The different types of dog collars: A complete guide and well-being
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: for everyday life, an adjustable flat collar (polyester, waterproof PVC or leather) is enough for the vast majority of dogs. A martingale, with limited tightening, helps narrow-headed dogs that slip out. A GPS collar helps find a dog that runs off. Choke, prong and electric collars should be avoided: they work through pain and have been banned for dog professionals in France since July 2025. For a dog that pulls, clip the lead to a Y harness instead.
Collar types at a glance
The most common. An adjustable strap, a buckle and a ring for the lead and tag. Versatile, light and affordable, it suits almost every dog day to day.
Our patterned collars are printed polyester, with a clip buckle and alloy ring, and are machine-washable at 30 °C.
For dogs that love water and mud. Made of soft PVC or biothane, it doesn't soak up water, doesn't hold smells and wipes clean.
Our waterproof collars are made of Hexa, a soft PVC lined with a thin layer of polyester, with a small ring just for the ID tag.
A flat collar with a built-in bandana. It keeps a collar's functions (buckle, ring) and adds a touch of style.
See our bandana collars.
Classic and long-lasting. Soft leather gets more comfortable over time. It doesn't like water, though, and needs regular care. Detailed comparison: PVC or leather collar.
A limited-slip collar. A small loop tightens up to a fixed limit when the dog backs away, which stops it slipping its head out. It suits dogs whose head is narrower than their neck (greyhounds, whippets). Correctly adjusted, it should never choke: don't confuse it with a choke collar that has no stop.
Extra features. A GPS collar or tracker locates a dog that runs off; it doesn't replace recall training or ID. To be seen at night, a reflective collar or a light-up pendant on the ring is enough.
Which material?
| Material | Strengths | Limits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester / nylon | Light, strong, machine-washable, lots of patterns | Absorbs water and dries more slowly | Everyday use |
| Soft PVC / biothane | Waterproof, odour-resistant, wipes clean | Can get warm in the sun, not biodegradable | Swimmers, hiking, mud |
| Leather | Durable, softens over time | Dislikes water, needs regular care | City dogs rarely in water |
| Natural fabric (cotton, hemp) | Soft, breathable | Wears and soils faster | Small, calm dogs |
Which width for which size?
A wider collar spreads contact over a larger area. As a guide, here are the widths of our collars:
| Size | Guide weight | Polyester collar | Waterproof collar |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 5–10 kg | 28–43 cm, 1.5 cm wide | 27–36 cm, 1.6 cm wide |
| M | 10–25 kg | 33–51 cm, 2 cm wide | 32–47 cm, 2 cm wide |
| L | +25 kg | 41–66 cm, 2.5 cm wide | 42–63 cm, 2.5 cm wide |
Padded = gentler? Not necessarily in terms of pressure. A 2019 study measured higher contact pressure under a padded collar than under plain nylon or canvas collars. What matters most: the right size, and not pulling on the neck.
Collars to avoid
Choke collar with no stop
Tightens without limit when the dog pulls. Risk to the windpipe, eyes and neck.
Prong collar
Metal prongs pinch the neck when the lead tightens.
Electric collar
A shock punishes the dog. Studies link these methods to more stress, without better results.
What the law says: since 3 July 2025, a French order bans dog professionals (trainers, breeders, boarding kennels, shelters, pet shops) from using any "pronged, electric or choke device without a stop". For private owners, these collars are not banned at present. Details in collars to avoid.
True or false: common myths
A wide collar is more comfortable than a narrow one.
IT DEPENDSFor a big dog, yes: contact is spread better. For a small dog, an overly wide collar gets in the way and adds weight. Match the width to the dog's size.
A martingale collar is a choke collar.
FALSENo: it tightens only up to a fixed limit. Correctly adjusted, it stops the dog slipping out without choking it.
A dog that pulls should be held by the collar so it learns.
FALSEPulling on the neck teaches nothing and can cause injury. A Y harness and rewarding a loose lead work better.
A GPS collar replaces the ID tag.
FALSEGPS helps locate the dog, but whoever finds it needs your details: keep the tag and microchip up to date.
How to choose in 5 questions
- What does it do most? Town, woods, water: the material follows.
- Does it pull on the lead? If so, lead on the harness, collar for the tag.
- Is its head narrower than its neck? Consider a martingale.
- What's its neck size? Measure, then aim for the middle of the adjustment range.
- Does it have sensitive skin? Soft material, smooth edges, and check the skin under the collar every week.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best type of collar for a dog?
For most dogs, a well-fitted, adjustable flat collar in polyester or a waterproof material. Other types meet specific needs (narrow head, escaping, night walks).
My dog pulls a lot: is a collar suitable?
Not for holding the lead: the force goes through the throat. Choose a Y harness with a chest ring, and keep the collar for the tag.
Which material lasts longest?
Soft PVC and biothane stand up very well to water and mud. Leather lasts a long time if cared for and kept fairly dry. Polyester is strong day to day and easy to wash.
Are choke collars banned in France?
For dog professionals, yes, since 3 July 2025 (choke collars with no stop, prong and electric collars). For private owners, not at present.
What collar width for a large dog?
Around 2.5 cm for a dog over 25 kg: that's the width of our size L collars.
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.
- French ministry of Agriculture, answer to written question no. 06165, Senate Official Journal, 20/08/2026 (order of 19 June 2025).
- Vieira de Castro A. C. et al. (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE.