When outfitting your pup with the best small dog collar, you’ll have to decide between various types. Here’s a quick overview.
As the name suggests, everyday collars are the ones your pup wears day in, and day out, and the design possibilities are endless. From cute small dog collars fit for a princess to padded reflective collars that keep dogs safe for evening walks, the right choice is out there for every pup.
Along with automatic feeders or smart doggie doors, smart collars typically use some type of tracking technology. They’re ideal for multi-pet households or areas where your dog can go in and out of the backyard, but you don’t necessarily need the neighborhood wildlife to follow them in.
Similar to some harnesses, these collars are ideal for preventing dogs from slipping out of their collar during walks. When pups pull too hard, this type of small dog collar for training will tighten enough to prevent excited pups from slipping out of their collars but not enough to cause discomfort or be dangerous. For dogs with wider necks and narrower heads, martingale collars are particularly useful.
Head collars, also called halters, are used for training and act as a harness for a small dog’s head. This helps with training to discourage unwanted behaviors and help redirect their attention. It’s a popular choice for animal experts because it allows pet parents and trainers to use positive reinforcement.
Last but not least is show collars. These collars are made of finer materials and are slip collars — they slip over the head without a buckle or clasp — designed to be stylish and functional. They won’t get your pup ready for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, but they’ll look the part!
You’ll need to know your dog’s neck measurements before selecting your next collar. Consider whether you plan to have the collar as the dog grows (if it’s still growing) and, if so, how much that collar will need to be let out over the next few months or even years.
Here are a few ways you can measure your dog’s neck before you ever hit the “shop now” button:
Use a cloth measuring tape — Measure snugly where the collar will sit on your dog’s neck, then loosen it enough for comfort and breathing, but not so much that slippage is likely to occur.
Use the string and ruler method — When a cloth measuring tape isn’t available, use a string in the same way you would a clothing measuring tape, then measure the piece of string against a yardstick.
Measure your current collar — Measure from where the material starts and stops, not the tip of the buckle or clasp.
The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. The products we test are reviewed and approved by our vets. We tested these small dog collars so that when we say a small dog collar is best, it comes from firsthand experience.
The betterpet lab developed a set of criteria and then put them to the test in real-world situations. Those factors included:
Many pet experts believe that the safest small dog collar is the martingale collar as it tightens when pups pull, preventing them from slipping out, but not so much that the dog will choke.
While larger and medium-sized breeds need thicker collars, thinner dog collars are ideal for small dogs. They don’t provide as much support as thicker collars, but small dogs need to wear lightweight collars, so thinner collars are the best choice.
Collars are generally more comfortable for dog walks, but harnesses are usually recommended for walks because they offer more support. Consider both a small dog collar and harness for walks with your small dog to ensure they stay comfortable and safe.
