Best Dog Collars: Types, Fit, ID Tags and When to Use a Harness

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Every dog needs a collar, even one that walks on a harness, because the collar is what carries the ID tag. This page explains which type of collar suits which dog, how to check the fit, what to put on the tag, when a harness is the better choice for walks, and our three picks for everyday flat collars.

The short answer: for most dogs, a plain flat buckle collar that fits snugly (one finger under it for small dogs, two for large dogs) and carries an up-to-date ID tag. Dogs whose heads are narrower than their necks, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, may need a martingale collar, and dogs that pull are usually better walked on a harness.

How we wrote this: collar types and fit come from the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the ID advice from American Humane, linked where used. Product facts come from the makers and the reviews cited for each pick. We have not tested these collars ourselves, and we do not show prices or ratings: check them on Amazon. If your dog coughs, gags or has any neck, throat or breathing problem, ask your vet whether a harness would be better.

Types of dog collar

• Flat collar. The AKC calls standard flat or flat-buckle collars among the most readily available dog products, and says that for puppies just learning to walk on a leash it is best to stick with a standard collar.
• Martingale (limited slip) collar. The AKC says these are great for dogs whose necks are about the same size as their heads and who can slip out of a flat collar.
• Rolled collar. The AKC says rolled collars are not the best choice for a dog that pulls a lot, but work well for dogs with sensitive skin, wrinkles or rolls.

Our three picks below are all flat collars, the everyday type most dogs wear.

How to fit a dog collar

The AKC rule: the collar fits if you can slip one finger between your dog’s skin and the collar for small dogs, or two fingers for large breeds. If it is too loose, the AKC warns, your dog may be able to wiggle out and escape, especially sighthounds like Greyhounds and Whippets, whose heads are often smaller than their necks.

Our view, not a quote from the sources: check the fit again every week or two on a growing puppy, after a bath or swim, and whenever your dog gains or loses weight.

What to put on the ID tag

American Humane says all dogs need to wear collars with ID tags, rabies vaccination tags and city or county licenses where they apply. It says the ID tag should include:

• your name
• your address
• your phone numbers, day and evening
• your dog’s name

When you travel, American Humane suggests adding a temporary tag with the details of someone who knows how to reach you. It also encourages a microchip as permanent ID, noting that nearly all shelters scan every animal for a chip on intake, and that a chip only works if you register it and keep your contact details up to date.

Collar or harness for walks?

The AKC says a collar may give you better control with less effort than a harness, depending on your dog’s size, and many trainers start leash training with a 4 foot leash and a flat collar. But if your dog tends to tug on the leash, the AKC says a harness may be a better and more comfortable option, and that a harness can prevent potential throat damage if your dog pulls. See the best dog harness for pulling, how to measure a dog for a harness and how to stop a dog pulling on the leash. For the other end of the walk, see our best dog leash guide.

Even a dog that walks on a harness should keep a collar with its ID tag on, in line with American Humane’s advice above.

Our picks

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Collar

Best everyday collar. The Front Range has a side-release buckle, an aluminum V-ring for the leash and a separate attachment point for ID tags, plus a silicone tag silencer. Ruffwear sizes it for necks from 11 to 26 inches and says to hand wash and air dry it. Popular Science named it the best collar for small dogs, calling it sturdy for its size and easy to adjust, with the caveat that it may be too large for the very smallest dogs.

Best for: small to large dogs that need a dependable collar for tags. Skip if: you have a tiny toy breed.

Blueberry Pet Essentials Classic Nylon Dog Collar

Best simple, light collar. The Blueberry Pet Classic is a plain adjustable nylon collar with a plastic buckle and a chromed steel D-ring, according to Blueberry Pet. Petful lists the Small at 5/8 inch wide for 12 to 16 inch necks, and named it the best everyday flat collar for its low cost, light weight and easy cleaning, with fraying edges and escape risk for narrow-headed dogs as caveats. TechGearLab found it easy to adjust and put on, but noted it has no separate tag ring and dries slowly. It comes in many colors.

Best for: small dogs and puppies that need a first collar. Skip if: your dog is a sighthound; look at a martingale.

EzyDog Neo Classic Wide Neoprene Collar

Best for large dogs. The EzyDog Neo Classic Wide is about 1.5 inches wide, with nylon webbing and a waterproof neoprene lining (EzyDog). Popular Science chose it as the best collar for large dogs, noting it fits necks up to 32 inches and that the wide band will not cut into the neck, with the obvious limit that it is only for big dogs. EzyDog says tying a dog out on it voids the warranty.

Best for: big dogs with thick necks, and dogs that swim. Skip if: your dog is small or medium.

Collar safety

Our view, not a quote from the sources:

• Take the collar off for unsupervised crate time and rough play with other dogs, so it cannot catch on anything.
• Never tie a dog out by its collar.
• Replace a collar that is frayed, cracked or has a weak buckle.
• Check under the collar now and then for rubbing or hair loss, and see your vet if the skin looks sore.

For leashes and harnesses, see the leash, harness and carrier buying guide.

FAQ

How tight should a dog collar be?

The AKC says you should be able to slip one finger under the collar on a small dog, or two fingers on a large breed. Too loose and your dog may slip out.

Should my dog wear a collar all the time?

The collar carries the ID tag, and American Humane says all dogs need to wear collars with ID tags. Our view: take it off for unsupervised crate time and rough play.

Is a collar or a harness better for a dog that pulls?

The AKC says a harness may be a better and more comfortable option if your dog tugs on the leash, and can prevent potential throat damage.

What collar is best for a Greyhound or Whippet?

The AKC says these dogs’ heads are often smaller than their necks, so they can slip a loose flat collar, and suggests martingale collars for dogs whose necks are about the same size as their heads.

Does my dog need a microchip if it wears an ID tag?

American Humane encourages a microchip as well, as permanent ID that stays with your dog if the collar comes off. Register it and keep your details current.