Looking for the best leather dog collar for your doggo? Well, you’re in for a real treat, as we’re going to talk all about different genuine leather dog collars, how to choose one, what features to pay attention to, and also review our top picks for your precious Dood. If you’re ready to figure out exactly which one is the best leather dog collar for your pooch, then keep on reading!
Table of Contents
- Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: Introduction
- Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: Buyer’s Guide To Leathers, Dog Collar Types, Sizing, & Features
- Top 5 Best Leather Dog Collars For Your Pooch
- Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: FAQs
- Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: Final Thoughts
Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: Introduction
While there’s plenty of different dog collars to choose from, some made of leather, others from nylon, or perhaps even polyester, opting for the right one for your dog can prove to be quite a task. But we must say, leather dog collars have definitely stood the test of time.
Leather dog collars are stylish, high-quality, tough, and comfortable. They’ve been used for ages even way before nylon was invented at the beginning of the 20th century. Although that’s not to say that heavy-duty nylon dog collars or other materials aren’t valuable or durable, we certainly understand the appeal of leather dog collars.
Good quality leather dog collars are very durable and can be used for a long time. But it’s also might cost you a bit extra to get that really high-quality leather. In addition to that, not all leather dog collars are as high-quality as the other. Some are flimsier or made from subpar leather, and others are simply uncomfortable for your pooch to wear.
So how can you find the best leather dog collar then? Before we share with you our list of the top 5 luxury leather dog collars that are actually of quality, let’s talk about the different types of leathers, dog collar types, as well as some key features to look for when shopping for a new dog collar.
Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: Buyer’s Guide To Leathers, Dog Collar Types, Sizing, & Features
Finding the best leather dog collar doesn’t have to be difficult. But! We’re not going to lie, there are numerous things to consider when shopping for a new collar for your best pal. This includes everything from the types of leather that the collar can be made of, the type of dog collar you might want to consider, as well as how to choose the right size and what features you should pay attention to. After all, your pup’s new collar should not be just durable and high-quality, but also comfortable for them to wear and as functional as possible.
Different Types Of Leather
Indeed, leather is one of the most amazing materials humans have learned to process and utilize across many industries, such as fashion, furniture, but even tools, books, and sports equipment. And it’s also one of the oldest materials that we’ve used, some sources citing that leather hideworking and tanning dates back to a whopping 400,000 years ago. While production processes have certainly changed over time, natural leather is still one of the most sought-after, quality materials used in many areas in our lives.
But even though leather is overall considered to be a great material, not all types of leather are, ahem, cut from the same cloth. There are different types of leather and they can vary from each other quite significantly.
Full Grain Leather
As the name indicates, full grain leather includes the whole grain of the leather. It’s usually more expensive than other types of leather because it includes the whole grain and is therefore more resistant and durable. The downside is that full grain leather can be somewhat more stiff, especially when not being used for a long time.
Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather has the outer grain of the layer sanded or removed so that it’s more flexible and appears more uniform than full grain leather. It’s a little bit less expensive and slightly less durable, but still very high-quality.
Split Leather
By separating the topgrain leather from the lower layer of the hide, we get split leather, which is the lower layer of the grain. It’s often a bit stiffer in texture and doesn’t provide the same flexibility as top grain leather. Many sellers often refer to this type of leather as genuine leather, which it undoubtedly is. It’s usually less expensive and therefore a good alternative to more costly full grain and top grain leathers.
Bonded Leather
This is the lowest quality leather type there is, as it’s made from leftovers and shavings of the hide that are then bonded with latex or polyurethane. The content of actual leather in bonded leather may vary.
Different Types Of Dog Collars
Most traditionally, we’ve seen those regular round-shaped dog collars that you simply put around your dog’s neck and that’s about it! But not all pups prefer or benefit from the same types of collars. In fact, there are a few different ones you may want to consider for your pooch.
Flat Collar
Flat dog collars lay flat against your dog’s neck and they’re fairly simplistic in design. The only downside is that a flat collar may not be as comfortable for some pups and the edges may be too rigid and stiff around your dog’s neck.
Rolled collar
A rolled collar may provide a little bit more comfort, as the design features softer, rounded edges. Rolled collars are usually recommended for long-haired dogs, as the hair won’t get stuck between the collar as easily nor will it mat behind the collar as it would with a flat collar.
Martingale Collar
Also known as limited-slip collars, martingale collars are perfect for dogs who have smaller, more narrow heads to prevent them from slipping out of their collars while walking on a leash. Thanks to its design, the collar gently tightens around the neck when your dog pulls on it, making it a helpful aid in leash training.
Head Collar
Another good choice for leash training is a head collar. Head collars have two straps, one of them placed around your dog’s neck and the other around your dog’s muzzle. Even though it may look like a muzzle, it doesn’t actually prevent your dog from panting or drinking water. Instead, it can greatly help reduce their pulling.
