I had had enough problems with my large dogs breaking collars, especially those with plastic buckles. I switched to metal buckles, but still, I went wrong on the material. The dogs chewed and the collar frayed.
After having tried multiple collar materials and designs, I finally discovered the durable and comfortable ones. I’ll walk you through the best dog collars for large dogs, diving deep into the best materials and designs. I’ll also review the best options on the market.
Quick Overview Of The Best Collars for Large Dogs
| Product Name | Type | Material | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Tactical | 1050D nylon | Durable, resistant to abrasion, tearing, puncture | $54.99 |
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Martingale | 1050D nylon | Controlled tightness, aesthetic buckle | $45.99 |
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Standard | 1000D nylon, neoprene | Waterproof, quick-dry, prevents chafing | $45.99 |
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No Bark | Various | Multi-mode correction (beep, vibration, shock) | $55.99 |
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Choke | Stainless steel | Durable, discourages pulling | $10 |
The purpose of the collar is to give you control over the dog. However, the level of control varies with the situation, temperament of the dog, and level of training. For example, you want tighter control when dealing with untrained Tibetan Mastiffs than you would need for untrained Newfoundlands.
In the same way, a trained Tibetan Mastiff requires less control compared to an untrained one. Collar manufacturers consider these facts, and make different collar types. So, when choosing a collar, consider the following features.
Type
Collars come in different designs, and there’s no one-fits-all solution. The choice of the collar depends on the dog’s behavior. For instance, you need a no-bark collar to train a dog that barks excessively, and a martingale collar to train a dog that pulls heavily. So, consider your dog’s behavior, and choose one of the following types.
Tactical
Tactical is a military term, and you can guess what these collars are designed for heavy pullers. Although these collars are not specifically made for K-9 military units, they definitely work for police and military dogs.
The fabric is always tough and the buckle is sturdy. You only need to pair them with an equally tough leash, and you’re good to go. One thing I love about tactical collars like the Gold Cognac Tacti Luxe Dog Collar is that they’re comfortable and can’t cause skin irritations even when the dog pulls heavily.
Flat
Flat collars are the standard, or rather, the normal collars you’ll find in the market. The design is a leather or nylon strip with a clip or buckle fastening. As you can tell, their strength is no match compared to tactical collars.
The reason these collars are common is their low price tags. But, as a person who has owned large, heavy pullers for years, I can’t recommend these collars for large dogs.
Choke and Prong collar
Tactical collars are strong, yes, but you’ll always find yourself in a strength test with your Fido. Their comfort means the dog is able to throw all its weight against you. So, if you’re not well-toned and you’re pulling a dog bred for sledding like the Siberian Huskies, well, you might lose it.
That’s where the choke chain collars come in. Right from the name, these collars are made of chains, so strength and reliability are unparalleled. These collars have metal nooses sitting loosely on the neck. When you jerk the leash or the dog pulls, the noose tightens.
That means the choking increases as the dog pulls. So, you don’t need to use lots of energy to control the dog. Another version of the choke collar is the prong collar. Prong collars work like choke collars but have blunt prongs on the inside that dig into the dog’s neck when you pull the leash.
The pinching causes discomfort, discouraging the dog from pulling. However, be careful when using choke and prong collars. These collars can cause trachea damage, scares, and chokeouts. I can only advise you to use these collars during correction training for an aggressive giant, and that’s during the training session only, not every day.
Martingale
Here comes another collar design I love: martingale collars. These collars strike a balance between tactical collars and choke and prong collars. Martingale collars work the same as choke collars, but instead of having one noose, they have two loops.
The larger loop allows you to adjust the fit, and the smaller loop is connected to the leash. When you apply the leash pressure, the smaller loop tightens the collar, but only up to the preset adjustment. That means you have control over how much the collar constricts.
As a result, no risks of choking, trachea damage, and scarring like in choke and prong collars. Another advantage of a martingale collar like the Gold Camo Luxe Martingale Dog Collar is that it works for large dogs with narrow heads that slip out of the collars, like Whippets and Greyhounds.
No Bark Collar
No Bark collars do exactly as their name suggests: discouraging barking. However, different no-bark collars use different methods, like a puff of citronella spray, vibration to startle and interrupt the barking, a high-pitched sound to distract the dog, or a static shock on the dog’s neck.
