Choosing a collar for a pet can be challenging, but it’s especially so for small dog breeds. A traditional collar and leash might hurt small dogs when they walk. Younger dogs are at greater risk as they’re more anxious and likely to yank and harm themselves.
Collars play a significant role in a dog’s behavior. Some research has found a connection between a dog’s excitability and aggression and how it interacts with its owner. Dogs that pull and behave unpredictably get more reprimands, especially when their leashes and collars are hard to control them. So, owners may have a stricter attitude towards them. With the right collar, controlling the dog is easier and the relationship between the owner and the dog is less tense.
To pick the right collar for a small dog breed, you need to research the right material, size, width, and other factors to protect the dog. For example, a harness can prevent high pressure on the dog’s neck or torso and make it easier to control without causing harm. Let’s see what factors are most important for your small or young dog:
Best Materials for Small Dogs
Many small dog breeds have delicate features. When choosing a collar, you should consider this. Collars should be firm enough to support and guide the dog while walking, but also soft and flexible for the dog’s comfort. After a little research, you’ll find that leather is the best for small dog breeds, better than nylon.
Leather collars are a good choice because the material is thick enough for comfort. It’s also perfect for adding hardware to keep the collar secure without causing stress. Leather is stylish and comes in many colors and designs. It’s also not irritating. Some collars might be harsh on the dog’s skin or for training, but leather collars are flexible and don’t punish the dog.
Best Sizes for Small Dog Collars
It’s important to find a collar that doesn’t slip off the dog’s head but also provides a comfortable restraint if the dog pulls, tugs, or gets scared. One way to find the right size is to measure the dog according to the size guide. It’s not hard.
First, measure the dog’s neck. Have the dog sit and use a soft tape measure around the neck where the collar would be. Put 1 or 2 fingers between the dog’s neck and the tape measure and record the measurement.
After measuring the dog’s neck, enter the measurement in the size guide page to know which collar to buy.
Collar Widths for Tiny Pups
Not only the length and size of a collar matter, but also the width for your small dog is important. Small dogs have smaller necks. Consider the ratio of the collar’s length to its width. You don’t want a thick and short collar or a long and thin one that puts pressure on the dog’s neck.
Generally, smaller dogs need narrower collars. Our collars are as narrow as 5/8″ wide, which is good for tiny dogs like Chihuahuas. Large dogs like Mastiffs might need 2″ wide collars.
If a dog weighs no more than 15 pounds, its neck is likely 8″ to 14″ around and collar widths between 5/8″ and 1″ are ideal. Even if a dog is very small, a 1″ collar might be better for its personality to distribute the pulling when on a leash.
For slightly larger dogs, up to 30 pounds, the neck is usually 12″ to 16″ around. These dogs do well with 1″ to 1.5″ wide collars. Again, smaller dogs in this group might be most comfortable with a 1″ collar.