What Colour Collar is Right for Your Dog?
As a dog owner, one of the most important decisions you can make is about your dog’s collar, an accessory that can be practical and stylish. Over the years at Petiquette Collars, we’ve been asked countless times, “What colour collar will look best on my dog?” or “How do I choose which crystals will match the leather collar colour?”
We love these questions, as they spotlight a unique feature of our brand – our diverse colour range. Petiquette Collars prides itself on offering an extensive selection of colours, from understated neutrals to dazzling brights, with the option of being adorned with radiant Preciosa crystals.
However, such a vast selection can be somewhat daunting. The sheer volume of potential colour combinations makes choosing a collar best suited for your dog challenging.
In this style guide, we aim to simplify this process. We will delve into the principles of colour theory, consider the effect of your dog’s coat colour, and share advice on selecting the perfect collar colour for your pet. So, get comfy and let us guide you through this exciting journey of finding what colour collar is best for your dog.
Understanding Colour Theory
When you look at a rainbow, you see lots of different colours, right? These colours can work together in pretty nifty ways, and that’s what colour theory is all about!
One tool that can help us understand colour theory is the colour wheel. Could you take a look at the circle below filled with all the colours of the rainbow? At the top, you have red; as you go around the wheel, you see orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
The colours next to each other on the wheel, like blue and green, usually look good together because they are similar. These are called ‘analogous’ colours.
Then, could you look at the colours opposite each other on the wheel, like red and green? These are called ‘complementary’ colours. When you put them together, they pop!
Now, could you think about your dog’s coat? It has a colour too, right? Maybe it’s golden like a sunflower or black like the night sky. Using the colour wheel, you can find a collar colour that will match nicely or create a striking contrast with your dog’s coat.
Let’s say your dog has a brown coat. Brown is a lot like a darker version of orange, right? Looking at the colour wheel, you’ll see that blue is right across from orange. So, a baby blue leather collar could look great against your dog’s brown coat because those colours are opposites and make each other stand out! But if you want a softer look, a daffodil yellow or ruby red collar is the thing because they’re next to orange.
Now you might be looking at the colour wheel and thinking that the black, white and grey dogs are out of luck as they’re nowhere to be found. Don’t worry; these three colours are neutral, and almost any colour will accompany them.
So, by understanding the colour wheel and a bit of colour theory, you can make your dog look even more fantastic in their collar!
Warm Tones vs Cool Tones in Your Dog’s Coat
Okay, we’ve covered the basics of colour theory, so now let’s dive a little deeper and look at your dog’s coat colour. Did you know that colours can be either ‘warm’ or ‘cool’?
Warm colours are like the colours of a sunset: red, orange, and yellow. So, if your dog’s coat is a brown, tan, or gold shade, they likely have a warm-toned coat.
On the other hand, cool colours are like the colours of the ocean or a winter day: blue, green, and purple. If your dog has a blueish tint, their coat would be considered cool-toned.
Why does this matter? Knowing whether your dog’s coat is warm-toned or cool-toned can help you choose a collar colour that complements your dog’s natural colouring.
Matching Collar Colour to Your Dog’s Coat
Now that we understand our dog’s coat colour better, we can have fun matching it with a collar colour!
The most important thing to remember is that there’s no strict rule in colour matching. It’s all about what you and your dog like best. However, here are some tips based on what we’ve learned from colour theory:
- Analogous Colours: If you’d prefer a more subtle, harmonious look, try picking a collar colour next to your dog’s coat on the colour wheel. For instance, a golden-coated dog might look great in a yellow or light brown collar.
- Complementary Colours: If you want your dog’s collar to stand out, pick a colour opposite your dog’s coat on the colour wheel. For example, a green collar could be a striking choice if your dog has a warm, red-brown coat.
- Warm vs Cool Tones: If your dog has a warm-toned coat, a collar in a warm colour like red, orange, or yellow could look good. On the other hand, if your dog has a cool-toned coat, a collar in a cool colour like blue, green, or purple might be a good match.
The chart
So let’s put what we’ve learned so far into practice. If you feel confident with your colour choice for your dog’s colour, then you can jump ahead to the next section: How to Choose Crystal Colours to Match Your Dog’s Collar.
What colour collar looks good on a black dog?
When choosing a collar for a black dog, we can apply colour theory to create a striking or subtle effect. If you want the collar to stand out, choosing a bright or light colour, such as vibrant red, signal blue, or baby pink, can create a strong contrast against the black coat, making the collar a real eye-catcher.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more subtle, sophisticated look, a grey collar could blend beautifully with your dog’s black coat, creating a sleek, modern effect. The beauty of a black coat is its versatility; it can match well with almost any colour. So, feel free to experiment with different colours and see what you and your dog prefer!
What colour collar looks good on a brown dog?
