Walkies are an important part of any pooch’s life so making sure you’ve got them the best dog collar to keep them safe while they’re out and about exploring is just as essential as a good quality dog lead. Whether you’re looking for a replacement collar for your existing pooch or are adding a new puppy to the family, we’ve got you covered with our best dog collar top picks.
A good quality collar is definitely a worthwhile investment for both pooch and owner. As part of The Control Of Dogs Order 1992, your pooch is required to wear a collar with your name and address on it when they're in a public space. So, the chances are you've already been thinking about getting them a collar that's either personalised with their information or one you can attach a separate ID tag.
Best dog collar at a glance:
• Best durable dog collar: Julius-K9 Collar with Handle, Safety Lock and Interchangeable Patch
• Best waterproof collar: EZYDOG Classic Neo Dog Collar
• Best dog collar with identification: Jojospetproducts Personalised Dog Collar
• Editor's favourite: pets-lover Personalised Dog Puppy Cat Pet NAME Collar
• Best value dog collar: Pets at Home Woven Dog Collar
It can be overwhelming to select the best dog collar for your beloved pup, though. What size do they need? What style do you choose? Do you opt for a plain, coloured or personalised design? Should you invest in a tracker to attach to their collar? Do you want it to match your lead and dog harness? Luckily, we've put together a guide in our FAQs section to help you make your decision.
Taking into account customer reviews and our own recommendations, we've broken down the best dog collars for you and your hound. We've even looked at the best new pet trackers you can attach to a collar if that's something you're considering, too.
Best dog collar
Best durable dog collar
AmazonDescription
The Julius-K9 Collar with Handle, Safety Lock and Interchangeable Patch is a collar known for its security. With high-quality, well-made materials your dog is sure to be comfortable as well as safe wearing this collar. It also has a grab loop if you need to hold onto your pooch quickly. It won't irritate your dog and also comes in other colours if you're looking for a brighter option.
Customer review: "I use this collar when taking my Retriever to the beach. It is very strong and durable do to the quality of construction and materials used in manufacture. The salt water has had no effect on it at all."
Pros
- Made from strong and durable materials
- Adjustable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some felt this collar was best suited to larger breeds
Best waterproof collar
AmazonDescription
Made using a soft polyester and Neoprene rubber material, the EZYDOG Classic Neo Dog Collar is fast-drying, waterproof and easy to clean, all while being padded and soft against your dog's skin. With a quick-release buckle and a one-time fit system, you can get this collar on and off in no time at all. It's also got reflective piping around the edges for greater visibility on night-time walks.
Customer review: "Both my dogs are kitted out with these collars. Ezydog is a brilliant make. The collars are apparently comfy, neither dog seems to find them uncomfortable or irritating to wear. They are hardwearing, easily washable and the right width for their necks. The collars are wider than the vertebrae and so far safer than other slimmer collars. The quick-release catch is an excellent and necessary feature. My boys have had them from puppyhood as they come in all sizes. Smart, superb quality kit."
Pros
- Reflective piping for nighttime visibility
- Stainless steel D-ring to attach your lead to
- Wide choice of sizes and colours
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the collar was too wide for small and medium breeds
Best dog collar with identification
Etsywww.etsy.com
Description
Sometimes those ID tags can get too chunky or fall off, so we suggest investing in an engraved collar to ensure that your dog always stays identified. In this Jojospetproducts Personalised Dog Collar, you can embroider your dog's name and your number as well as engrave your address on the inside of the buckle. This way, your dog will have their own ID with them at all times.
Customer review: "I loved this collar so much I have just ordered another for when it’s in the wash. My dog is constantly losing her dog tags so this is the perfect solution. Delivery was far quicker than I expected. And the collar is just so perfect. Very satisfied..wish I had a big enough excuse to buy one in each colour!"
Pros
- Both collar and buckle include contact information
- Buckle engraving complies with UK guidelines on dog ID
- Handmade by a small business
Cons
- Depending on the size of the collar, sometimes the embroidery can be covered by the adjustment buckle
Editor's favourite
AmazonDescription
For a personalised collar with added sparkle, check out this pets-lover Personalised Dog Puppy Cat Pet NAME Collar. You can personalise it with your pooch's name, and you can also opt to have a paw, crown, star, heart, flower, skull, bone or dog charm added to suit their personality. Each of the letters and charms has glittering diamantes inside to give it that luxe feel.