I love no-bark collars that combine correction features such as the Dinjoo Bark Collar. That allows you to start with less harsh corrections like a beeping sound, then proceed to vibrations if the dog doesn’t respond, and finally shocks.
These collars have electronics that detect the barks like microphones, electronics that respond like vibrators, and a battery. That makes them heavier and not the best for normal usage. So, once the dog stops excessive barks, switch back to normal collars like the tactical and martingale.
Material
Of course, you don’t want a collar that breaks when restraining your aggressive Tibetan Mastiff against other dogs when on a walk, unless you’re ready for nasty fights. The collar material dictates its durability and reliability. Here are the common collar materials and their reliability.
Polyester or Nylon
I have combined polyester and nylon because both are similar synthetic materials, only that nylon is more durable, comfortable, and abrasion-resistant than polyester. In most cases, nylon and polyester collars come with flat-buckle designs.
These collars come with affordable price tags, no wonder they’re common. One thing I don’t like about these colors is how they absorb odors. It’s either you wash them regularly, accept to live with bad odors in your home or replace them regularly. On the good side, nylon collars are durable, unless your dog is a chewer.
Leather
Unlike polyester and nylon, leather is a natural material. The issue I have seen with leather collars is drying, cracking, and losing shape if you don’t clean and condition regularly. Leather also weakens when exposed to water.
So, if you’re buying the collar for water magnet breeds like the Newfoundland and Portuguese Water Dog, leather is not an option. Also, dogs with sensitive skin are allergic to leather products, including leather collars.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material, the one used to make wetsuits. I love neoprene collars because they eliminate nylon weaknesses. When you think of neoprene collars, think about the great qualities of wetsuits: drying quickly, waterproof, flexible, and can’t absorb odors.
The downside is that neoprene is not as sturdy and durable compared to nylon. So, what I like doing is going for collars that combine both nylon and neoprene materials, such as the Rose Expedition Dog Collar. That way, the collar is soft, flexible, comfortable, and waterproof, and at the same time, it’s sturdy and durable.
Chain
The material of chain collars is straightforward: stainless steel. Chain collars are sturdy and durable, and cleaning is quite easy. However, when buying chain collars, consider the weight. Thick chains are heavy. So, if you’re buying a collar for everyday use instead of occasional training, I still suggest you go for a nylon material with neoprene lining.
Collar Width
The collar holds the dog around the neck. The rule of pressure applies here. When the collar is thin, the pressure is high and causes skin irritations and hair breakage. As a rule of thumb, go for a 1.5 to 2 inches wide collar like the Rose Expedition Dog Collar. The wide design distributes pressure across the neck, reducing discomfort.
Size and Adjustability
Dogs are like humans. They can be obese or lose weight. So, even if you took your dog’s measurement when buying the collar, at one point, it might turn small or oversize. An oversized collar slips out when the dog pulls. An undersize is worse, because it tightens around the neck, posing a choking hazard.
The best solution is to get an adjustable collar such as the Gold Cognac Tacti Luxe Dog Collar. Note that adjustable doesn’t mean the same collar that fits a Yorkshire Terrier fits a Saint Bernard. There are limits. I suggest taking your dog's measurement and then buying an adjustable collar that falls in your measurement’s range.
Reflective Elements
You have gone hiking, and you’re returning home at dusk or night. Your companion is a wanderlustful giant like the Saluki. You’ll definitely have trouble spotting him. It’s even worse if you’re on a busy street with cars. That’s why you need a collar with reflective elements.
The reflective elements can be stripes on the collar fabric or buckles with a reflective coating like the PVD gold-plated Tacti Luxe Dog collar. When light from your torch or car headlights hits these elements, light is reflected, and you and other road users easily spot the dog.
Quick-Release Buckles
Things happen, and you need to remove the collar as fast as possible. For example, if you’re using a martingale or choke collar and it accidentally chokes the dog, you need to remove it as quickly as possible. Note that even a normal tactical or bark collar can choke a dog.
A common scenario is when your fido tries to jump over the fence or maneuver branches at speed, and the collar gets caught. Keep in mind that it only takes 3 to 5 minutes for the dog to have permanent brain damage if it’s completely choked and out of oxygen.
That’s why I love collars with a quick-release buckle such as the Gold Camo Luxe Martingale Dog Collar. Immediately you see the dog in danger, just press the release button, and the collar is open.