When it comes to a brown dog, you have various options for collar colours depending on what you want to achieve. If we apply colour theory, a good complementary colour to brown would be blue. A blue leather collar could provide a vibrant contrast that would pop against your dog’s brown coat.
If you prefer a more harmonious look, analogous colours to brown would be hues of orange and yellow. An earthy orange or a bright yellow collar could blend beautifully with your dog’s brown coat, creating a warm, sunny effect. Finally, don’t discount a rich green or teal collar—green and brown often look great together, as they reflect the natural colours we often see in the outdoors.
What colour collar looks good on a white dog?
Choosing a collar for a white dog opens up a world of colour possibilities! White is a neutral colour that can pair well with practically any colour on the wheel. Consider darker or vibrant colours such as signal blue, shamrock green, or ruby red for a striking, high-contrast look – these will pop against your dog’s white coat.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a softer, more subtle look, pastel colours like baby blue, baby pink, or thistle could create a dreamy, gentle contrast. With a white dog, you can have fun and experiment with different collar colours!
What colour collar looks good on a brindle dog or a dog with multiple colours?
Choosing a collar for a brindle or multicoloured dog can be a bit more of a challenge! The key is finding a colour that complements and harmonises with the colours in your dog’s coat. A warm collar such as chianti, easter rose, or jaffa orange could blend beautifully if your dog has a mix of warm colours like brown, red, or gold. If there are cool tones like grey or blue in your dog’s coat, a collar in a cool colour like Madeira blue or teal might look great. The greyhound below is wearing an olive-green collar which complements the lighter shades in their coat beautifully.
However, try choosing a contrasting collar to bring out a specific colour in your dog’s coat. For example, if your dog has striking golden highlights, a collar in deep purple velvet could make those highlights pop. And don’t forget, a neutral colour like black, white, or grey can often work well with a multicoloured coat, allowing the beautiful range of colours in your dog’s coat to take centre stage!
Remember, no matter what colour coat your dog has, the most important thing is that you and your dog love the collar. So, try different colours and see what you both like best!
How to Choose Crystal Colours to Match Your Dog’s Collar
Now that we’ve got the perfect leather collar colour for your dog let’s add some sparkle! Choosing the right crystal colours to complement your leather collar can take it from stylish to stunning. Here’s where we can have some fun with colour theory!
Colour theory isn’t just about individual colours and how different colours work together. Let’s explore some of the most common colour combinations, which can be seen in the chart below:
- Square Colour Scheme: Picture a square on the colour wheel. The four corners represent four colours that can work well together. For example, suppose you’ve chosen a signal blue leather collar. In that case, you might pick Sapphire crystals in blue (matching the collar), Sun (orange is complementary to blue), Siam, and Peridot (both adjacent to blue and orange).The square can be moved around the colour wheel in any direction; place one corner on the colour of the leather, then see what colours will match.
- Triadic Colour Scheme: Imagine a triangle on the colour wheel. The three corners are colours that create a vibrant contrast. For instance, if you have a Jaffa orange collar, you could choose Sun crystals to match, add some Violet, Light Amethyst or Tanzanite and some Emerald or Peridot crystals for a pop of contrasting colour.Again, move the triangle around the circle to find your contrasting colour matches.
- Primary Colours: The three main colours on the colour wheel are red, blue, and yellow. They’re evenly spaced out and provide a bright, playful look. If you have a ruby red leather collar, why not add some Sapphire and Citrine crystals for a primary colour party?
- Tetradic Colour Scheme: This involves four colours arranged into two complementary pairs. For example, if you have a lime green collar, you might choose Peridot crystals (to match), Siam crystals (complementary to green), and a Sapphire and Sun pair for added contrast.
The photo below shows a great example of an analogous colour choice. The mushroom leather is similar to the fawn-coloured coat of the Italian Greyhound, and the Citrine crystals would be next to the mushroom in the colour wheel, so they match beautifully. Clear crystals are a neutral colour, so they fit with anything.
Remember, these are just guidelines! Feel free to play around with different crystal colours until you find the combination that makes your dog’s collar shine brightest. Most importantly, it reflects your dog’s unique personality and style.
Colourful Conclusions: Your Dog’s Perfect Collar Awaits
We know that diving into colour theory can initially seem a little daunting. All those terms and combinations might make your head spin! But trust us, once you start playing with colours, it becomes a fun and creative process that can bring so much personality to your dog’s collar.
Think of it like learning a new game—the first few rounds might be confusing, but soon you’ll strategise and make plays like a pro. Similarly, you’ll see the possibilities everywhere once you start seeing the beautiful patterns and contrasts you can create with different colours!
Remember, at Petiquette Collars, we’re not just about selling collars—we’re about helping you and your dog express yourselves in the most stylish ways possible. If you ever feel unsure about what colours to choose or want a second opinion, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help and love talking about colours almost as much as we love our dogs. So let’s make your dog’s collar the talk of the park together!
