Collar Type

[DelaWhere]

Due to an negative circumstances I have ended my 4 year relationship (friendship) with my breeder. I am turning to you at this forum for some advice.

My breeder recommended that I never put a nylon or cotton collar on my baby (18 weeks now) as it will eventually destroy his fur. She said that I should only have a leather braided collar on as it is less likely to wear the area where the collar lies.

I am a little weary about putting my baby on one of these for day to day activities or just hanging around the house as I have known the thin leather collars to break when the dog uses all of his force to go the other way.

When we walk or train I use a slip choke (metal) and I was told never to keep a metal choke on my dog as if he got caught on something that it could literally choke him. However, when I am not able to watch him he is crated so I am not sure when he would have the chance to choke himself.

Any suggestions? What kind of collar do you keep on your furkid when they are just hanging around?

[Judi W]

Slip collars should only be on a dog when you have a leash attached and you are at the other end of the leash. Don't compromise on this rule.

As far as wear on the coat goes, if you are not going to show the dog it is of no importance. If you are, your breeder is correct - most collars if left on all the time will break off the guard hairs and/or bend the coat in an unsightly manner leaving a ruffled looking neck.

[Miabella]

I use both nylon and rolled leather collars for my dogs. I've never had a problem with nylon damaging their fur, but they aren't show dogs so your definition of damaged fur might be different than mine. ;) If you are concerned about nylon, I've found the rolled leather collars to be plenty strong. Just get a good quality one. Most horse equipment is made from leather, and it is strong enough to hold 1,000 lb. or more animals.

[Loki's Mom]

Loki wears a nylon collar...personally, I don't like the choker chains, they literally "choke" the dog. I use a prong collar on her when we are out in public. They look scarry but work like a dream!

But I still don't get it about the nylon collar. I have never had any "fur" problems. Now if they are too tight, I would think that losing fur would be a problem along with strangling your dog to death. I don't like leather collars because they stink very badly when wet!

[DelaWhere]

Thank you so much for your advice. I didn't want to keep a slip on him as I don't really like the metal for everyday wear. Haha!!

He was sold as show quality but turned out to have cryptorchidism. Therefore I am not showing and he will be neutered. So I guess I can feel free to use nylon, cotton or leather now. :D

Any suggestions on websites that carry nice leather collars?

[Loki's Mom]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com

I love this place.....

[TrishB]

The key to ensuring that your leather collars or leashes don't break is to check them and condition them regularly. Leather can wear, dry out and become brittle. Just like you do for your shoes, clean them and condition them - they'll last longer!

Everything does wear out after time, so be sure to check for any breakage or cracking. When you do notice this, it's time for a replacement before you have a problem (and your dog is running around at large).

If you're not showing - it doesn't matter. You won't have anyone checking his hair where his regular collar lays. So choose one that you like and enjoy! :)

[babydungeon]

Loki's mom-i love them too, they have a hallway named after me now, just kidding!

personally, i prefer a flat leather collar for normal wear. a chain collar for walks. i only use nylon as a lead. lately, i haven't been keeping a collar on him at all unless i take him somewhere. don't ever leave anything on your dog, including bandanas, while being crated as they may choke themselves.

i've never noticed his leather collar smelling bad.:)