Choosing Pet Collars for Your Dog

Pet owners are buying an increasing amount of accessories for their dogs. The collar is probably the first basic accessory to be considered as it is vital to the safety of the dog that the owner can grab onto the dog's collar to restrain their pet from any dangerous situations. The collar is also necessary to be able to attach a lead for exercising purposes.

An identification tag can also be added in case your pet strays or escapes. Some people recommend that you only have your telephone or mobile phone number on the tag. If the dog's name is on the tag and somebody is trying to steal your pet, then knowing their name will help them to lure it away.

There is a collar to suit different breeds and size of dog. You can also match a collar to their sex and personality. A small female dog would be better suited to a collar in a soft shade like pink or light blue decorated with some pretty crystals and maybe even a matching leash. The other extreme, a large male dog would look really butch with a leather thick wide collar with metal spikes or crocodile effect.

The main materials used for dog collars are leather, nylon or fabric. Leather is the traditional material and is most durable, versatile and has an elegant appearance. Nylon is lightweight and suitable for smaller breeds. Canvas and woven fabrics are great for sporty dogs who like to go in the water as it will dry quickly.

The fastenings are usually snap, buckle or slip. A buckle is the traditional and is usually used for the leather collars. This is also the only type of collar that is safe to leave on your dog at all times. Snaps are usually used on lightweight nylon and material collars for smaller to medium breeds and also cat collars as the snap fastening can also be quick release if the animal gets into any difficulties. Slip are usually used for greyhounds and are also known as "Martingale". They work on tension and tighten as the dog or owner pulls on the lead.

There are endless options to choose from when you shop for your dog's collar and accessories. The most important thing to consider is the animals safety which most dog collar designs take in to serious consideration. Fortunately for dogs and their owners alike, there are many safe dog collar options that are both suitable and aesthetically appealing. It may take some time to find perfect pet collars combining safety, comfort and style, but shopping is half the fun of finding a great pet collar.