PVC Collar vs. Leather Collar: The Ultimate Match for Adventurous Dogs
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: for a dog that swims, rolls in mud or goes out in all weathers, a soft PVC collar wins: it doesn't soak up water, doesn't hold smells and wipes clean. Leather is still a lovely choice for a city dog that rarely gets wet, as long as you look after it. Either way, check the size, buckle and ring.
Leather: beautiful, but demanding
Leather is the traditional choice. Soft, good-quality leather is gentle on the coat and develops a patina over time. Its weak spot is water: repeatedly soaked, it warps, dries slowly, can crack and hold smells.
What we like
- Premium, timeless look
- Gentle on the coat once softened
- Long-lasting if cared for
- Natural material
The drawbacks
- Dislikes water and damp
- Regular care (balm, wax)
- Absorbs smells and stains
- Slow to dry after a swim
Tip: if you choose leather, condition it regularly with a suitable balm or wax, and let it dry flat at room temperature after a rainy walk (never next to a radiator).
Soft PVC: peace of mind
Soft PVC long had a reputation as a cheap option. Today's materials are supple, strong and made for the outdoors. Naturally waterproof, it doesn't go mouldy or hold smells and rinses clean with water. Our waterproof collars are made of Hexa, a soft honeycomb-textured PVC lined with a thin layer of polyester, with a clip buckle, an alloy ring and a small ring for the tag.
What we like
- Waterproof, doesn't soak up water
- Wipes clean in seconds
- Doesn't hold smells
- Bright colours that stay visible
The drawbacks
- Less of a classic look
- Can get warm in strong sun
- Not biodegradable
- Quality varies by brand
Side by side, criterion by criterion
| Criterion | Leather | Soft PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Smells | Absorbs them | ✅ Doesn't absorb them |
| Care | Regular (balm, drying) | ✅ A quick wipe |
| Durability outdoors | Depends on care | ✅ High |
| Comfort on the coat | ✅ Excellent once softened | Good |
| Style | ✅ Classic, premium | Colourful, modern |
| End of life | Natural, but often chrome-tanned | Not biodegradable |
Quiz: PVC or leather for your dog?
Which dog suits which?
Hiking, rivers, beach, rain → PVC. No upkeep, no nasty surprises. Rinse with clean water and off you go. Add a waterproof lead: see waterproof leads.
Town walks, little water → leather or polyester. Leather for its elegance if you enjoy caring for it, polyester for simplicity.
Smooth material, rounded edges. Well-kept soft leather or good-quality soft PVC both work. Watch the skin for the first few days and clean the collar regularly.
More on materials: biothane, PVC or traditional materials and the best waterproof materials.
Frequently asked questions
Can PVC irritate a dog's skin?
Good-quality soft PVC with smooth edges, properly fitted, rarely causes problems. Watch the skin for the first few days; if it reddens, remove the collar and talk to your vet.
How do I rescue a wet leather collar?
Dry it flat at room temperature, never with a hairdryer or next to a radiator, then condition it with a leather balm.
How do I clean a PVC collar?
A wipe with a damp sponge is enough, with a little mild soap if needed. Rinse and leave to air-dry.
What width for a big, active dog?
Around 2.5 cm for a dog over 25 kg, in leather or PVC. Our size L waterproof collars are 2.5 cm wide.
My waterproof collar is wavy out of the box: is that normal?
Yes, a slight wave is normal straight out of the box: it disappears once the collar is worn.