Smart Collar
In today’s world where technology has evolved at rapid speeds, you may want to also consider a smart collar. Essentially, smart collars track your dog’s movement and location with GPS, making it a great safety feature in case you’re dealing with a real escape artist. These types of collars often also track your dog’s overall activity levels, heart rate, and other vital information. It’s essentially like an Apple Watch, but for your pup.
How To Choose The Right Size When Buying A Genuine Leather Dog Collar?
Even if you get your dog the most comfortable collar made from the highest quality materials, if you don’t fit the size properly, it can do more harm than good. The collar can’t be too tightly around the neck nor should it be too loose, either.
The easiest way to go about it is by measuring your dog’s neck circumference before buying a collar. Then, look what sizes the collar is available in and what neck measurements correlate to each size. Many of the best leather dog collars are adjustable in size, so you can try out different size settings when putting the collar around your dog’s neck.
Another helpful trick is to place two or three fingers side by side between your dog’s collar and their neck. If you can comfortably slide your fingers between the collar, it should be the right size. However, if there’s plenty of room to add in more fingers or place them on top of each other, either adjust the size setting or get your pup a slightly smaller collar. Similarly, if there’s not enough room to place your fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck, adjust the collar so it’s wider or get them a larger one.
Features To Look For When Buying The Best Leather Dog Collar
Then there are also all sorts of different features to pay attention to when choosing the best leather dog collar for your little pal. At the end of the day, your dog should feel comfortable in its collar, but it should also be made of quality materials that won’t break apart after a few months.
Durability
What makes leather dog collars so appealing to many dog owners is the fact that they tend to be very durable. And considering that genuine leather dog collars are a tad bit more expensive than your average nylon collars, you want something that’s going to last your pup for a while.
When shopping for the best leather dog collar for your Dood, look for either full grain leather or top grain leather dog collars. Although they are a bit more expensive, they tend to be the highest quality and therefore also the most durable.
Comfort
When talking about collars, your dog’s comfort is key! Whether your pup only wears it while out and about or round the clock, it shouldn’t chafe or cause any other sort of discomfort for your pooch. Some leather dog collars may be a bit rigid, especially during the first few days and weeks of use. However, they usually soften over time and become more comfortable. But those first few weeks may be so uncomfortable for your dog that they absolutely refuse to wear it.
As we mentioned earlier, flat collars may be a bit more uncomfortable for some dogs than rolled collars. You can also look into padded collars that have cushioning or padding on the inner side of the collar so that it doesn’t sit too rigid around your dog’s neck. Some leather collars also have softer materials on the inside of the collar, such as sheepskin that’s known for its comfortable and gentle qualities.
D-Rings
D-ring is an essential part of a good dog collar – that’s the part where you attach your dog’s leash when going out for a walk. Even if you get a super high-quality leather dog collar, be sure to also carefully inspect the D-rings. They should be made of quality stainless steel or heavy-duty metal. The D-ring should be properly attached onto the collar without any signs of it starting to become loose. This is especially important for dogs that tend to pull on the leash or try to escape as soon as they’re freed from the leash. You don’t want your pup to run away and get lost!
Buckle
Same as with D-rings, the buckle on the collar should be made of quality materials with proper attachments. Stainless steel is a great choice as it doesn’t rust even in contact with water and it’s also very lightweight. But other metals can also work great, as long as they’re properly attached and plated to prevent breakage and rust.
Cost
As we know by now, the best leather dog collars may be a little bit more expensive than the most regular nylon dog collars. But to be fair, there often isn’t even a big price difference between more high-quality nylon collars and genuine leather dog collars.
Generally speaking, you’ll often pay for quality, regardless if you’re opting to go with a leather collar or some other material. But that’s also not to say that the most ridiculously expensive dog collar out there will be the best of the best, most comfortable, and most durable option out there.
Our list of the best leather dog collars below features ones that are quite similarly priced, with some small exceptions. So, if you’d like to get the best value for your money, have a look around and sturdy the features of each collar to find yourself (and your dog) the best fit.
Design & Aesthetics
Obviously, you probably want a cute collar for your pooch that matches their personality and one that you like to look at. There’s nothing wrong with that! But we also caution you to not choose a dog collar solely based on the appearance of it. The most important factors should always be your dog’s comfort, safety, and the functionality of the collar.
Still, there are plenty of different, aesthetically pleasing, yet very high-quality leather dog collars for you to choose from. As we’re nearing our list of the top best leather dog collars, you’ll find lots of different varieties for your doggo. Some have a thicker band, whereas others are thinner. You’ll also find a rhinestone leather dog collar there and a cool martingale collar. So, choose wisely!
Top 5 Best Leather Dog Collars For Your Pooch
Soft Touch Collars Leather Padded Dog Collar
A good, sturdy option for your Dood is this Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar. This thick dog collar is made with genuine full-grain leather and it’s tanned with natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals and dyes. It comes in brown, black, and tan, with an additional tan and teal, tan and coral, as well as brown and pink two-colored options. The sizes range from small to extra large and the collar is adjustable, so you can snuggly fit it around your pup’s neck.
