Small Dog Collar

Basic Types of Small Dog Collars

There are several basic types of dog collars available for all dog sizes. Not every collar is appropriate for every purpose, however, and dog owners should examine different types before choosing a collar for their small dog.

• Traditional Collars: Traditional collars are the most popular and can be made of many different materials and in many different styles. They fit around the animal’s neck and should have a loop that can easily have both identification tags and a leash attached to it.
• Harnesses: Many small dog owners prefer using a pet harness because it does not tug on the dog’s neck. A harness is generally a better choice for more energetic animals because they cannot wriggle out of it as they can with a traditional collar.
• Self-Adjusted Collars: These slip-knot style collars are convenient because they have the leash already attached and can be adjusted to different pets’ sizes. If the dog tends to pull on the leash, however, a self-adjusted collar is not as favorable because it can easily become too tight.
• Prong Collars: These collars are used exclusively for training, and have blunt metal prongs attached to the inside edge to discourage a dog from resisting a trainer’s commands or pulling on the leash. Prong collars can be hazardous, and should never be left on an unattended animal or used for disciplinary purposes.
• Electric Collars: These specialized collars are popular with trainers, particularly for hunting dogs. They use small electric shocks to correct misbehavior but should never be used by inexperienced owners or for casual household training.
• Head Collars: These unique collars suffer from their unfortunate appearance: because they attach around the animal’s muzzle and the back of the head, they are often mistaken for protective muzzles. In reality, they operate on the simple philosophy of leading the animal by the head rather than the neck. A dog’s natural instinct is to resist being pulled by the neck, which is why many dogs fight leashes and traditional collars. Head collars work on different principles and are more comfortable for both the animal and the owner, despite a startling resemblance to muzzles.

Before choosing a specific collar, owners should consider their dog’s personality. Many small dogs are naturally shy about large, unknown objects and may startle easily, giving them the tendency to struggle and slip out of collars and other restraints. On the other hand, some small dogs are inherently fearless and require collars that can help keep them from getting into situations too big for them to handle.

Dog Collar Styles

After choosing the type of small dog collar, there are many styles to choose from. While training collars such as electric and prong styles have limited varieties, every dog should have a traditional collar with its identification tags and license attached. Traditional collars come in every color of the rainbow as well as a variety of spunky patterns such as camouflage, paw print, zebra, leopard, and smiley prints. Leather and nylon collars are the most popular and can be found in any pet store. Harnesses and head collars are also available in different colors and prints, often with coordinating leashes for a stylish appearance.

One important characteristic of many small dog collars is the presence of reflective coatings and decorations, particularly if the dog will be outside at night. Drivers can easily see large dogs, but smaller dogs blend in easily with shadows and are in more danger from accidents. Dog collars that use reflective stripes or designs will help your pet be seen more easily, protecting them from dangerous situations.

Many fashionable, eccentric dog collars are also available, particularly for small dogs. Rhinestone collars, spiked collars, and personalized collars are always popular, but the owner should always be certain the collar is safe for their pet before choosing an unusual style.

Small Dog Collar Sizes

A dog collar should fit smoothly around the animal’s neck, and the owner should be able to fit two fingers easily between the dog’s neck and the collar to insure it isn’t too tight. Loose collars are too easy for an excited dog to slip out of, while tighter collars are more uncomfortable and present a potential choking hazard. Many collars are adjustable, either with a rigid slide buckle or perforated belt-style buckles, allowing owners to adjust the collar’s fit as their pet grows.

In addition to a comfortable fit, small dogs need narrow collars that can be worn without excessive rubbing. Too much friction from an inappropriately sized collar can cause chafing, sores, and general discomfort, making the animal more resistant to wearing it. Small dogs’ collars should be between three and five-eighths of an inch thick, and chain collars should have a link size of two to two and a half millimeters.

The dog’s coat may have an effect on the collar size, particularly if they have long fur. Because dogs naturally scratch at collars, very narrow collars can easily become entangled in long fur, particularly leather styles. If grooming is a concern, choose a slightly wider, looser collar to prevent excessive problems.

Article Summary

Although there are many styles of small dog collars to choose from, a dog owner’s primary consideration should be their animal’s safety. A collar identifies an animal and helps secure them from dangerous situations, but they can be fashionable as well and are available in a wide range of colors, prints, and eclectic styles. With so many choices, it is easy to find a small dog collar that fits snugly but not too tightly, and is the appropriate width for the dog’s size, personality, and coat. By selecting the right dog collar, pet owners insure their dogs are stylish and protected no matter what the situation.

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