What Type of Collar is Best for My Dog?
With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing the best dog collar. What works for one dog might not be right for another—and as every owner knows, finding the perfect fit is key to keeping your pup safe, comfortable and stylish.
At Petiquette, we’ve spent over a decade handcrafting collars for thousands of dogs across the world, so we’ve got a good handle on what works (and what doesn’t). In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different collar types, what makes each one special, and how to choose the best one for your dog’s breed, coat and lifestyle.
And of course, if something catches your eye as we go, we’ve linked to the collars we handmake here in our Northumberland workshop—so you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting something built to last.
What to Consider Before Buying a Dog Collar
Before picking a collar based on style (we get it, the colour combos are tempting), it’s important to think about a few practical things first.
Breed
Your dog’s breed plays a big role in what collar works best. For example, a flat-faced Pug or Shih Tzu may benefit from a harness for walking, but still needs to wear a collar for their ID tag—it’s a legal requirement in the UK. For these breeds, a lightweight ID tag collar like our House Collars is a perfect choice for everyday wear.
On the other end of the scale, breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets need a very different collar altogether—one designed to protect their long, slender necks. We’ll cover those in more detail shortly.
Size
The bigger the dog, the wider the collar you’ll want. A thin collar on a strong dog can dig in if they pull, which is both uncomfortable and potentially harmful. A wider collar helps distribute pressure more evenly and makes walkies a lot more pleasant—for both of you.
We offer a range of widths across our collections, from lightweight, padded collars for toy breeds to our wider 2-inch Greyhound collars for larger sighthounds.
Coat Type
Does your dog tend to mat easily, especially around the neck? Breeds like Cockapoos, Collies and Bichons are prone to tangles where the collar sits. A flat collar made with soft leather (like the ones we craft here) is less likely to cause irritation, but you could also consider one of our rolled leather collars which are gentler on longer coats.
Whatever you choose, regular brushing is just as important as the right collar.
1. Flat Collars
When you think of a dog collar, this is probably the style that springs to mind. Flat collars sit comfortably around the neck and are typically made from leather, nylon, or fabric. While there’s a place for each, we’ll be honest—leather collars are our favourite. They’re soft, durable, and just have that timeless look that gets better with age.
At Petiquette, we specialise in handmade leather buckle collars, using beautifully supple Italian leather in a rainbow of colours. Whether you’re after something sleek and simple or a bit of sparkle, there’s a collar in our range to match your dog’s personality.
These collars are ideal for everyday use and especially suited to dogs with short or smooth coats. If your dog’s fur tends to mat, we’ll cover an alternative option in the next section.
Buckle Collars
All of our flat collars use a traditional buckle fastening. It might take an extra second or two to put on compared to a clip, but it’s much more secure and far longer-lasting. Plus, all Petiquette buckle collars feature reinforced eyelets—no stretching, no fraying, just a proper fit that holds up beautifully over time.
Looking for a smart, secure collar for daily walks? Browse our leather buckle collars to find your favourite.
2. Rolled Leather Collars
If your dog has a longer or curly coat, you’ll know how quickly those little tangles can sneak in—especially around the neck where a collar sits. That’s where a rolled leather collar can come in handy.
Unlike flat collars, rolled collars are made from a rounded piece of leather that’s gentler on the coat. Because they don’t press down as much, they’re less likely to cause matting or rubbing, especially in breeds with softer fur.
Our miniature poodle, Kevin, is the perfect example—his curly coat needs a bit of extra care, and a rolled collar helps keep things tidy in between brushes.
If your dog’s prone to matting, try one of our rolled leather collars. They’re soft, lightweight and designed for comfort.
Things to Consider
While rolled collars are great for coat care, they tend to be narrower than flat collars. If your dog pulls on the lead, a thinner collar can put more pressure on the trachea—which isn’t ideal, especially for dogs with delicate necks or eye conditions like glaucoma.
For that reason, rolled collars are best suited to well-behaved walkers or as stylish house collars when you’re not out and about on the lead. If your dog tends to pull, you might prefer one of our wider flat collars or even a martingale collar for a bit more control.
3. Sighthound Collars
Sighthounds aren’t a single breed, but a family of elegant, long-necked dogs that includes Greyhounds, Whippets, Lurchers, Italian Greyhounds, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, and more. These dogs were originally bred to chase down prey at speed using their excellent vision (hence the name), but when it comes to collars, they need something a bit more bespoke.
Because sighthounds have such slender, delicate necks, a regular flat collar just doesn’t cut it. Instead, they need a specially shaped collar—wider across the front, with a tapered end for a snug fit behind the ears.
This is where the fishtail collar comes in.
Fishtail Collars for Sighthounds
Fishtail collars are designed with a wide central section that protects the vertebrae and helps distribute pressure more evenly when your dog is on the lead. The ends taper down to a narrower strap that fits securely, preventing the collar from slipping over your hound’s head.
They’re not just functional though—thanks to their extra width, sighthound collars can be stunning style pieces too. Our sighthound collar collection features everything from minimal leather designs to dazzling Swarovski crystal collars, all handcrafted and made to order.
