Dog Collars by Breed
What is the Best Collar for a Labrador?
What is the Best Collar for a Labrador?
Labradors are one of the UK’s most loved dogs. Loyal, bouncy, and always ready for an adventure, they’re just as happy snoozing by the fire as they are charging through fields or swimming in lakes. With their solid build and active lifestyle, it’s important to choose a collar that’s comfortable, durable, and looks good on them too.
Want to see how Labs compare with other breeds? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Dog Collars by Breed.
Why Labradors Need the Right Collar
Labs are medium-to-large dogs with strong necks, and they’re known for their enthusiasm on the lead. Whether you’re heading out for a countryside walk or a quick trip to the park, a well-chosen collar makes life easier for both dog and owner.
Because most Labradors wear their collars all day, comfort is just as important as strength. Owners also often look for something that matches their dog’s character; classic leather for a traditional look, bright colours for fun-loving personalities, or a touch of sparkle for something special.
Best Collars for Labradors
Vegetable-Tanned Leather Collars
If you’d like a collar with a more traditional feel, our vegetable-tanned leather collars are a great choice. The black vegetable-tanned collar has a smart, understated look, while the brown vegetable-tanned collar works beautifully on all coat colours.
For something with a bit more depth, the oxblood leather dog collar stands out without being flashy. Each is lined in your choice of soft Italian leather, so you can keep the outer look classic while adding your own touch of colour inside.
Leather Collars in Bright Colours
For owners who want something more modern, our leather dog collar collection offers a huge range of colours. From bold ruby red to bright signal blue leather; studded stars or skull and crossbones, these collars really stand out against a Labrador’s coat, while still being handmade in soft Italian leather for everyday comfort.
Swarovski Collars
A Swarovski crystal collar can look stunning on a Labrador. The crystals catch the light beautifully against their short coat, and because each one is individually secured by hand, they’ll stay firmly in place even on a lively, active dog. Built on the same Italian leather base as our plain collars, they’re comfortable enough for Labradors to wear every day.
House Collars
Labradors often keep their collars on most of the day, but some owners prefer to take them off indoors for comfort. A house collar is a lightweight option that still carries an ID tag when the main collar isn’t being worn. Our rope house collars are soft, simple, and perfect for this.
How to Measure a Labrador for a Collar
Getting the size right makes all the difference to your dog’s comfort. Here’s how to measure:
- Use a soft tape measure (or string) around the middle of your Labrador’s neck.
- Hold it fairly snug against the fur but not tight — don’t add fingers underneath.
- This number is your dog’s neck measurement.
- Choose a collar where this measurement is closest to the smallest hole in the size range.
Example: If your Labrador’s neck measures 18″, the right choice is a collar listed as 17″–20″.
See our full Size Guide for detailed instructions and examples.
Average Labrador Neck Size
On average, a Labrador’s neck size falls between 16″–20″ (40.6–50.8cm). That means most will fit into one of these collar sizes:
- 15″–18“
- 17″–20“
- 19″–22“
Measuring your own dog is always best, but this range gives a reliable starting point. You can also check our full post on average neck sizes by breed.
Best Collar for a Labrador Puppy
Labrador puppies grow quickly, so they need a collar that’s soft, lightweight, and kind to their developing necks. Our soft leather puppy collars are handmade from Italian leather and are perfect for those early months.
Re-measure regularly, as Labs grow fast — most start in a smaller puppy size and soon move into collars in the 15″–18″ or 17″–20″ ranges.
FAQs
What is the best collar for a Labrador?
Most Labrador owners choose a leather collar because it’s strong, comfortable for daily wear, and looks good on a bigger dog. If you’d like something with a traditional feel, our vegetable-tanned leather collars are a solid choice. For brighter colours or sparkle, you’ll find those too — it depends whether you want classic, colourful, or special occasion.
What size collar does a Labrador need?
On average, Labradors have necks between 16″ and 20″. That usually means one of our collars sized 15″–18″, 17″–20″, or 19″–22″ will fit. The easiest way to get it right is to measure your own dog’s neck with a tape measure and match it to the size chart.
How do you clean a leather Labrador collar?
Wipe the collar with a damp cloth to remove mud or dirt, then let it dry naturally. For a deeper clean, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep the leather supple. Avoid soaking the collar in water.
Are leather collars better for Labradors than nylon?
Leather tends to be more comfortable for Labradors to wear all day and it softens with use. It’s also stronger, which is handy with a large, energetic dog. Nylon collars are lighter but can fray over time and hold onto smells more easily. With a bit of care, a leather collar will usually last much longer.
Finding the Best Collar for Your Labrador
Labradors are loyal, lively companions who deserve collars as dependable as they are. Whether you prefer the classic look of vegetable-tanned leather, the bold colours of modern leather collars, or a Swarovski sparkle, you’ll find something that fits your Lab perfectly.
Browse our full range of designer dog collars to find the right collar for your Labrador.