Choosing a Dog Collar and Lead; Leather, Nylon, Chain, Tartan and Reflective

We stock a wide selection of Dog Collars and Leads suitable for all breeds, just click the menu system opposite to visit the other pages on this website. Whether you are selecting a collar and lead for the first time or replacing ones that are worn out or just looking for something different you've come to the right place.

Questions regarding the correct; Size, Fit, Comfort & Material are sometimes difficult to answer, especially when you are confronted with a large selection of colours, styles & materials for example; a Leather or Reflective Collar? This advice page should help you make your selection a little easier!

Selecting the correct collar size?

Regardless of style or material, most collars have sufficient holes to make an adjustment up to 3 inches, therefore its normal to expect two sizes of collar to comfortably fit your dog. Please remember that neck sizes between the sexes do vary, so it is advisable to measure accurately your dogs neck before you make a purchase.

The Collar Guide below should help you decide what collar size you require for your dog and is based on adult breeds of dog of average size & weight. For cross breeds please select the type of dog that most resembles yours by size.

Dog Collars - How To Choose The Right

Measure the dog's neck at the collar position, making sure you place two fingers between the dog's neck and the collar to gauge the correct length. The length of a collar is measured from the buckle to the furthest hole.

Breed	Sizes
Afgan Hound	16 - 22 / 40 - 56cm
Airedale	16 - 22 / 40 - 56cm
Basset Hound	16 - 22 / 40 - 56cm
Beagle	12 - 18 / 30 - 46cm
Bloodhound	20 - 26 / 51 - 66cm
Boxer	18 - 22 / 46 - 56cm
Bulldog	16 - 24 / 41 - 61cm
Bull Terrier	16 - 24 / 41 - 61cm
Cairn Terrier	10 - 18 / 25 - 46cm
Chihuahua	8 - 14 / 20 - 36cm
Chow	18 - 24 / 46 - 61cm
Cocker Spaniel	12 - 20 / 30 - 51cm
Collie	18 - 22 / 46 - 56cm
Dachshund	14 - 18 / 36 - 46cm
Dachshund Miniature	10 - 16 / 25 - 41cm
Dalmation	18 - 22 / 46 - 56cm
Doberman	18 - 24 / 46 - 61cm
Fox Terrier	14 - 20 / 36 - 51cm
German Shepard	18 - 24 / 46 - 61cm
Golden Retriever	16 - 22 / 40 - 56cm
Great Dane	20 - 26 / 51 - 66cm

	Breed	Sizes
	Irish Terrier	14 - 20 / 36 - 51cm
	Labrador Retriever	20 - 24 / 51 - 61cm
	Old English Sheep Dog	18 - 24 / 46 - 61cm
	Pekingese	12 - 16 / 30 - 41cm
	Welsh Corgie	14 - 16 / 36 - 40cm
	Pointer	18 - 24 / 46 - 61cm
	Poodle Toy	10 - 14 / 25 - 36cm
	Poodle Miniature	12 - 18 / 30 - 46cm
	Poodle Standard	12 - 22 / 30 - 56cm
	Poodle Large	14 - 20 / 36 - 51cm
	Poodle French	14 - 18 / 36 - 46cm
	Pug	12 - 16 / 30 - 40cm
	St Bernard	26 - 30 / 66 - 76cm
	Schnauzer Standard	14 - 22 / 36 - 56cm
	Scottish Terrier	14 - 20 / 36 - 51cm
	Setter English/Irish	18 - 22 / 46 - 56cm
	Shetland S/Dog	14 - 20 / 36 - 51cm
	Springer Spaniel	14 - 20 / 36 - 51cm
	Weimaraner	16 - 22 / 40 - 56cm
	Yorkshire Terrier	10 - 14 / 25 - 36cm

What Collar Should I Buy?

The choice of style and material is up to you, but here are some useful guidelines:

Leather Dog Collars and Leads

Leather is a Natural material which has a number of benefits, it looks wonderful, is strong and water repellant. However if your dog is guilty of constantly chewing or enjoys swimming, it is advisable to purchase a synthetic fibre such as nylon for both your collar and lead. There are many leather collars & leads on the market, but not all are made to the same quality as those shown on this website. The Leather Collars and Leads shown on the website are made from premium bridle leather that has a consistent grain and thickness.

The feel, smell and texture of the leather are important checks to make before buying. Some inferior leather collars and leads will crack when folded and split after little use. The natural oils of good quality leather provide an excellent water barrier, but if the product is dry and brittle then it will be quickly damaged by the elements and need replacing after a short period of time.

Leather is commonly used to produce collars for specific breeds of dog, for example a Bull Terrier Harness made from beautifully handcrafted bridle leather with brass decoration made to traditional designs, available on this website. Leather is also used to produce collars especially for whippets and greyhounds.

Nylon Dog Collars and Leads

Nylon is one of the strongest man made fibres which is colour fast, completely weather proof, very difficult to chew through and is suitable for most breeds of dog, including enormous Old English Mastiffs. The Nylon Collars shown on the website are made to a high manufacturing standard with heavy duty eyelets, washers and heavy gauge die cast buckles & triggers. We also sell Nylon Air Cushioned Leads and Collars that encapsulate thousands of tiny air pockets giving both dog and owner a remarkable soft cushion effect. Nylon Air Cushioned Collars & Leads are very suitable for dogs which constantly pull or older dogs that benefit from the softer feel of the material around their necks.

Chain Dog Collars and Leads

Chain is the strongest material used to produce both collars and leads. Chain is used to make Check Chains or Choke Chains, as is often combined with leather or nylon as a combination check chain. Check Chains are good for training larger dogs to walk to heel without the constant pulling or straining at the leash. Please note this type of collar if used incorrectly can cause neck or throat injuries so please ensure that care is taken when using this collar. For training purposes, we would suggest a Nylon Check Chain Collar that is adjustable and provides a safeguard to prevent to much pressure being put on a dogs neck.

Adjustable Dog Collars

Adjustable Dog Collars are usually made from nylon and can be adjusted for a range of neck sizes. The collars normally have a quick release catch which is convenient to use when taking your dog for a walk or bringing your dog under control.

Reflective Dog Collars and Leads

Reflective Dog Collars & Leads use a special nylon thread that is woven into the nylon or printed on the nylon collar to reflect light from oncoming traffic, that provides both the owner & dog with increased safety at night. We sell a range of High Visibility Reflective Collars & Leads, just look at the other pages of this website.