The 5 Best Dog Collars For Everyday Use

Your dog’s collar is what keeps them safe and secure on walks, so it’s pretty darn important to choose a good one. But it isn’t always easy to know which is best for your pooch. From basic nylon designs to luxurious leather options, there are a wide variety of dog collars available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some dog collars even come with standout features like reflective material for visibility in the dark, built-in ID tags for easy identification, or GPS tracking capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a collar that’s functional, fashionable, or both, we’ve gathered the best dog collars on Amazon for your shopping pleasure here:

Best Dog Collars to Consider

Finding the right collar for your pooch can be tough. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know where to even start. That’s why it’s important to narrow your focus towards a few key qualities while you shop for a dog collar.

First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the size and breed of your dog. Different collars are designed to fit different sizes and types of dogs. A collar that’s too small could be uncomfortable or even dangerous for your dog, while one that’s too big could slip off. Measure your dog’s neck and consult the sizing chart for each collar you’re considering to ensure a proper fit.

Next, think about the material the collar is made of. Nylon and leather are two popular options, each with its own advantages. Nylon collars tend to be lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, while leather collars are often more stylish and can last for years with proper care. You may also want to consider collars with reflective material or LED lights, which can help keep your dog visible at night.

Another important factor to consider is the closure mechanism. Some collars have buckles, while others use snap closures or slip-on designs. Buckles are typically the most secure option, but they can be more difficult to adjust. Snap closures and slip-on designs are easier to adjust but may not be as secure. Choose a closure mechanism that works best for you and your dog’s needs.

Aside from all that, consider any additional features you may want in a collar. For example, you may want a collar with a built-in ID tag, or one that can be personalized with your dog’s name and your contact information. You may also want to consider a collar with a handle or a D-ring for attaching a leash or other accessories.

With all these factors in mind, we tried to round up a list of varied options. We included a little something for everyone, so read on to find the right collar for your dog.

RUFFWEAR Dog Collar

If you’re looking for a durable yet affordable dog collar that can stand up to everyday wear and tear, this option from Ruffwear is for you. Made from strong, woven fabric, this collar is built to last, even in the toughest conditions. Its simple design and classic style make it a versatile choice for any dog, while its quick-release buckle and easy-to-adjust design ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Whether you’re hitting the trails or just taking a stroll around the block, the Ruffwear Flat Out Collar is the perfect choice for most of us. Plus, there’s no denying that the color options on offer here are pretty snazzy.

• Sold in a variety of unique colorways
• Range of sizes to accommodate different breeds
• Comes with a “tag silencer” to reduce the sound of jingling dog tags

• Fairly stiff when it’s new
• Should be hand-washed

Coastal K-9 Explorer Dog Collar

If you expect your pooch to be outdoors at nighttime, it’s a good idea to buy a reflective collar like this one. It reflects light back towards the source — such as an approaching car — making your dog easy to spot from far away, even in low-light conditions. This is ideal if you often walk your dog later in the evening, after work or before bed. Aside from this nifty safety feature, it also boasts high-quality, rugged hardware that’s built to last. And the nylon construction makes it great for all types of weather conditions. Plus, it’s not such a hassle to clean it, so it’s ideal for dogs who tend to explore and get a little messy in the process.

• Nylon is not only durable, but also very easy to care for
• Reflective stitching works very well
• Strong enough to support big dogs

• The rubber that holds the D ring in place may wear out over time, but the leash can still be used if this happens
• Might not fit some budgets

GoTags Dog Collar

While it’s great to have a collar with fancy features and all the bells and whistles, at the end of the day, we buy a collar for one purpose: to keep our dogs safe. But heavens forbid that your dog runs away and gets lost — then what? That’s where a personalized collar like this one from GoTags comes in handy. With this pick, you can have your dog’s name and your phone number printed on the collar so that your dog’s rescuer knows who to call. It’s easy to customize, too — you’ll be prompted to enter your personal details when you make your purchase. As far as personalized collars go, this one is a favorite for good reason: it trumps the competition in terms of quality and cost value.

• Quick-release buckle and easy-adjust design
• You can choose the thread color of the embroidered text, which isn’t always an option with personalized collars
• Excellent price

• The material isn’t the thickest, so perhaps not ideal for strong pullers
• Can be tough to get the sizing right

LupinePet Dog Collar

Why complicate your search when you can turn to a trusty, no-frills option like this one from LupinePet? LupinePet has built a reputation in the industry for producing affordable products that outperform more expensive competitors, and collars are no exception. For less than the prices of a pizza pie, you can get yourself one — or maybe even two— of these leashes. They’re great as a daily driver, but some folks choose to buy these as backups so that they always have an extra collar on hand when needed. We also appreciate the wide range of color options on offer here.

• Lifetime guarantee and excellent customer service
• Produced from recycled plastic bottles
• Soft and comfortable

• Isn’t as adjustable as we’d like
• Not the most durable option out there

Kong Dog Collar

The way we at Dogtime see it, dogs are family. As such, we treat them with the same attention, respect, and care we would one of our children. That’s why we think buying a high-quality collar like this makes sense. A collar, after all, isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear, so if we can make the experience more tolerable for our dogs in the name of keeping them safe, we’re all for it. This collar accomplishes this with the help of its comfort-minded design features, like its neoprene lining and extra padding. And comfort aside, it’s pretty tough to top this one in terms of durability.

• Reflective stitching
• Very easy to clean
• High-quality aluminum buckle will last

• Costly, but we see it as an investment in your dog’s health, safety, and comfort
• Sizing options are limited; nothing available for small dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should a dog collar be?

A dog collar should fit snugly around your dog’s neck, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes discomfort or restricts breathing. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck. A collar that’s too loose can slip off or become snagged on something, while one that’s too tight can cause injury or discomfort. To ensure a proper fit, measure your dog’s neck and choose a collar that’s appropriate for their size and weight.

Can my dog wear a collar all the time?

Leaving the collar on all the time is generally safe, but it’s recommended that you remove it periodically to allow your dog’s skin to breathe. Additionally, if your dog spends a lot of time outside, it’s important to regularly check the collar for signs of wear or damage. The collar could be wearing down over time without you realizing it, so by removing it, you’ll be able to examine it more diligently.

How often should I replace my dog’s collar?

This depends on a number of factors, such as the quality of the collar, how often your dog wears it, and your dog’s activity level. As a general rule, you should inspect the collar regularly for signs of wear or damage and replace it as needed. If it’s frayed or damaged in any way, you should replace it immediately. And if your pooch is still growing, you may need to replace the collar as they get bigger.

Can dog collars potentially injure my dog?

For most canine breeds, collars are generally safe when used properly, but they can cause injury if they’re too tight or if they get caught on something. To minimize the risk of injury, it’s important to choose a collar that fits properly and to supervise your dog while they’re wearing it. A dog collar that’s too loose can slip off, while one that’s too tight can cause injury or discomfort. Additionally, collars with metal buckles or tags can pose a choking hazard if they become caught on something. Always choose a collar that’s appropriate for your dog’s size and activity level to ensure their safety. With all this being said, if your dog is large and strong, or otherwise is an aggressive puller, it’s probably better to use a harness. That’s because the aggressive pulling — and the ensuing resistance of a leash and collar — can cause damage to the neck.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.