When choosing a collar for your dog, there are various aspects that need to be taken into account. In this blog we look at some of the options to consider when choosing collars for small dogs.
What is a small dog?
Technically the definition “small dog” means breeds which can weigh from 7lb to 35lb (approx. 3 kg to 16kg). Such breeds include:
Basenji, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, French Bulldogs, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pug, Shiba Inu, Shih Tzu, Terriers (Border, Boston, Cairn, Jack Russell, Norwich, Scottish, Silky, Smooth Fox, West Highland, Wire Fox, Yorkshire), and Whippets. You can find info about these breeds and more here.
They can have neck sizes from as tiny as 6” / 15cm (chihuahua) to a more robust 22” / 56cm (pug) 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 small dogs?
If you are looking for collars for small dogs you will want to consider practicality, durability, comfort and quality.
You may also want to consider environmentally and ethically, what materials are being used. Small dogs, like any dogs, may be partial to playing in mud or rolling in fox poo, so it may be an advantage to have a machine washable collar that can go straight in the machine when you get back from a muddy walk.
Small dogs can still do a fair bit of pulling when on the lead so you will want a collar that is strong so perhaps with a webbing interior, stitched with strong nylon bonded thread. Ultimately, you want your dog to be comfortable in his collar so perhaps a lovely soft fabric that won’t dig into his neck or matt his fur.
And it may be important to you that his collar has been made here in the UK to the highest standard by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. And what fashion statement do you want to make, if any? Is style high on your list?
What features to look for?
Buckle or Clip?
If you have ever purchased a dog collar, you will have had to decide between a buckle and a clip (usually plastic). Some people swear by buckles only, and will use nothing else (especially if they have ever experienced a clip fail) and for some people it’s the other way round. Other people like the security of the buckle. Some owners who remove their dog’s collar frequently prefer the speediness of a plastic clip.
Leather or Fabric?
Some owners just cannot use leather for ethical reasons. Whereas some dog owners love the fact it is hard wearing (although difficult to clean). There are many fabric choices available nowadays – some hand wash only and perhaps for “special occasions”. Other choices are machine washable so extremely practical for messy pups! There are also collars made from waterproof, wipeable materials that make the cleaning process for the collar post walk a simple run under the tap!
Do dogs need to wear collars?
The simple answer to this is yes, dogs need to wear collars. Check out our blog on this for the definitive breakdown of why.
Where can I get stylish, durable, practical, comfortable collars for my small dog?
Here at Oscar & Hooch we have a wide range of collars for small dogs. The soft and comfortable signature range comes in a rainbow of colours. It is hard wearing and machine washable, as is our striped range. Our daisy range is also hard wearing and also offers wipeable and waterproof qualities. Our latest range, neon is machine washable luxury! Highly luxurious soft material offset with a striking neon stripe, that looks good on the catwalk or in the countryside! Each range also offers leads to match the collars. Check out our ranges today!
