There are many aspects that need to be taken into account when choosing a collar for your dog. Here we look at factors to consider when choosing the best collars for your big or large dogs.
What is a big or large dog?
Technically the definition “large dog” means any breed which can weigh over 50-60 lb (over 23-27kg) depending on which body of reference you use. Such breeds include:
Airedale Terrier, Afghan Hound, Alaskan Malamute, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Boxer, Borzoi, Bull Terrier, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Collie, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Foxhound, English Setter, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Greyhound, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Komondor, Labrador Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Siberian Husky, Vizsla, Weimaraner. (This list is by no means exhaustive!) You can find out specifics about these breeds and others here.
They can have neck sizes from approx. 16” / 40cm (Boxers and Greyhounds) to as much as 24” / 61cm (retrievers) or 26” / 66cm (giant schnauzer) depending on the breed so it is very important, if possible to measure your dogs neck. Check out how to measure your dogs neck.
What to consider in collars for large dogs?
If you are looking for collars for large dogs you will want to consider comfort, practicality, durability and quality. You might want to consider what materials are being used from an environmental and ethical point of view. Big dogs, like many dogs, may be partial to playing in mud or rolling in fox poo, so it might be worth looking for a machine washable collar that can go straight in the machine when you get back from a muddy walk. Large dogs who pull when on the lead will need a strong wide collar perhaps with a webbing interior, stitched with strong nylon bonded thread. A collar made from lovely soft fabric that won’t dig into his neck or matt his fur will make sure that your dog is comfortable in his collar.
What features to look for?
Buckle or Clip?
When you purchase a dog collar, you need to decide between a buckle and a clip (usually plastic). Some owners swear by buckles only and will use nothing else (especially if they have ever experienced a clip fail). Other owners feel the opposite. Some people like the security of the buckle. And there are owners who remove their dog’s collar frequently prefer the speediness of a plastic clip.
Leather or Fabric?
Some people won’t use leather for ethical reasons. However, other dog owners love the fact it is hard wearing even if a little difficult to clean. There are many fabric choices available nowadays. Some are hand wash only and perhaps for “special occasion”. Other choices are machine washable so extremely practical for messy pups! Similarly, there are also collars made from waterproof, wipeable materials. These make the cleaning process for the collar post walk a simple run under the tap!
Do dogs need to wear collars?
Yes, dogs need to wear collars, is the simple answer here. You can check out our blog on this for the law on dogs wearing collars.
Where can I get durable, practical, comfortable collars for my small dog?
Here at Oscar & Hooch we have a wide range of collars for all sizes of dogs including large dogs dogs. Our soft and comfortable signature range comes in a rainbow of colours and is hard wearing and machine washable, as is our striped range. In addition, our daisy range is also hard wearing and also offers wipeable and waterproof qualities. And our latest range, neon is machine washable luxury! Highly luxurious soft material offset with a striking neon stripe, that look good on the catwalk or in the countryside.
