The Best Dog Collars Tested!

Published on 19 March 2024 at 06:01

If there’s one accessory that your dog absolutely needs, it’s a collar. The best dog collars provide a secure way to attach your dog’s leash and can hold ID tags to identify your pup if they ever wander off. Plus, the right collar will also be a stylish accessory for your dog, making them look like the good boy or girl that they are.

However, choosing a dog collar is often easier said than done. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of options out there today, which can make it challenging to find the right one for your pet. To help you find the best dog collar for your needs, we tested 14 top-rated models and consulted with several dog trainers for advice on what to look for when comparing different products. We evaluated the collars on their construction, material quality, ease of use, strength and ease of cleaning, and after all our tests were completed, we found five great options that are worth buying for your dog.

Fable Signature Collar

- Best Dog Collar

A stylish and durable pick, this collar from Fable outperformed the competition in our testing. It’s lightweight yet highly durable, and we were able to rinse dirt right off its rubbery surface — no scrubbing needed.

GoTags Nylon Personalized Dog Collar

- Best budget dog collar

In addition to being soft and easy to adjust, this nylon collar can be embroidered with your pet’s name and/or your contact info. We were impressed by its overall quality, especially for the relatively low price.

Soft Touch Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar

- Best leather dog collar

While it may be too thick for smaller dogs, this two-tone leather collar is one of the most comfortable options for your pet, thanks to its generously padded lining, and we like that its D-ring is in an easily accessible location.

Lupine Pet Basic Solid Martingale Collar

- Best martingale collar

For dogs who are prone to slipping their collars, this buckle-free design is comfortable yet secure. We found that its nylon material is much softer than other collars, and its hardware is made from durable metal.

Whether your dog is an active outdoor adventurer or a cuddly couch potato, the Fable Signature Collar is a top choice for everyday wear, as it’s well-made, durable and easy to maintain. While it’s slightly more expensive than other options, we think it’s a worthwhile expense if you want a well-made product that will last your dog for years.

One of the main reasons the Fable collar stood out during testing was its durability. The collar has a polyester webbed core that’s coated in a rubberlike PVC finish, and it came out on top in all our durability tests. The collar didn’t stretch at all when we hung a 25-pound weight off it for several hours, nor did its buckle slip, outperforming several other models. The smooth PVC finish also resisted our attempts to scratch it with a fingernail, and the collar didn’t develop creases if it was left in one position for too long.

The construction and hardware on this collar also stood out. While most of the other collars are stitched with thread, the Fable has metal rivets holding it together. All the hardware on the collar is made from aluminum as well, which is less prone to cracking or breaking than plastic buckles. Despite being made from metal, the Fable’s buckle was actually easier to open and close than other collars, as the side clips are smaller and easier to squeeze. I could usually take it off my dog with just one hand (assuming he wasn’t wiggling around), and it also snaps back into place quickly, which is handy if you like to take your dog’s collar off when you’re indoors.

The Fable collar is also a top choice if your dog likes to get dirty (mine certainly does). Even after being dragged through a puddle and caked in dirt, the collar only needed to be rinsed to remove all the grime from its surface. Most of the other collars we tested required scrubbing with a stiff-bristle brush, but the PVC coating on this model was highly effective at repelling dirt and stains. After being run under warm water for a few minutes and wiped off, it looked as good as new.

The Fable collar also earned top spots in our waterproof tests, again thanks to its outer coating. The rubbery material doesn’t absorb any water, and it was fully dry just 10 minutes after being washed. By comparison, many of the nylon and polyester collars we tested needed six or more hours before they were dry to the touch.

You don’t have to worry about your dog’s comfort with this collar either. While highly durable, the rubbery material is smooth and flexible enough that it won’t rub uncomfortably on your dog’s neck.

The Fable collar comes in seven trendy, muted colors, as well as five sizes that will fit most dog breeds. The large, which is 1-inch thick, fit comfortably on my male golden retriever, who weighs around 60 pounds and has a 20-inch neck. We were happy with the color selection offered by Fable, but if aesthetics are your top priority, check out the The Foggy Dog Adjustable Collar, another top performer that comes in dozens of stylish colors and patterns.