This is the standard collar that everyone thinks of. It
is usually sturdy, but not as adjustable as other collars
and isn't "slip proof". These collars come in single
and double play, often with soft liners. Due to their
construction, solid colors are the norm - you'll be hard
pressed to find one of these in a pattern.
These are, by far, my least favorite collars. While
very adjustable, they are weak and are not
"slip proof". Think about it - the only thing keeping
these collars together are three thin plastic prongs.
These are idea puppy collars and come in many
colors and patterns, but I'd never use one on an
adult dog.
I like these a bit more than the metal slip collars, but
there is still a definite risk of accidental strangulation and/or tracheal damage associated with these types
of collars. The are "slip proof" to prevent escapes,
but I am hesitant to use them due to the dangers
associated with them. Please note that I prefer
leather - it wears better and doesn't fray or pill.
Popularly known as a "choke"
collar, this is a collar that can
be very unsafe (see above). I
have used these, but I've found that they pull out coat and
cause unsightly abrasions. If
you use a metal slip, please be
sure to buy a Herm Sprenger.
This is basically a slip collar with a "safety catch". It
only contricts to a certain point, then stops. It's
relatively "slip proof", but I've found that it has many
of the same problems as slip collars. Since the pull
sideways, it leaves abrasions and pulls out coat.
I've always loved these. They
are good for coated dogs as
well as shorhaired dogs. They
are no "slip proof", but they
wear well and are extremely
strong and elegant.
These are great collars. They are
"slip proof" and strong, and come
in many gorgeous designs. They
pull from the center, so they don't
chafe or pull coat. I like Lupine
brand martingales because they
have a lifetime guarantee.
Made exclusively by Herm Sprenger,
these strong and stunning collars
are what I train with. They have the
advantages of a martingale with the
strength and elegance of metal. HS
makes single, double, and triple row
martingales in various colors.
Available in nylon and leather with chain, these are the
most confusing style of martingale. I don't understand
their usefulness, and for that reason have ovbiously
never bought one. I believe that you can have just as
much luck with an all-nylon, all-leather, or all-metal style.
These collars are purely for beauty
and decoration. They are rarely
strong enough for everyday use, and
are often extremely expensive. Ilsa
has a couple, but they are for looks
only - they aren't at all functional!
Used frequently by sportsmen, these
collars are highly reflective and are
usually coated with plastic. I strongly
recommend these collars for dogs
that spend time in the country -
especially during hunting season!
You definitely want hunters to see
you have a DOG, not a deer!
This type of collar is fun, but can
sometimes be dangerous. Some
spikes are sharp, so these collars
should be removed when other pets
and children are present. They
are often used to make a dog look
"tough", but they usually just end up
making the owner look insecure!
These collars are often seen on working dogs, especially
breeds with coat (such as the GSD, Bouvier, etc.)
Fur Saver collars are extremely strong slip collars made
for coated working dogs to minimoze coat matting at the
friction site. These are heavy and utilitarian, and are
only made by Herm Sprenger,
like to see a collar on this page that isn't already here, please
let me know - I'm a collar fanatic and love hearing about new products. I don't want to go into training collars on this page - this is strictly a page for collars that are often used as everyday collars.
Note that I prefer leather over any type of nylon - save for Lupine martingale collars. In my opinion, leather is more durable, more elegant, and sometimes stronger than nylon.
Please buy quality collars for your dog. Decorative and
non-functional collars can be found at pet superstores, but funtional collars should always be high quality. Pet superstores DO NOT carry quality collars or leashes - their collars and leashes are
mass-produced and are usually of very low quality.