Printed Leather Sighthound Collars

Why Sighthounds Need a Different Collar

Sighthounds have a build unlike most other breeds: a long, elegant neck and a narrow head that is often not much wider than the neck itself. On a standard flat collar, this creates a genuine safety problem. A collar fitted snugly enough to be secure around the neck can often still be slipped over the head, and a sighthound that decides to back up and pull away has the technique down to a fine art.

The fishtail shape solves this. Wider through the centre where it sits across the throat, tapering down to a narrower strap at each end, the collar distributes pressure comfortably across the neck rather than concentrating it at a single point, and the shape makes it significantly harder to back out of. It is a design that has been used for sighthounds for generations, and for good reason.

The wide centre panel also means the print has considerably more surface area to work with than a standard flat collar, which is why the designs tend to look particularly striking on the sighthound collars.

Sizing Your Printed Leather Sighthound Collar

Measuring a sighthound for a collar is slightly different from measuring other breeds. Rather than the middle of the neck, you want the narrowest point, which is best found by measuring from underneath the chin and behind the ears.

A collar fitted to this measurement sits high on the neck where it is most secure, and significantly reduces the chances of your sighthound being able to back out of it. Note that measurement in inches, then find the size where it sits comfortably within the range, ideally towards the smaller end to leave room for adjustment.

A size of 12"–14" means the collar fits dogs with a neck measurement between 12 and 14 inches, not that the total length of the collar is 14 inches, which is the most common source of confusion when ordering online.

On the largest size, Greyhound 15"–17", the printed design covers the wide central section of the collar, the part that sits across the throat and is most visible when worn, and the straps are made from rich brown Italian leather. You can see exactly how this looks in the photo displayed here and in the gallery on any of the collar listings. Many customers love the contrast, but it is worth knowing before you order if you have a strong preference.

If you are unsure which size is right for your dog, or your dog sits between two sizes, get in touch before you order. Getting the size right first time saves everyone time, and we would rather help you do that than have to deal with an exchange.

Caring for Your Printed Leather Dog Collar

A damp cloth is all you need for everyday mud and dirt. For a deeper clean, use a small amount of washing up liquid works well, and a light application of leather balsam, such as Renapur or an unscented moisturiser, every now and again will keep the leather supple and the colours looking their best. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and do not leave the collar soaking in water. Full care guidance is on our how to clean a leather dog collar page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How durable are printed leather sighthound collars?

Very. The durability comes down to two things: the quality of the leather and the printing method. Ours are made from Italian calf leather sourced from Tuscan tanneries, the same leather we have used for every collar we have made since 2009, and the designs are UV printed rather than painted or applied as a surface coating. The flexible UV ink cures as it is applied, bonding directly into the leather and becoming part of it.

Can printed leather sighthound collars get wet?

The collars can handle everyday exposure to rain and wet grass without any problems. Every collar leaves our workshop treated with Renapur leather balsam, which adds a light water-resistant barrier. What you want to avoid is prolonged soaking or leaving a thoroughly wet collar on your dog for extended periods. If the collar does get very wet, let it dry naturally away from direct heat, and a light application of leather balsam once dry will keep it in good condition.

How do I clean a printed leather sighthound collar?

A damp cloth handles most everyday dirt and mud. For a more thorough clean, a small amount of washing up liquid works well. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage both the leather and the print. Once clean, a light application of leather balsam, such as Renapur or an unscented moisturiser, will keep the leather supple and the colours looking their best. Full guidance is on our how to clean a leather dog collar page.

How do I measure my sighthound for a collar?

Measuring a sighthound is slightly different from measuring other breeds. Rather than the middle of the neck, you want the narrowest point, which is best found by measuring from underneath the chin and behind the ears. A collar fitted to this measurement sits high on the neck where it is most secure and significantly reduces the chances of your sighthound being able to back out of it. Note the measurement in inches, then find the size where it sits comfortably within the range, ideally towards the smaller end to allow room for adjustment. If you are unsure or your dog sits between two sizes, get in touch before you order.