When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
- The best dog collars are durable, comfortable, and will keep their looks over time.
- A harness is a safer option for walking a dog, but a collar is important for attaching ID tags.
- We tested and researched a variety of dog collars, including nylon, leather, and martingale collars.
The primary function of a collar is not to walk your dog but to keep them safe. In an emergency situation, the ID tags on your dog’s collar are the quickest and easiest way for someone to get your dog back to you.
The best dog collars are those that are comfortable enough for everyday wear but durable enough to stand up to your dog’s biggest adventures. For those who prefer not to use a harness for walks, the collar must also have strong hardware and fit well without chafing when attached to a leash. A dog’s physical safety is a crucial consideration as well — at the end of this guide, we discuss the risks of using prong and choke collars, which we do not recommend.
To choose the best dog collars on the market, I’ve combined what I’ve learned over a decade of experience with dozens of collars as a certified professional dog trainer with the advice of Melissa Bain, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist and professor of clinical animal behavior at UC Davis, and Carlo Siracusa, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
These are the best dog collars in 2022
Best dog collar overall: Lupine Pet Eco Dog Collar, available at Amazon, $14.93
Featuring a lifetime guarantee and eco-friendly materials, the Lupine Pet Eco Dog Collar stands out for both its durability and sustainability.
Best budget dog collar: Blueberry Pet Classic Nylon Dog Collar, available at Chewy, $8.49
The Blueberry Pet Classic Nylon Dog Collar is an attractive, well-designed collar available in a range of colors and sizes.
Best leather dog collar: Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar, available at Amazon, from $15.23
Perri’s Padded Leather Dog Collar combines style and function for a comfortable, handsome collar.
Best Martingale dog collar: If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar, available at Amazon, $32
Made with heavy-duty materials, the well-made If It Barks Martingale keeps dogs from escaping their collar.
Best headcollar: PetSafe Gentle Leader, available at Chewy, $19.95
With a padded noseband, the Petsafe Gentle Leader helps to curb pulling without using a body harness or causing pain.