pressure and force on the canine neck when exercised using a collar and leash. Veterinary and Animal Science 8.
- Carter A., McNally D., Roshier A. (2020). Canine collars: an investigation of collar type and the forces applied to a simulated neck model. Veterinary Record.