Our review: "Gina has always been a diva doggy so it's only natural that she has a collar with all the bling on it. Whenever friends and family see her wearing this collar, she always gets comments about the style being made for her. It feels really sturdy and is easy to wipe clean, too. I opted to get her name and a crown charm to match her princess personality."
Pros
- Personalised to your dog's name
- Option to add charm
- Made from quality PU leather with chrome plated cast buckle and loops
Cons
- Not as strong compared to other collars, so might not be ideal for dogs that pull when out on a walk
Best personalised dog collar
Not On The High Streetwww.notonthehighstreet.com
Description
If you want an extra special collar for your hound, check out these Personalised Colourful Dog Collars by Sparks And Daughters. There's a choice of four sizes and collar colours, and then there's a variety of print colours for the lettering and an option of hearts or stars to add on too, so you can take your time to put together the perfect design for your pooch.
Customer review: "I loved the collar, was beautiful. Gorgeous design and my dog loves it too."
Pros
- Personalised with your choice of name and design
- Wide range of font colours available
- Made from quality leather
Cons
- As it is a personalised item, it can't be exchanged if size is wrong
Best value dog collar
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Description
Looking for a good quality, great value dog collar? You can't really go wrong with the Pets at Home Woven Dog Collar. It is fully adjustable and features a quick-release buckle, plus a stainless steel D ring for attaching your lead when it's time for walkies. Speaking of leads, you can get a matching one to this collar, as well as a harness in the same style, so your pooch can really look the part while out and about.
Customer review: "Excellent quality has a reflective part and extends quite a bit so should fit a range of dogs. I purchased the lead to match and my dog looks very smart out on her walks."
Pros
- Good value for money
- Adjustable so fits a wide range of neck widths per size
- Clasp is reflective for enhanced visibility during nighttime walks
Cons
- Price varies depending on size
Best luxury dog collar
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Description
Did you know that Barbour not only makes outdoor clothing for us humans to wear but also has a range catering to our furry friends, too? Featuring the brand's signature tartan pattern, the Barbour Reflective Tartan Dog Collar's got reflective piping around the outer edges making it perfect for dark late-night or early-morning walks as you and your pooch can be more easily seen. We love the gold-looking hardware.
Customer review: "A very good idea. The reflective edges are an excellent way of combining safety with style!"
Pros
- Stylish and practical
- Reflective piping for visibility in the dark
- Matching lead available
Cons
- Sponge clean only
Best light-up collar
AmazonDescription
This bright LED Dog Collar will keep your dog totally safe and visible even in the dark. With its illuminated rechargeable LED light in a variety of colours, you can either have it on steady, rapid flashing or slow flashing. Made with lightweight and sturdy materials, all you need to do is clip it on, and your pooch will be ready for their after-dark adventure.
Customer review: "Excellent laminated collar for seeing you naughty pooch in the dark when he’s refusing to come in!
Also useful when walking to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the path!"
Pros
- Perfect for walks in the dark
- Three light settings
- Rechargeable
Cons
- One reviewer commented that you don't get a warning when it's about to run out of charge
Looking for more collars made for evening adventures? We've got a whole article dedicated to light up dog collars to help you and your pooch be seen in the dark.
The best trackable dog collars and pet trackers UK
If your dog is prone to running off, or you want to keep an extra eye on your pooch, you can now get trackable dog collars.
These are made with a GPS inside the collar which usually links up to an app or website so that you can track your pup in live time. There are lots of different features to these collars or trackers including live tracking, creating distance limits and training plans.
Here are some of our top choices for the best pet trackers right now:
Best small tracker
AmazonDescription
Known as 'the world's smallest GPS tracker for dogs', this Weenect Dog Tracker has no distance limit and real-time GPS tracking for your dog. You can also create an automatic training plan to make your dog tracker ring or vibrate every time it is mealtime. You can also revisit the route you take on your walks with the location history on the app.
