Best Leather Dog Collars (Review & Buying Guide) in 2018

Every dog needs a collar that is comfortable, stylish, and reflects their personality. As well as being the perfect accessory, it is ideal for holding their ID tags and necessary for walking your dog on a leash. Leather is the ideal material for many reasons, but with so many types and styles of leather collars, including custom dog collars, available, how do you know which is best for your dog. Personal preference is only part of the answer, so to help you choose, our panel of pet experts and dog lovers have put together a list of the 20 best leather dog collars.

best leather dog collars

Best Leather Dog Collars Buying Guide & FAQ

Knowing which are the best collars available is still only part of the answer to buying the best one for your dog. Other considerations the style, width, and color of the collar you choose, and whether to go for genuine leather or faux leather. The amount and type of maintenance you want to do will inform this decision as well. In this part of the buying guide we look at these and other considerations, as well as frequently asked questions about buying leather dog collars.

leather collar for dogs

What to Consider When Buying Leather Dog Collars

There are many benefits to buying a leather dog collar for your pooch. However, this only remains true if you buy a leather dog collar that is suitable for its intended purpose and is made to a high-quality. One of the first considerations should always be size. A small thin leather collar is going to be of little practical use on a large strong dog and will similarly be lost in the hair of a long-haired dog. On the other hand, a heavy, wide, thick leather collar will be too heavy for a small dog or young puppy and could even cause muscle damage to their neck. As well as size, other considerations include:

  • Real or Faux

Leather dog collars can be either genuine leather or faux leather. Much of the decision is about personal preference. However, genuine leather tends to be longer lasting and more hardwearing than faux leather, so it is the better choice for active dogs. Genuine leather is also better for temperature control as it won’t cause sweating and absorbs sweat and oils from your dog’s skin. However, quality is a more important factor. High quality PU or faux leather will be longer lasting and less likely to irritate your dog than low-quality, overly chemically treated genuine leather.

  • Buckle quality

Your dog’s leather collar is only as strong as its weakest point and this is often the buckle. The buckle should be made from rust resistant metals or coated to make it rust resistant. It should be cast rather than stamped to make it stronger and less likely to snap or bend. The fastening that keeps the buckle in place should also be checked to ensure that it does not become a weak point and that it has no sharp edges that could injure your dog or make them uncomfortable.

  • D-rings

A good quality leather collar should have at least one heavy duty metal D-ring. Pay the same level of attention to the quality of the metal and fastenings as you do the buckle. Ensure that there is no gap between the two ends of the D-ring that could allow it to slip off the collar over time.

  • Flat or rolled

Leather dog and puppy collars can be either flat or rolled leather. Both are great options, but if looking at a rolled leather collar it is important to check the quality of the stitching. Poor stitching will affect the longevity of the collar as well as potentially making it unsafe and uncomfortable for your dog.

  • Accessories

Leather collars come with a range of decorations and accessories. While these make the collars unique, it is important to ensure that they are well attached and made from suitable materials. Poorly attached decorations could become a choking hazard.

You May Also Like Our Review of the Best Dog Collars.

Leather Dog Collars Maintenance

While leather dog collars are durable and hardwearing, they do need to be properly looked after and maintained to ensure you get the best out of them. The collar should be checked regularly for damage, including and fixtures or decorations. Take time to check the metal hardware as well.

If the leather gets wet it should be dried as soon as possible, but this should be done naturally rather than using a heat source. Simply blot the liquid with a towel and allow to air dry.

If your dog collar needs to be cleaned this is best done with saddle soap as this won’t cause discoloration or staining. Add a small amount of saddle soap to a cloth and lather onto the collar. Next, use a damp cloth and wipe the collar. Finally, allow the collar to air dry out of direct sunlight to avoid fading or shrinking.

The richness of the leather can be maintained and nourished with a good-quality leather conditioner. A small amount should be added to a dry cloth and rubbed into the leather. A separate cloth should then be used to buff the leather until the conditioner is absorbed.

Leather Dog Collars Size Guide

It is important to but the right size collar for your dog. If the collar is too big it will slip off; too small and it risks hurting your dog. It is important to measure your dog’s neck, rather than their old collar. Using a flexible tape measure wrap around your dog’s neck in the area where the collar normally sits. Leave enough of a gap that you can comfortably fit two fingers between your dog and the tape measure. This gives you the size of your dog’s neck and you should choose a collar length that incorporates that size.

Why Should You Purchase a Leather Collar?

A leather collar is a brilliant choice because if well maintained it will last for many years. The wide range of options that are available mean that you will always find a leather collar that suits your dog and your needs. High-quality leather that has been naturally tanned is also less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation than man-made materials.

dog with leather collars

Best Leather Dog Collars FAQ

Q:  Can leather dog collars get wet?

A:  Genuine leather is hardwearing and durable. It can be got wet but should not be submerged or kept wet for extended periods of time. A leather collar should be dried as soon as possible. The best way to do this is by blotting the liquid and then allowing it to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Q:  How to clean leather dog collar?

A:  Leather dog collars should be cleaned using saddle soap. Add a small amount of the saddle soap to a cloth and lather onto the collar. Next, use a damp cloth and wipe the collar. Finally, allow the collar to air dry out of direct sunlight to avoid fading or shrinking.

Q:  How strong is leather?

A:  While a high-quality leather collar and a nylon collar are considered comparably strong when new, the leather collar will maintain its strength for longer if well-cared for a properly maintained. Genuine leather is stronger than faux or PU leather, however, again it is about the quality of the material and of the workmanship that has gone into making the collar.

Q:  Will the leather stretch?

A:  Over time a leather collar can stretch. This is more likely if it is made from poor quality leather or is allowed to get wet and not dried appropriately.

leather collar on a dog

Our Top Pick

Our top pick of the 20 best leather dog collars is the Personalized Dog Collar by Custom Catch. This personalized genuine leather collar is available in six colors and can be custom engraved in a variety of styles. Collars can have bone, paw, or heart designs in addition to the text, which can include names, phone numbers, or even medical information included on them. The collars can be designed for specific events, as well as for everyday use.

Sources

  1. How to Choose the Perfect Puppy Collar, wikiHow
  2. 5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog, PetMD
Olivia Williams
Olivia Williams
Olivia is our head of content for MyPetNeedsThat.com, mum of one and a true animal lover. With 12 different types of animal in her family, it's never a dull moment. When she isn't walking the dogs, feeding the cats or playing with her pet Parrot Charlie, you will find her product researching and keeping the site freshly updated with the latest products for your pets!
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