Need help choosing the right fit? Explore our Greyhound, Whippet, and Italian Greyhound collars to find the perfect width for your hound.
Which Collar for Which Breed?
- Italian Greyhounds – Delicate necks call for a narrower fishtail shape, which we’ve designed specifically for Iggies.
- Whippets and Basenjis – Medium-width fishtail collars are ideal, offering the right balance of support and style.
- Greyhounds, Lurchers, Wolfhounds – Go for a wider collar, usually around 2 inches, for maximum comfort and control.
Every collar is available in a wide range of colours and styles, and because we make each one to order, you can customise it to suit your dog’s look perfectly.
4. Martingale Collars
If your dog tends to back out of their collar, or gets a bit anxious on walks, a martingale collar might be just what you need. Originally designed for sighthounds, martingales are now used for all sorts of breeds because of how safe and secure they are—especially for dogs who are a bit wriggly or reactive on the lead.
A martingale works by gently tightening when your dog pulls, creating just enough pressure to stop them slipping out of the collar. It’s not a choke collar or a punishment tool (and shouldn’t be used like one), but when fitted properly, it’s an effective way to keep your dog safe and build better walking habits.
How Does It Work?
A martingale collar has two loops. The main loop goes around the neck, and the second smaller loop tightens when pressure is applied—usually when your dog pulls or tries to reverse away.
You might also hear these called half check collars, particularly when the tightening loop is made from a short section of chain. While the design is nearly identical, the material used for the second loop is the key difference.
At Petiquette, our martingale collars and half check collars are available in soft Italian leather with your choice of fittings. They’re custom-sized to your dog, so you get a snug but safe fit every time.
Perfect for sighthounds, anxious pups, or those who fancy a bit more control on walks—browse our martingale collar collection to learn more.
Choosing the Right Width
The width of your dog’s collar makes a big difference, especially if they tend to pull or have a longer neck. A wider collar helps to spread pressure more evenly and reduce strain on the throat, which is much kinder and more secure than a narrow strap digging in.
At Petiquette, our martingale collars come in a variety of widths to suit everything from petite breeds to larger dogs with long necks. Whether you’ve got a confident puller or a nervous rescue, we can help you choose the right fit for safety and comfort.
5. House Collars / ID Tag Collars
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for dogs to wear an identification tag when in a public place—even if they’re on a lead or walking with a harness. But if your dog only wears a collar when out and about, or prefers to lounge collar-free at home, it can be tricky to keep that ID tag in place.
That’s where house collars (also called ID tag collars) come in.
These lightweight collars are designed to be worn around the house or garden, purely for holding ID tags. They’re not suitable for attaching a lead or walking your dog, but they’re perfect for keeping your pup legal and identified without any bulk or discomfort.
Our leather house collars are soft, minimal, and made for everyday wear—just clip on your tag and you’re good to go.
A Few Safety Tips
House collars should sit comfortably but not too loose—if the collar is baggy, your dog might catch a paw or jaw underneath it, especially during play. We recommend only using them under supervision, particularly for puppies or very active dogs.
Some owners like to use narrow flat or rolled collars as house collars too, especially if they prefer a slightly more substantial look. Just keep in mind that these collars are still best suited to gentle indoor wear, not as a substitute for a walking collar.
Need help deciding what to engrave on your dog’s ID tag? We’ve put together a handy guide right here.
6. Puppy Collars
Bringing home a puppy is exciting (and a bit chaotic), but one of the first things you’ll want to introduce is a collar. Getting your pup used to wearing something around their neck early on will make walks and training far easier down the line.
That said, puppy collars need to be lightweight, soft, and adjustable—your pup is growing fast, and comfort is key.
Our leather puppy collars are handmade to order with plenty of adjustment, using supple leather that’s gentle on young skin.
Collars That Grow With Your Pup?
We’re often asked if there’s one collar that will last from puppyhood to adulthood. Truthfully, no—and nor should there be. Puppies grow quickly, and a collar that fits now will soon become too tight. Stretching the adjustment holes or leaving the collar too loose isn’t safe either.
It’s much better to start with a well-fitting collar designed for a puppy, then size up as they grow.
House collars can work well in the early stages, especially for indoor use, but they shouldn’t be used with a lead. And always check the fit regularly—puppies can outgrow their collars in what feels like a week, and you don’t want to risk it becoming too tight without noticing.
So, What Is the Best Type of Collar for Your Dog?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to collars—what’s right for one dog might not suit another. The best collar is the one that fits your dog’s breed, coat, and lifestyle, while keeping them safe, comfortable, and looking their best.
We haven’t included things like prong collars, shock collars, or anti-bark collars here—because frankly, we don’t believe in them. There are far kinder, more effective ways to communicate with your dog that don’t involve discomfort or fear.
If you’re ever unsure which type of collar is best for your pup, we’re always happy to help. Every collar we make at Petiquette is handcrafted to order, so if you need something custom or just want a bit of advice, feel free to reach out.
Need help choosing the right collar? Get in touch with us or browse our full range here—we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.
