The Best Leather Dog Collars in 2022

Not every leather dog collar is the same. Each one has its own individual set of features which are worth discussing in more detail to further assist you in making your mind up.

• Size

The size of the leather dog collar you choose matters. After all, you want it to fit around your furry friend’s neck without choking them or causing any discomfort. So, you should measure your dog’s neck to pick the size that matches up best. Thickness should also play a role in your decision-making process. If you choose a small thin collar for a larger dog, they are more likely to damage it and you may not be able to see it clearly. Similarly, for shaggier dogs, it could get lost in their mane of hair. Heavy and large leather dog collars are not suitable for smaller pups as they are likely to weigh down their neck too much.

• Real or Faux

Just like choosing your own leather clothing, the question of whether you go for a real or faux collar is one which is worth considering in more detail. While it is more expensive, real leather tends to last longer and be more hard-wearing. It is also less likely to be irritating around their neck. If you are going for faux leather, you still need to ensure that the quality is good. Otherwise, you could end up with a product which has been too chemically treated and could cause a problem to your dog’s skin and coat.

• Flat or Rolled

Another question to answer is whether you want a flat or rolled leather dog collar. If you go for the latter, you should make sure to check the quality of the stitching. If it is poor quality, this can end up meaning that it is not as long-lasting, and it is more likely to be uncomfortable for your dog.

• Buckle and D-Ring

While the leather part of the collar is important, so too is the quality of the buckle. Ideally, it should be made from metals which resist rust, or it will be coated in a substance which makes it more rust resistant. Check for sharp edges to ensure that it is not going to cut into your dog’s skin and cause them any discomfort. Common materials include stainless steel and brass. As for the D-ring, the quality of the metal and fastening matters. There should not be a gap between the two ends as this could end up allowing the collar to slip off.

• Personalized or Not

Some collars come in a standard format, whereas others can be personalized with information such as your dog’s name and your phone number. If this idea appeals to you, why not go for this option? Alternatively, you could get separate identity tags to hang around your dog’s neck. Giving your dog a means of identification is a good way of having them found more quickly if they get lost. Take a look at our review of dog ID tags for more options.

• Style and Accessories

As well as being long-lasting, you also want your chosen collar to look great on your dog. There are plenty of different styles and colors to choose from, so pick the one which suits your furry friend’s individual sense of style! As for the accessories, these are the added extras which could sway your decision in one way or another. Make sure that any decorations are attached firmly so they are not likely to come off and risk being a choking hazard. If you are looking for more options, check out our guides on dog LED collars and dog muzzles for more options.

Leather dog collars have plenty of advantages over their traditional nylon counterparts. So, let’s present you with a few of them which could help you to make up your mind.

• Durability

While leather collars are generally more expensive than some other varieties, they also resist damage from daily wear better. Nylon collars often fray and break quickly – especially if you have a dog who loves rolling around on the ground. Real leather is much tougher, and thicker varieties can even withstand the clawing and scratching of bigger dogs. Generally, these collars will last for a few years without you having to replace them. And since you don’t have to go through the effort of continual replacement, this is one less thing to worry about for your dog. Not only this, but it is also likely to be a better long-term investment instead of continually buying new collars all the time.

• Comfort

The second major advantage is comfort. Fabrics like nylon can be chafing to your dog, leading to skin irritation and itching. Leather tends to be a gentler material which is less likely to cause an issue. Some of the options above also have soft fleece linings, which help to ensure that your dog is even more comfortable. Of course, you need to select a collar which is the right size and thickness to ensure that it is pleasant for your canine companion to wear.

• Appearance

Last but not least, many dog owners love leather collars because they simply look better. After all, who doesn’t want their dog to look their best? Many of them have a classic look which has a timeless appeal, but there are those which come in their own unique design. Of course, there are also those which can be personalized to suit your dog. And while certain fabrics such as nylon are more likely to get dirty and fade in color, leather tends to keep it new look for years and years.

The choice between a leather or a nylon collar is one that you have to weigh up carefully. To help you do this, we will go point-by-point through a comparison chart on some of the key features of each.

• Fit

Nylon collars are flat, but the edges can be stiff and abrasive to your dog’s neck. However, they are generally easier to adjust than the leather ones. As for leather collars, they are usually flat or have rolled edges which are great for long-haired dogs as they reduce matting and conform to your dog’s neck over time. You can get some in a Martingale design which slips less and is great for pooches with thinner necks like greyhounds. Since leather collars have less remove for adjustment, you need to ensure that you select the right size which is not too big or small.

• Care

Nylon collars are generally easier to look after. All you need to do is wash them with a little soap and water to keep them clean and smelling pleasant. However, they do tend to gather up hair and fray at a much quicker rate. As for the leather versions, you need special products such as conditioners to keep them supple and looking good. You also need to be wary if your dog loves splashing around in the water, as they can very quickly ruin a leather collar. However, if they are properly looked after, leather collars tend to last much longer.

• Durability

Leather tends to win the battle of durability, but you need to bear in mind that a collar is only as strong as the fastener. The plastic ones don’t do well for larger dogs. Luckily, most leather collars have metal fasteners, which are rust resistant and made to stand the test of time.

• Appearance

Leatherwork is a high-quality artform with plenty of design possibilities. You could go for one which is intricately carved or a simple flat variety. As long as it is looked after well, leather tends to look better with age. Nylon collars can also come in stylish and eye-catching designs, and they can also be dressed up with accessories. You can get a variety of nylon collars for the price of a leather one if you like to change your dog’s appearance on a regular basis. Which brings us nicely onto the next point…

• Cost

If you only take into account individual purchase price, nylon collars are usually cheaper. However, since they fray and break more easily, you will probably end up having to replace them more often. Of course, you need to be willing to spend the extra time keeping the leather properly conditioned to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

Check out our guides on Dog Collar and Dog Harness for more info. 

As we have already mentioned more than once, choosing the right size of leather collar is highly important. First, you can take into account your dog’s breed. Many have collars which are recommended for certain breeds based on size variations. Of course, you will also need to make a more accurate measurement too. If you have a cloth measuring tape, this is the best option, but you can also use a regular tape measure. You should put the tape snug as opposed to tight around their neck. You should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck as this will ensure that it isn’t too tight. If you have a long-haired dog, you will get a more accurate measurement straight after grooming them. Add an extra inch for the times when their fur gets longer.

There are also different width sizes of collar as well. As a rule of thumb, thicker collars will provide more support, which makes them better for stronger hounds. Wider collars also reduce the pressure on your dog’s neck. However, they also weigh more, which makes them an unsuitable choice for smaller breeds of dog. 1 ½ inches is standard, so this is the size you can choose if you are feeling unsure.

Another issue can arise if you look for a collar for a growing puppy. If you choose a puppy leather dog collar with increased adjustability, this will ensure that you aren’t having to buy new ones all the time. Once you get the collar, check to see how it fits. You should be able to fit two fingers between it and the dog’s body – or three if you have an especially large mutt. Check the collar on a regular basis to ensure that it stays the right size. Some collars can expand and retract over time, while your pooch could also gain or lose weight.

Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar

Now, we come to our top pick. We have selected this two-tone leather collar with a sheepskin leather lining as our number one choice. Both the buckle and D-ring have been lacquered to prevent rusting, which makes this a long-lasting collar that your dog can wear for years.

As for the lather itself, it has been naturally tanned and not treated with harsh chemicals which are likely to irritate your dog’s skin. Several adjustment holes have been bored in but measure your dog’s neck carefully and the collar will feel more comfortable.

Its combination of style and substance make this collar the leader of the pack.