The 10 Best Dog Collars for Every Pup in 2023

We did the research and found the best collars for every size and situation.

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May 17, 2023

Our Top Dog Collar Picks

Our dogs deserve the very best — including a collar that will keep them safe. Their collar should be comfortable, fit securely around their neck, and, most importantly, identify them just in case they slip out of the house. And honestly, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to see the 10 best dog collars for every pet, from puppies to large dogs to pullers and more, and find the perfect fit for your four-legged best friend.

Things to Consider When Buying a Collar

Fit: To a certain extent, dog collars are a lot like women's jeans — the size charts don't always make sense and a "medium" from one brand could be large from another. So it's important to measure your dog's neck before you commit to one. The reviews will generally give you a good idea of the fit, too.

Flexibility: Dogs like to be comfortable! Stiff collars can definitely chafe their skin and cause redness and irritation, so keep an eye out for softer materials, like faux leather and nylon. Their collar should be snug, but it should also have enough "give" to fit two fingers.

Best Dog Collar Overall

We had a sneaking suspicion that the Joytale Reflective Dog Collar was the total package — and now, we can confirm it. In addition to a classic nylon band, this collar boasts a quick-release buckle, padded neoprene lining for extra comfort and reflective stitching for increased visibility at nighttime. It's available in 12 colors and costs less than $10. Needless to say, this is a purchase you can feel really good about.

Best Dog Collar for Puppies

Puppies are pretty much guaranteed to grow, so you'll want to look for a collar that's lightweight and adjustable. The Blueberry Pet Essentials Dog Collar is our top pick because the thin nylon design is easy on their neck and inexpensive, so you won't feel bad about eventually replacing it. The collar starts at XS and is available in 22 gorgeous colors.

Best Dog Collar for Small Dogs

Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas and Yorkies, can easily get lost underfoot. So we strongly recommend keeping track of your tiny bestie with a nice, bright collar from Taglory. Their Unique Designer Soft Collar comes in 13 vibrant patterns, from floral to check, and sizing starts at XS. You'll have no problem finding one that speaks to your dog's personality.

Best Dog Collar for Large Dogs

Every movement is amplified when it comes to larger dogs, so it's smart to outfit them with a heavy-duty collar. More specifically? A Black Rhino collar. Though the design itself is pretty lightweight, with soft neoprene padding, the collar uses metal hardware to resist strong forces. Best of all? The Black Rhino dog collar measures up to 27 inches (XL), which is perfect for breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs.

Best Dog Collar for Pullers

Okay, so technically, this is a harness. But technically this harness has a sturdy, delta-shaped ring on the chest for displaying their dog tags, so it's the ultimate two-in-one solution for pullers. We love how the nylon base distributes pressure evenly to prevent choking, while heavy-duty box stitches ensure that your pet won't tear out of the harness.

Best Personalized Dog Collar

If you have an active dog on your hands, then you might want to skip the hanging tags and go straight for a personalized collar. We're huge fans of Orvis's Personalized Side-Release Buckle dog collar for a few reasons: It's available in five sizes, you can choose from 13 base colors and nine stitch colors for a totally custom look, and it's crafted from nylon with sonic-welded seams to withstand fading.

Best Dog Collar for Sensitive Skin

If your dog's skin is especially prone to redness and irritation, then you need to snag the Chai's Choice Comfort Cushion Collar. Though crafted from sturdy nylon, this collar is extremely lightweight and lined with soft mesh padding to reduce rubbing. It's super comfortable and available in six sizes and nine colors.

Best Breakaway Dog Collar

There is truly nothing more terrifying than the thought of your dog's collar getting caught on a crate, fence or another dog's teeth at the park. Accidents happen all the time, and one way to prevent strangulation is by opting for a breakaway collar. The PetSafe Keep Safe Breakaway Collar is the best around because the patented buckle auto-releases if something catches on the collar. But the buckle won't break when it's attached to a leash, so you can walk your dog worry-free.

Best Tracking Dog Collar

You can never be too careful when it comes to your furbaby. Locate your dog with ease, whether they've slipped out the back door or gone a little too far on the trail, with Whistle Go Explore's Pet Tracker. The lightweight device attaches to 1-inch collars (sold separately) and uses GPS tracking to pinpoint their exact location. You'll have to pay for a subscription, but we think your pet is well worth the monthly or annual fee.

Best Nighttime Dog Collar

Need a little more visibility (and peace of mind) at night? Equip your pet with Illumiseen's LED Dog Collar. This smart accessory has nearly 18,500 glowing reviews on Amazon because it casts a clear light on your dog at night. You can even switch the light from "Steady" to "Slow Flashing" or "Rapid Flashing" for maximum visibility on evening walks. The battery is also rechargeable, with five hours of light for one hour of plug-in time.

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