We absolutely love that this collar is padded, making it a comfortable experience for your dog. By the way, the collar also features a soft sheepskin lining that prevents chafing and provides an extra layer of comfort when wearing it.
The buckle on this collar is made from solid brass hardware that’s then lacquered to help prevent rust. The D-ring is located on top of the collar so that you can easily attach the leash when your pup is ready to go explore the outside world.
CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar
The CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar is perfect for those of you with dogs with longer hair or who simply prefer a slimmer collar. This rolled leather collar comes in colors like black, brown, pink, red, purple, beige, navy blue, mint green, orange, yellow, blue, lime green, and white. The sizes range from the smallest XXS and up to the largest XXL and all of them are also adjustable.
The collar itself is made from extra soft, non-allergic leather and durable chrome metal hardware. It also features an internal nylon cord that provides extra comfort for your furbaby. Because the collar has such a slim, rolled design, it’s perfect for long-haired Doods who are prone to matting.
OmniPet Signature Leather Crystal Dog Collar
A flashier choice for some real fabulous dogs would be the OmniPet Signature Leather Crystal Dog Collar that’s studded with sparkling crystals. You can choose between a variety of colors including black, blue, metallic gold, metallic pink, pink, purple, red, and rose.
It comes in 10-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch sizes. The 10-inch version can be adjusted to 6-8 inches, the 12-inch one to 8-10 inches, the 14-inch collar to 10-12 inches, and the largest 16-inch collar to 10-14 inches. All sizes are half an each thick, apart from the 16-inch collar that’s ¾ inches thick.
This leather collar is made from genuine 2-ply leather and it’s double-stitched with color-matched thread. The buckle and D-ring are made from polished chrome that are durable and go well together with the crystals on the collar.
Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar
The Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar is a thicker collar that’s handcrafted from 100% genuine full grain leather. It also features a soft and padded split leather lining so that it’s comfortable for your pup to wear. The leather is high-quality and water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your pup getting it wet in the rain or when playing in puddles or water. It’s also super easy to clean and it won’t collect any dog hair like nylon collars.
Overall this collar is sturdy and durable, as you’d expect from a genuine leather dog collar. It has a heavy-duty metal clasp and leash ring to withstand strong pulling and keep the collar safely fastened around your dog’s neck. It comes in colors like black, brown, tan, red, and pink. The sizes range from small to extra large.
Mimi Green Leather Martingale Dog Collar with Nameplate
If you’re looking for custom leather dog collars, then you might love this Mimi Green Leather Martingale Dog Collar. It’s cute, functional, durable, and also excellent for leash training. The collar features a riveted nameplate that you can personalize with your best pal’s name, your address, and your phone number. It also comes in beautiful, earthy tones like tan, brown, black, chestnut and olive. Now that’s a collar that’s both functional and aesthetic!
The collar is made from thick, full-grain English brindle leather that’s handmade in the Mimi Green Studio in New Mexico, US. It also features solid-cast, chrome-plated D-rings that are sturdy and durable. When using it with a martingale chain, you can effectively train your pup how to walk on the leash like a good boy he is and prevent the collar from slipping over his head. The collar is available in medium, medium/long, large, and extra large sizes.
Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: FAQs
Genuine leather dog collars are often said to be the most comfortable for dogs thanks to their natural feel. They’re also very durable. But ultimately, it all boils down to which materials your dog prefers the most. Many also like nylon collars that are very lightweight, easy to clean, and durable.
Premium leather dog collars are arguably a better choice compared to some cheaper nylon collars, as the latter can often have more rigid, sharper edges that are less comfortable. High-quality leather collars, on the other hand, are softer. Or at the very least, they soften over time after some use. In addition to that, genuine leather is a natural material, making it a more dog-friendly option. Due to its durability, a high-quality leather collar can also be more sustainable than a nylon collar. But all in all, the choice of dog collar material depends on your dog’s unique needs and preference. Some pups find a leather collar more comfortable, whereas others feel comfier with a nylon collar.
In some cases, leather collars could pose an issue for more sensitive pups that are allergic to real leather or the chemicals that have been used to dye and protect the leather during production. But all in all, if your dog isn’t sensitive or allergic to leather, it’s a good material to consider due to its durability and quality.
Like any other material of dog collars, leather collars may start to smell if you don’t clean them regularly. The same goes for nylon collars as well as other materials. Additionally, if a leather collar gets wet constantly, it may also start to smell a bit. There’s also the distinct leather smell that genuine leather dog collars have, but if you don’t mind it, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Leather Dog Collar: Final Thoughts
Leather collars are one of the most popular amongst dog owners thanks to their durability and natural origin. While some may be slightly more expensive than standard nylon collars, there usually isn’t a huge difference between good quality dog collars that are made from different materials. But we do have to admit that leather collars often look more aesthetically pleasing. At the end of the day, the best leather dog collar for your pup is the one that’s comfortable, safe, securely attached, and durable. But it also doesn’t hurt if it looks nice on your little friend! We hope this guide will help you choose the right collar for your dog so that you can go out for walkies and any other outdoor adventures with peace of mind.
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