We choose our clothes to meet our needs and the job at hand. We should choose our dog collars in the same way. Only having one dog collar for your dog is like only having one outfit to wear to a wedding or a tractor pull. Put some time and consideration into the type of dog collar you choose and how and when it will be worn.
Smaller breed dogs generally wear collars made of lighter materials that those of larger dogs. They are often more decorative and have added sequins, rhinestones, or other added items. If your dog must be on a leash to be walked in a public area, notice the amount of pull they exert while walking. If they are not properly leash trained a simple collar is not enough. You will need to use a harness that will spread the amount of resistance over the bulk of the body and not strain the animal’s neck and shoulders only.
Mid-sized dogs often are very energetic and sometimes need a sturdy collar to meet the needs of the dog. If your mid-size dog is a house dog, a lighter weight decorative collar will probably suffice. However, an outside dog needs sturdy leather or heavier material collar with proper identification in case they wander out of their intended areas.
Large dogs are large dogs ‘nuff said. I’ve personally seen a wide range of items used for dog collars from a string of pearls to a log chain and just because your dog’s neck can carry the item doesn’t make it a suitable material for a dog collar. Most large dog collars are sturdier, made of leather, or heavy material, and sometimes have added decorative studs or spikes. Again, think about the needs of your dog when thinking about the material for his collar.
Do not forget – If your dog has to be restrained for walking or for general care, do not use a simple collar alone. Use a harness to support their neck and shoulder area and help guard against injury.