Customer review: "Simple and small tracker that offers big value. My small dog often takes off after anything that moves, and this tracker gives me peace of mind. Suitable for Jack Russell up"
Pros
- You can set up safe zones to be notified when your dog enters or leaves these zones
- Battery lasts up to three days
- Real-time GPS tracking
Cons
- Requires ongoing subscription to make use of the full benefits
Best waterproof tracker
Tractivetractive.com
Description
This Tractive GPS DOG 4 Tracker, which is 100% waterproof, has a LIVE mode, worldwide tracking and activity monitoring for you to keep an eye on your pooch at all times. The battery life lasts up to five days and so you'll be able to leave it on your pup for a while before it needs recharging. You will have to attach this to a pre-owned or new collar and pay for a subscription plan with this tracker but fees start from just £12 a month.
Customer review: "The tracking device has found our pup on numerous occasions. The ultimate joy it has given us and our pup reuniting is absolutely priceless!! We highly recommend this tracker for anyone that has a "runner"!"
Pros
- Regular location updates
- You can monitor activity and sleep from the app
- Waterproof, so perfect if your dog likes to swim
Cons
- Requires ongoing subscription, with some benefits, like worldwide tracking, only available with the premium subscription
11.
Apple AirTag
Best multi-use tracker
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Description
Apple AirTags have come onto the scene pretty recently, but they're quite effective as a tracker if you have an Apple product. Using the 'Find My' app you can connect up the tag to help you track it down and hopefully your dog too. You'll have to get an additional accessory to attach this to your dog's collar, though.
Pros
- Uses secure Bluetooth signal to track on the Find My app
- No additional subscriptions required
- Can be used to find keys, bags, bikes and more when attached, as well as your dog
Cons
- Only compatible with Apple devices
FAQs
What dog collar is best?
What dog collar is best really depends on what you're looking for. There are definitely some major points to think about before you buy though. Consider these as a guide to picking the best collar for your pooch:
Size
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. Just like any other dog product, you have to think about the size of your dog to choose the best collar for them. If you have a smaller dog breed, like Yorkshire Terrier or Pug, you’ll want to invest in a small collar. For a big dog like a Great Dane or Leonberger, you’ll definitely have to invest in a larger collar.
To ensure you know exactly what you’re getting, we recommend measuring your dog’s neck. You can do this with a tape measure around their neck – but remember you don’t want it too tight. If you don’t have a tape measure you can always use a shoelace or piece of string and then measure the length on a ruler. Add one or two inches, depending on the size of your dog, for that extra space.
Style
Many dog collars are made of real leather, which is a classic option. Or if you could try faux leather as an alternative. Nylon or polyester collars are also popular, which have a good variety of patterns and colours while being durable.
You may also want to consider the colour and pattern of your chosen collar to see if it matches your hound's personality and personal style. You could opt to get a collar that matches your dog's lead, whether that's a regular one or a retractable dog lead.
Identification
Most dog owners will consider an ID tag to ensure that their dog stays safe at all times. These usually come with a phone number and/or address to identify your dog if it gets lost. You can get collars with ID embedded into them so that your dog will never be lost. Of course, this just depends on what kind of collar you want, as you can always get extra ID accessories alongside a collar.
Tracker
If your pooch is prone to escaping, you can also invest in pet trackers to attach to collars for complete safety. Some you can attach to your existing collar with a click, and others you will need to buy separate accessories to secure them onto your pooch. They then connect to an app on your Smartphone so you can keep an eye on where they are in real time.
Should my dog wear a collar all the time?
It's probably best that your dog doesn't wear a collar 24/7, simply because they can get uncomfortable. If you have a dog that stays in at night this is a great chance to take their collar off and give them some relief - just like us humans taking off our shoes indoors.
Keeping your dog's collar on at night can also become a choking hazard. If it gets caught on furniture or something in your home, then it could be a problem for your dog that you may not hear while you're asleep. Due to this, it's probably best to remove them at night.
Collars can be a really important source of identification for your dog, especially if it has a tag with a number on it. If your dog ever gets lost, a collar can become a lifesaver.