My 5 Recommended Collars for Large Dogs
I have talked about lots of features to check when shopping for a collar, and it’s overwhelming. Fortunately, I have done the hard work for you. I have compiled the following list of the best dog collars for large dogs of different temperaments. You only need to pick one that suits your dog’s current behavior, exercise, and training requirements.
Tacti Luxe Dog Collar
I consider the Tacti Luxe Dog Collar to be the best collar for large dogs. This collar is made of 1050D nylon. 1050D means the nylon has fiber weight almost double the 600D fiber weight used in backpacks, hunting blinds, and camping chairs.
In fact, 1050D nylon is used for ballistic protection in military flak jackets. This nylon is resistant to abrasion, tearing, and punctures. Another thing is that the collar uses a 6mm D ring loop. The loop is metallic and machine-welded. So, be sure the link won’t snap or bend when you apply pressure on the leash.
Luxe Martingale Dog Collar
The Luxe Martingale Dog Collar is another collar that uses 1050D nylon. But what makes this collar outstanding is the martingale design. You don’t have to worry even if your dog has a narrow head that slips out of the collar.
This design makes the collar tighter when the dog pulls, but with a controlled tightness that won’t choke your furry friend. The tightening also gives you more control compared to the tactical collar. I also like the aesthetics of this collar.
It uses a PVD gold plated buckle, the same standard as the buckles used in rock climbing gear. When you combine the looks of the buckle with the camo color palette, you end up with a military-like collar.
Rose Expedition Dog Collar
I consider the Rose Expedition Dog Collar to be the most versatile collar. You can use it for things like agility training, service work, high and long jump, scent detection and tracking, sports, and daily use. The collar is made of 1000D nylon, which is the same quality as the nylon used for rock climbing.
The collar is 2 inches wide. This width allows proper pressure distribution around the neck. That means the dog can stay with the collar for days without discomfort and neck irritations. Another outstanding feature is the neoprene lining inside the collar. This soft and flexible material prevents chafing.
Dinjoo Bark Collar
I have included the Dinjoo Bark Collar on the list because you’ll need it when training a large dog. Remember, most large dogs were developed as working, hunting, or guarding dogs. They have the natural instinct to bark excessively. So, you need a bark collar alongside the normal collar to discourage this destructive behavior.
Of the bark collars I have used, Dinjoo seemed to work best. This collar uses 4 different stimulation modes. It starts with a beep sound, then vibration then combines beep and vibration, and finally combines beep, vibration, and static shock.
That means you use the stimulation that matches your dog's response. For example, you don’t use static shock if your dog responds to a beeping sound. As a result, you can use this collar on both obedient and responsive dogs, and stubborn and independent dogs.
Sgoda Chain Training Choke Collar
Dogs like German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive and want to attack other dogs and strangers. Even if you have a reliable tactical collar, you still need a way to stop the pulling behavior instead of managing it every time.
Sgoda Chain Training Choke Collar is one of the best training collars specifically designed to discourage pulling. Simply slide the chain through the loop to make it into a collar. When starting, make sure you can fit two figures between the collar and the dog’s fur.
When the dog pulls, this collar tightens. The dog feels the tightening and discomfort and stops pulling. The good thing with this choke collar is that it doesn’t have prongs that pinch the sensitive neck skin. However, be careful not to actually choke the dog. Also, don’t make this your everyday collar. Just use it during the training session.
Reasons Why You Need Comfortable and Durable Collars for Large Dogs
I have discussed the features to consider when choosing a collar for large dogs and give you my recommendations. But, hey, why should you stick to the above collars? Let me walk you through the reasons you need comfortable and durable collars.
- Injuries: Some of these large dogs are bred for sledding. They have massive pulling power. So, without a wide and comfortable collar, the fabric digs into the skin, causing injuries.
- Breakage: Again, this is related to their pulling power. If the collar is not sturdy enough, it’ll break, and you’ll keep replacing it.
- Anxiety: Dogs will perceive the irritations resulting from uncomfortable collars as punishment, causing anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Collars are the primary tools for controlling your giant furry friends. A weak collar means losing control. There are lots of dog collar options on the market, and picking the best one is challenging. But now you don’t have to worry. The collars I have featured above are high-quality, and you only need to pick one that suits your dog's temperament.