Leather Dog Collars

Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Dog Collars

Are leather dog collars comfortable?
Yes. A handmade leather collar softens as your dog wears it and moulds to the shape of their neck. At Petiquette, we make every collar from Italian leather and finish it with rounded edges to prevent rubbing, so it sits comfortably on both short and long coats. Rolled designs help reduce tangles in longer fur, while flat and padded collars are just as comfortable for everyday walks. Stainless steel fittings keep the collar secure without causing irritation.

Are leather dog collars better than nylon?
Leather and nylon collars both have their pros and cons, but leather has qualities that make it the better long-term choice for most dogs. A handmade leather collar is stronger and resists fraying, while nylon often weakens with wear. Leather may pick up smells over time, but regular cleaning and a little leather balm will keep it fresh. Because it is a natural material, good leather is also less likely to irritate sensitive skin than synthetics. At Petiquette, every collar is handmade to order in our Northumberland workshop from Italian leather, so your dog has a collar that softens beautifully as it’s worn, stays comfortable on daily walks, and cleans up with a quick wipe and a touch of balm.

Can leather dog collars get wet?
Yes. There’s no problem with a leather collar getting wet in the rain, or even if your dog swims while wearing it. The issues only come if a wet collar is left on the neck all day. That can lead to bacteria and mould, which causes smells, or in some cases the dye in the leather can transfer onto the coat. The simple fix is to take the collar off, let it dry naturally out of direct sunlight, and avoid using heat to speed things up. If your dog swims in the sea, just wipe the collar with a damp cloth afterwards to remove salt, which can dry out the leather. A small amount of leather balsam, such as Renapur, or even a plain unscented moisturiser now and again will keep the collar supple and in good condition.

How to clean leather dog collars?
Cleaning a leather dog collar is straightforward, and even our white collars are easy to keep looking fresh. The Italian calf leather we use at Petiquette is soft full-grain leather with a smooth surface, so most marks sit on top rather than soaking in. For everyday dirt, just wipe the collar gently with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, including fox poo, add a pea-sized drop of mild washing-up liquid to the sponge, then wipe away any soap with clean water. Always let the collar dry naturally at room temperature, away from heat or direct sunlight. Don’t use saddle soap, as it’s too harsh for full-grain calf leather and can strip the natural oils. For more detail, see our full guide to cleaning leather dog collars.

How long do leather dog collars last?
A leather dog collar should last for many years, and with proper care it can often outlast cheaper alternatives by a long way. At Petiquette, each collar is built around a strong vegetable-tanned leather core to prevent stretching, then covered with soft Italian calf leather from the Veneto region. We use stainless steel hardware and rot-proof stitching, so the collar is strong enough for daily wear while still looking smart on your dog. Because every collar is handmade in our Northumberland workshop, we check the quality carefully before sending it out. With a little TLC, such as wiping it clean and letting it dry naturally, a Petiquette collar can stay in use for years.

How do I choose the right size leather dog collar?
To find the right size, measure your dog’s neck with a soft tape measure held snug but not tight. Each Petiquette collar is made in set size ranges — for example, a 12"–14" collar will fit a dog with a neck measurement anywhere between 12" and 14". When laid flat, the first hole is 12" from the buckle end of the leather, and the last hole is 14". We usually recommend choosing a size where your dog’s neck measurement is closest to the smaller number in the range, as this allows room for adjustment. The width of the collar is matched to the size you choose, so smaller dogs wear a narrower width while larger breeds have collars wide enough to give proper support. For more detailed guidance, see our full collar size guide.